uptight
word
/əpˈtaɪt/
uhp-TYT
/ʌptˈaɪt/
uhp-TYT
Definition
Feeling very tense, nervous, or unable to relax; also describes someone who is overly strict or worried about rules.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Often used to describe people who stress easily or are uncomfortable with new experiences. Common phrases: 'don't be so uptight', 'she gets uptight about exams'. Not usually a compliment—more neutral or mildly negative.
Spanish: tenso - rígido (persona)Portuguese (BR): tenso - rígido (pessoa)Portuguese (PT): tenso - rígido (pessoa)Chinese (Simplified): 紧张 - 拘谨Chinese (Traditional): 緊張 - 拘謹Hindi: चिड़चिड़ा - तनावग्रस्तArabic: متوتر - صارم (شخص)Bengali: চিন্তিত - খিটখিটে - কড়া (ব্যবহারে)Russian: напряжённый - скованный - слишком строгийJapanese: 堅苦しい - 緊張しているVietnamese: căng thẳng - quá nghiêm khắcKorean: 딱딱한 - 긴장한 - 융통성 없는Turkish: gergin - fazla kuralcıUrdu: تناؤ کا شکار - سخت مزاجIndonesian: tegang - kaku (sikap)
Example Sentences
He gets uptight before big tests.
basic
My sister is very uptight about her grades.
basic
Don't be so uptight! Just relax.
basic
She's a bit uptight when meeting new people.
natural
Everyone thinks he’s too uptight at parties.
natural
Chill out, you don’t have to be so uptight about everything.
natural