Feeling nervous is a common experience, and being able to express it in another language can help you better communicate your emotions. In this guide, we will explore different ways to convey the feeling of being nervous in Korean. We’ll cover both formal and informal expressions, offering tips and examples along the way. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are some phrases you can use to express nervousness politely:
- 긴장하다 (ginjanghada): This is the most common way to say “to be nervous” in formal Korean. It can also be translated as “to be tense.” Let’s look at a few examples:
– 제가 발표하려니까 너무 긴장돼요. (Jega balpyoharyeoneenkka neomu ginjangdwaeyo.)
“I’m so nervous about giving a presentation.”
– 제가 첫 면접보러 가는데 차 안에서 계속 긴장돼요. (Jega cheot myeonjeobboreo ganeunde cha aneseo gyesok ginjangdwaeyo.)
“I keep getting nervous in the car on my way to the first job interview.” - 조마조마하다 (jomajomahada): This word signifies uneasiness and nervousness. Here’s a usage example:
– 내일 시험 치루는데 조마조마해요. (Naeil siheom chiruneunde jomajomahaeyo.)
“I feel uneasy and nervous about taking the exam tomorrow.”
Informal Expressions
When speaking with close friends or in casual situations, you can use these more relaxed expressions to convey your nervousness:
- 긴장되다 (ginjangdoeda): This is the informal counterpart of “긴장하다” mentioned earlier. It is commonly used among peers.
– 오늘 경기 본 팀이 진짜 신나는데 왜 속이 긴장돼? (Oneul gyeonggi bon timi jinjja sinnaneunde wae soki ginjangdwa?)
“The team you’re watching play today is so exciting, why are you so nervous?” - 귀신이 나다 (gwisini nada): Literally meaning “to have a ghost,” this expression figuratively represents a state of being scared and anxious.
– 놀러 와도 귀신이 나지 않아. 창 밖을 봐봐, 비가 오고 있어. (Nolleo wado gwisini naji anha. Chang bakkeul bwabwa, biga ogo isseo.)
“Don’t be nervous when you come over. Look out the window, it’s raining.”
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you express nervousness more effectively:
Remember that your body language plays a significant role in conveying nervousness. Pay attention to your gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Furthermore, try to vary your vocabulary by using related adjectives or adverbs:
- 불안하다 (buranhada): anxious
- 신경 쓰이다 (singyeong sseuida): to be worried
- 조급하다 (jogeuphada): impatient
- 긴박하다 (ginbakada): tense
By using a range of words, you can better express the nuances of your nervousness.
No matter which expression you choose, remember that practice makes perfect. Try using these phrases in conversations or language exchanges to become more comfortable with expressing nervousness in Korean. Don’t worry too much; everyone gets nervous sometimes!
Hope this guide helps you express nervousness in Korean more confidently. Happy learning!
