متوتر
mutawattir
The Arabic word for nervous is متوتر (mutawattir).
متوتر is an adjective used to describe a state of being apprehensive or anxious.
Meaning: apprehensive, anxious (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective must agree with the subject. While متوتر is the masculine singular form, you add the feminine suffix -a (ة) to create متوترة for a feminine subject. For a masculine plural subject, use the ending -ūn (ون) to form متوترون.
How do you pronounce it?
mutawattir
Did you know?
- The word متوتر comes from the root involving a string or a cord being pulled tight. It describes a state of being 'stretched' like a bowstring, which is why it means 'tense'.
- The root letters of متوتر are also used to describe a 'strained' relationship between two people or countries. The same word for a 'nervous' person can describe a geopolitical crisis.
- In high-pressure environments like exams, students might say they have 'tied their nerves' (ربط أعصابه), a way of saying they are trying to steady their nervousness.
Examples in context
- زيري متوتر.Ziri is nervous.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is متوتر.Tatoeba #10231950 by Amastan, translation #10217258 by Amastan
- أنا متوتر قبل العرض العامI am nervous before the public presentation.
- هو قَلِق مِنْ اختبار اليومHe is nervous about today's exam.
- هِي تُصبِح قلِقةً أَثناءَ الاختِباراتِ.She becomes anxious during exams.
- نَحنُ جَميعًا عَصَبِيُّونَ قَبلَ الأحَدَاثِ الكَبيرَةِ.We are all jumpy before big events.
- أنا متوتر بسبب الامتحان.ana mutawattir bisabab al-imtihan.I am nervous because of the exam.
- لماذا تبدو متوترًا اليوم؟limadha tabdu mutawattiran al-yawm?Why do you look nervous today?
Example conversation
Layla and Omar are talking before an important presentation.
- ليلى Laylaهل أنت متوتر يا عمر؟hal anta mutawattir ya Omar?Are you nervous, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، أنا متوتر جدًا.na'am, ana mutawattir jiddan.Yes, I am very nervous.
- ليلى Laylaلا تقلق، أنت مستعد.la taqlaq, anta musta'id.Don't worry, you are prepared.
- عمر Omarشكرًا لكِ يا ليلى.shukran laki ya Layla.Thank you, Layla.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries متوتر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
