そわそわ

そ

わ

そ

わ

Common wordJLPTN3Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

そわそわする · noun or participle which takes 'suru'

Meanings

Describes a state of being unable to stay still due to anxiety, excitement, or impatience. Often used with する or と.

Related words· 11

イライラN3
いらいら implies irritation or frustration, while そわそわ focuses on nervous restlessness without necessarily being annoyed.
うろうろN3
うろうろ describes aimless wandering or pacing, whereas そわそわ is more about fidgeting or being unable to stay still in one place.
ドキドキN3
どきどき describes a pounding heart from excitement or nervousness, while そわそわ describes outward fidgety behavior.
オドオドN2
おどおど describes a timid, hesitant manner stemming from fear or lack of confidence, while そわそわ is about restless impatience or nervous energy.

Show 7 more

せかせかN1
そわそわ describes a restless, fidgety state often caused by nervousness or anticipation, while せかせか emphasizes hurried, impatient movement or action.
やきもきN1
そわそわ describes visible physical restlessness or fidgeting, whereas やきもき describes inner mental unease without necessarily showing outward movement.
うずうずN1
そわそわ describes nervous, anxious restlessness, whereas うずうず describes eager anticipation with a strong desire to act.
ハラハラN2
ソワソワ describes a general restless fidgetiness (e.g. before an event), whereas ハラハラ specifically conveys anxious suspense while observing an unfolding, risky situation.

Don't confuse with

ぞわぞわ
そわそわ describes nervous fidgeting, while the similarly-sounding ぞわぞわ describes a creepy shiver or goosebump-inducing sensation.
わくわくN3
そわそわ describes restless, anxious fidgeting, whereas わくわく describes eager, pleasant excitement, even though both are reduplicated onomatopoeia for an inner feeling.
くよくよN2
そわそわ describes restless fidgeting from nervousness, while くよくよ describes inward brooding over regrets or worries.