jitters
word
Definition
A feeling of nervousness, worry, or anxiety, especially just before an important event or situation.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and commonly used in the phrase 'get the jitters' or 'have the jitters', usually about stress, stage fright, or nerves. Rarely used in plural outside this expression. Not the same as 'tremors,' which are physical shakes.
Spanish: nervios - ansiedadPortuguese (BR): nervosismo - ansiedadePortuguese (PT): nervosismo - ansiedadeChinese (Simplified): 紧张不安 - 焦虑Chinese (Traditional): 緊張不安 - 焦慮Hindi: घबराहट - बेचैनीArabic: توتر - قلقBengali: উৎসুকতা - নার্ভাসনেস - উদ্বেগRussian: дрожь (от нервов) - нервозностьJapanese: 緊張 - 神経質（じんけいしつ）Vietnamese: cảm giác lo lắng - hồi hộpKorean: 초조함 - 긴장Turkish: heyecan - endişeUrdu: گھبراہٹ - اضطرابIndonesian: rasa gugup - rasa cemas
Example Sentences
I’ve got the jitters about starting my new job tomorrow.
natural
Before her speech, she had the jitters.
basic
He always gets the jitters before exams.
basic
Coffee can give some people the jitters.
basic
Even experienced performers sometimes get last-minute jitters.
natural
A little bit of jitters is normal before a big interview—just take a deep breath.
natural