紧张
jǐnzhāng
The English word 'nervous' is translated into Chinese as 紧张 (jǐnzhāng).
紧张 is used to describe feeling apprehensive or anxious. Beyond a person's internal feelings, it can also describe a tense or high-pressure situation, such as a 'tense atmosphere' or a 'tight schedule'.
Meaning: apprehensive, anxious (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The first character, 紧, means tight or tense.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 紧张 as an adjective to describe a state, it is common to use an adverb of degree like 很 (very) instead of the verb 'to be'.
How do you pronounce it?
jǐnzhāng
Did you know?
- The adjective 紧张 can be used to describe a shortage of resources, such as a 'tight' supply of electricity or water, meaning 'scarce' or 'strained'.
- While 'nervous' in English is almost always an internal emotion, 紧张 can be used to describe a mechanical state, such as a 'tight' or 'tensioned' screw.
- In high-pressure social situations, a Chinese speaker might say 我太紧张了 not just to express anxiety, but to politely excuse a stumble or a mistake in their speech.
Examples in context
- 我有点紧张。I was a little bit nervous.This sentence is useful for expressing a slight feeling of nervousness using 紧张.Tatoeba #5911701 by verdastelo9604, translation #5259218 by CK
- 我太紧张了。I'm too nervous.This sentence is useful for expressing an extreme feeling of nervousness using 紧张.Tatoeba #13897392 by urgan, translation #13949872 by frpzzd
- 你看起来很紧张。You seem very nervous.This sentence is useful for observing that someone else appears nervous using 紧张.Tatoeba #3289653 by sadhen, translation #3316032 by garthberry
- 我面试的时候感到很紧张。 (Wǒ miànshì de shíhou gǎndào hěn jǐnzhāng.)I felt very nervous during the job interview.
- 我对考试感到不安。 (Wǒ duì kǎoshì gǎndào bù ān.)I feel anxious about the exam.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are talking before a big presentation.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen俊杰，你看起来很紧张。Jùnjié, nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn jǐnzhāng.Junjie, you look very nervous.
- 俊杰 Junjie是的，我有点紧张。Shì de, wǒ yǒudiǎn jǐnzhāng.Yes, I am a little nervous.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen放轻松，你会做得很好的。Fàng qīngsōng, nǐ huì zuò de hěn hǎo de.Relax, you will do great.
- 俊杰 Junjie谢谢你，晓雯。Xièxiè nǐ, Xiǎowén.Thank you, Xiaowen.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
