oversensitivity; nervousness; hypersensitivity
Describes a state of being excessively sensitive or reactive, often to stimuli, criticism, or social situations. Can be used medically or psychologically.
He is oversensitive to criticism and gets depressed easily.
This medicine cannot be used by people with hypersensitive skin.
Lately he's become oversensitive to people's stares.
I overreact even to small noises.
Stress has made my nerves on edge.
神経質 describes a nervous, fussy personality trait in general, whereas 過敏 focuses on an excessive reaction to specific stimuli or situations.
Standard kanji spelling; commonly used in news and formal contexts.
Formed from 過 (excess) and 敏 (sensitive, quick). The combination straightforwardly yields 'excessive sensitivity'.