Learning to express emotions in a new language is a powerful way to connect with its speakers, and one emotion we all experience at some point is nervousness. Whether you’re preparing for a big moment like a job interview, feeling jittery before a date, or stressing about an upcoming test, knowing how to say “nervous” in Japanese can help you communicate your feelings effectively. However, translating “nervous” into Japanese isn’t as simple as picking one word and sticking with it. The Japanese language offers several terms, each with unique nuances depending on the situation.
This article is designed for English speakers who know little to no Japanese. We’ll break down the different ways to say “nervous” in Japanese, provide easy-to-understand examples, and share cultural insights to make your learning journey both practical and engaging. By the end, you’ll not only know the words but also understand when and how to use them. Let’s dive in!
1. The Basics: What Does “Nervous” Mean in Japanese?
At its core, the English word “nervous” describes a state of unease, anxiety, or excitement. In Japanese, there isn’t a single catch-all term for this feeling. Instead, the language uses different words based on the context—whether it’s worry about something specific, tension before a performance, or a racing heart from excitement. The most common word you’ll encounter is 緊張 (きんちょう, kinchou), but there are others like 心配 (shinpai) and ドキドキ (dokidoki) that we’ll explore too.
Why does this matter? For English speakers, understanding these differences is key to sounding natural and avoiding confusion. Let’s start with the most widely used term and then branch out.
2. The Go-To Word: 緊張 (Kinchou) – Nervous Tension
緊張 (きんちょう, kinchou) is the most common way to say “nervous” in Japanese. It refers to the physical or mental tension you feel in high-pressure situations, like speaking in public, taking an exam, or meeting someone important. Think of it as the nervous energy that makes your stomach tighten or your hands shaky.
How to Use 緊張
- As a Noun: 緊張 means “nervousness” or “tension.”
Example:
緊張があります。
(Kinchou ga arimasu.)
“There is nervousness.” (A polite way to say you’re feeling nervous.) - As a Verb: Add する (suru) to make it “to be nervous.”
Example:
プレゼンの前で緊張しています。
(Purezen no mae de kinchou shiteimasu.)
“I’m nervous before the presentation.”
When to Use It
Use 緊張 when you’re describing the immediate feeling of nervousness, especially in performance-related or formal situations. It’s versatile and works in both casual and polite conversations.
Example in Action
Imagine you’re about to give a speech:
- English: “I’m nervous about speaking in front of everyone.”
- Japanese: みんなの前で話すので緊張しています。
(Minna no mae de hanasu node kinchou shiteimasu.)
3. Beyond 緊張: Exploring Other Words for “Nervous”
While 緊張 is a great starting point, Japanese offers other words that capture different shades of nervousness. Let’s look at three key terms: 心配 (shinpai), ドキドキ (dokidoki), and 不安 (fuan).
a. 心配 (Shinpai) – Worry or Concern
心配 (しんぱい, shinpai) means “worry” or “concern.” Unlike 緊張, which is about the feeling of nervousness, 心配 focuses on what’s causing it—something specific you’re anxious about, like a friend’s safety or an upcoming deadline.
- As a Noun:
Example:
試験が心配です。
(Shiken ga shinpai desu.)
“I’m worried about the exam.” - As a Verb:
Example:
友達を心配しています。
(Tomodachi o shinpai shiteimasu.)
“I’m worrying about my friend.” - When to Use It: Choose 心配 when you’re anxious about a particular situation or outcome, not just feeling nervous in the moment.
b. ドキドキ (Dokidoki) – Heart-Pounding Nervousness
ドキドキ (どきどき, dokidoki) is a fun, onomatopoeic word that mimics the sound of a racing heartbeat. It’s used for nervousness mixed with excitement, often in romantic or thrilling contexts—like meeting your crush or waiting for a big surprise.
- How to Use It: Pair it with する (suru).
Example:
彼に会うとドキドキします。
(Kare ni au to dokidoki shimasu.)
“I get nervous when I see him.” - When to Use It: Use ドキドキ for casual situations where your heart is pounding, whether from nerves or excitement.
c. 不安 (Fuan) – Unease or Anxiety
不安 (ふあん, fuan) means “unease” or “anxiety.” It’s deeper and more persistent than 緊張 or ドキドキ, often used for worries about the future or uncertain situations.
- Example:
仕事の不安があります。
(Shigoto no fuan ga arimasu.)
“I have anxiety about work.” - When to Use It: Pick 不安 for longer-lasting or more serious nervousness, like concerns about life decisions.
4. Everyday Scenarios: Saying “Nervous” in Context
Let’s see how these words play out in real-life situations. This will help you pick the right one based on what’s happening.
a. Before a Test
- 緊張: Focus on the feeling.
テストの前で緊張しています。
(Tesuto no mae de kinchou shiteimasu.)
“I’m nervous before the test.” - 心配: Focus on the worry.
テストの結果が心配です。
(Tesuto no kekka ga shinpai desu.)
“I’m worried about the test results.”
b. On a First Date
- ドキドキ: Highlight the excitement.
デートでドキドキしています。
(Deeto de dokidoki shiteimasu.)
“I’m nervous on the date.” (Implying your heart is racing!)
c. During a Job Interview
- 緊張: Keep it professional.
面接で緊張しました。
(Mensetsu de kinchou shimashita.)
“I was nervous during the interview.”
Quick Tip
If you’re unsure, 緊張 is usually a safe bet. But matching the word to the situation makes your Japanese sound more natural.
5. Grammar Made Simple
Japanese grammar can feel tricky, but expressing nervousness is straightforward once you know the patterns. Here’s how to use these words correctly:
緊張 (Kinchou):
-
- Noun: 緊張があります (Kinchou ga arimasu) – “There’s nervousness.”
- Verb: 緊張する (Kinchou suru) – “To be nervous.”
- Example: 私は緊張しています (Watashi wa kinchou shiteimasu) – “I am nervous.”
心配 (Shinpai):
-
- Noun: Use with が (ga): 仕事が心配です (Shigoto ga shinpai desu) – “I’m worried about work.”
- Verb: 心配する (Shinpai suru): 私は友達を心配しています (Watashi wa tomodachi o shinpai shiteimasu) – “I’m worrying about my friend.”
ドキドキ (Dokidoki):
-
- Adverb + Verb: ドキドキする (Dokidoki suru) – “To feel nervous/excited.”
- Example: ドキドキしています (Dokidoki shiteimasu) – “I’m nervous.”
不安 (Fuan):
-
- Noun: Use with が (ga): 不安があります (Fuan ga arimasu) – “There’s anxiety.”
- Verb: 不安に思う (Fuan ni omou) – “To feel anxious.”
6. Cultural Notes: Nervousness in Japan
Language and culture go hand in hand, so let’s explore how nervousness shows up in Japanese life.
a. Non-Verbal Signs
Japanese people might not always say they’re nervous. Instead, look for clues like fidgeting, quietness, or avoiding eye contact. These subtle hints can tell you more than words.
b. Politeness Matters
Japan values indirectness, so someone might soften their words. For example:
- Instead of “I’m nervous,” they might say:
ちょっと緊張しますね。
(Chotto kinchou shimasu ne.)
“I’m a little nervous, aren’t I?”
c. Fun Expressions
Try this idiom: 心がざわざわする (Kokoro ga zawazawa suru) – “My heart is restless.” It’s a poetic way to describe nervousness or unease.
- Example:
大事な日の前で心がざわざわします。
(Daiji na hi no mae de kokoro ga zawazawa shimasu.)
“My heart feels restless before the big day.”
7. Tips to Master These Words
Here’s how to remember and use them like a pro:
- 緊張 = Tension: Link it to tense situations like exams or speeches.
- 心配 = Worry: Use it when you’re concerned about something specific.
- ドキドキ = Heartbeat: Think of your heart racing from nerves or excitement.
- Practice: Write a sentence for each word every day.
- Listen: Watch Japanese shows to hear these words in action.
8. Avoid These Mistakes
- Mixing 心配 and 緊張: 心配 is worry about something; 緊張 is the feeling. Don’t say “プレゼンが心配です” (Purezen ga shinpai desu) if you mean you’re nervous right now—use 緊張 instead.
- Overusing ドキドキ: It’s casual and specific, so don’t use it in formal settings like interviews.
- Grammar Slip-Ups: Pair ドキドキ with する, not です.
9. Test Yourself
a. Choose the Word
Fill in the blank with 緊張, 心配, or ドキドキ:
- 好きな人に会うと______します。
(“I get nervous when I meet someone I like.”) - 試験が______です。
(“I’m worried about the exam.”) - 面接の前で______しています。
(“I’m nervous before the interview.”)
Answers: 1. ドキドキ or 緊張, 2. 心配, 3. 緊張 or ドキドキ
b. Translate
- “I’m nervous about my speech.”
→ スピーチで緊張しています。 (Supiichi de kinchou shiteimasu.) - “I’m worried about her health.”
→ 彼女の健康が心配です。 (Kanojo no kenkou ga shinpai desu.)
10. Wrapping Up
Mastering “nervous” in Japanese means knowing 緊張, 心配, ドキドキ, and more—and using them right. With practice, you’ll express yourself clearly and connect with Japanese speakers naturally. So next time you’re nervous, you’ll have the perfect word ready. Keep learning and have fun!
