What does it mean word for word?
The core of the expression is the noun 緊張, which means tension or nervousness.
Which one should you use?
While 緊張しています describes a psychological state of tension, ドキドキしています focuses on the physical sensation of your heart pounding due to excitement or anxiety.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase has several levels of politeness. 緊張しております is a humble form used in highly formal business settings or when speaking to superiors. 緊張しています is a standard formal way to express the feeling. In casual settings, such as conversations with friends or family, you can use the colloquial shortened form 緊張してる.
How does it change in a sentence?
The expression 緊張しています uses the continuous form of the verb to describe your current state of being nervous. You can add the particle です to the end of sentences to maintain a sense of formality.
How do you pronounce it?
kinchō shiteimasu
Did you know?
- In many contexts, saying you are 緊張している can actually be seen as a way to show humility or sincerity to an audience, signaling that you take the moment seriously.
- The phrase 緊張をほぐす literally means 'to loosen the tension', using the same verb used for kneading dough or massaging muscles.
- The phrase 緊張 (kinchō) shares its same kanji with the word for 'tension' used in physics or engineering, implying a state of being physically strung tight like a bowstring.
Examples in context
- 緊張してるよ。I am nervous.
- ドキドキしているんだ。I am feeling nervous (heart pounding).
- 発表の前で緊張しています。Happyou no mae de kinchou shite imasu.I am nervous before the presentation.
- とても緊張しています。Totemo kinchou shite imasu.I am very nervous.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are waiting in the hallway before a speech contest.
- 美咲 Misaki緊張しています。Kinchou shite imasu.I am nervous.
- 大翔 Hiroto大丈夫だよ、美咲さん。Daijoubu da yo, Misaki-san.It is okay, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くんも緊張していますか？Hiroto-kun mo kinchou shite imasu ka?Are you nervous too, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hiroto少しだけ緊張しています。Sukoshi dake kinchou shite imasu.I am a little nervous.
