nervous
word
/ˈnɝvəs/
NUR-vuhs
/nˈɜːvəs/
NUR-vuhs
Definition
Feeling worried, anxious, or uneasy, often because something important or uncertain is about to happen.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal English. Used for feelings before exams, interviews, or performances. Can also mean 'related to nerves' in scientific or medical contexts, but daily use is emotional. Often confused with 'anxious'; 'nervous' is usually about temporary situations.
Spanish: nervioso - nerviosaPortuguese (BR): nervoso - nervosaPortuguese (PT): nervoso - nervosaChinese (Simplified): 紧张的Chinese (Traditional): 緊張的Hindi: घबराया हुआArabic: متوترBengali: উদ্বিগ্ন - নার্ভাস - উৎকণ্ঠিতRussian: нервный - взволнованныйJapanese: 緊張している - 不安なVietnamese: lo lắng - hồi hộpKorean: 긴장한 - 불안한Turkish: sinirli - gergin - endişeliUrdu: پریشان - نروسIndonesian: gugup - gugup (medis: terkait saraf) - cemas
Example Sentences
I always feel nervous before a test.
basic
She looked nervous during her speech.
basic
Are you nervous about your job interview?
basic
He gets nervous speaking in front of big crowds.
natural
Don’t be nervous—you’ll do great!
natural
My hands get sweaty when I’m nervous.
natural