estoy nervioso
/estoi neɾbjoso/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I am nervous" is translated as estoy nervioso.
A person says this to express that they feel worried or anxious about something.
Which one should you use?
Using soy instead of estoy changes the meaning from a temporary feeling to a permanent personality trait, meaning "I am a nervous person". Additionally, you can use inquieto as a synonym to describe a sense of restlessness or unease.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective must change to the feminine form estoy nerviosa. To ask someone else if they are nervous, change the verb to estás nervioso.
Did you know?
- While nervioso is common, a person might say estoy con los nervios a flor de piel to mean they are extremely sensitive or on edge, literally translating to 'my nerves are on the skin'.
- While English speakers might say they are 'shaking' when nervous, a Spanish speaker might say estoy que salto, which literally means 'I am about to jump'.
- The word nervio shares an ancient root with the English word 'sinew', as both words can trace back to the idea of a tendon or a structural cord.
Examples in context
- Hola, doctor. Estoy nerviosa porque tengo una cita con el dentista esta tarde.Hello, doctor. I am nervous because I have a dentist appointment this afternoon.
- No puedo evitar ponerme nervioso/a cuando veo una araña.I can't help but get nervous when I see a spider.
- Estoy nervioso por el examen.I am nervous about the exam.
- No hables así, estoy nervioso.Don't talk like that, I am nervous.
- Estoy nervioso antes de la entrevista.I am nervous before the interview.
Example conversation
Mateo is preparing for a big presentation at work.
- LucíaMateo, ¿estás bien?Mateo, are you okay?
- MateoNo, estoy nervioso por la presentación.No, I am nervous about the presentation.
- LucíaTranquilo, lo harás muy bien.Calm down, you will do very well.
- MateoGracias, Lucía, lo intentaré.Thanks, Lucía, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
