How to Say Nervous in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to express emotions accurately in a foreign language is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “nervous” in Spanish, both formally and informally. We will also provide various tips, examples, and regional variations to help you grasp the nuances of expressing nervousness in Spanish.

Formal Ways to Say Nervous in Spanish

When you wish to express nervousness formally in Spanish, here are a few useful phrases:

• Nervioso/a – This is the most common and straightforward way to say “nervous” in Spanish. For example:
  

  Estoy nervioso/a por la entrevista mañana. (I am nervous about the interview tomorrow.)

• Preocupado/a – Although “preocupado/a” typically translates to “worried,” it can also be used to convey a state of nervousness, especially when anticipating an event. For example:
  

  Estoy preocupado/a por el examen de matemáticas. (I am nervous about the math exam.)

• Intranquilo/a – This term emphasizes a state of restlessness or unease and is often used to describe being nervous. For example:
  

  Me siento intranquilo/a antes de la presentación. (I feel nervous before the presentation.)

Informal Ways to Say Nervous in Spanish

When you’re in a more casual setting or speaking to friends, family, or peers, you may prefer to use informal expressions to convey your nervousness:

• Pasmado/a – This term conveys a sense of being stunned or bewildered due to nervousness. It is commonly used in Latin American Spanish. For example:
  

  Estoy pasmado/a por el examen sorpresa. (I’m nervous about the surprise exam.)

• Picado/a – Used mostly in Mexican Spanish, “picado/a” signifies feeling nervous or agitated. For example:
  

  Me siento picado/a antes del partido importante. (I feel nervous before the important game.)

• Cagado/a de miedo – This is an informal expression used predominantly in Spain and some Latin American countries, which translates to “scared shitless.” It conveys extreme nervousness or fear. For example:
  

  Estoy cagado/a de miedo por el discurso. (I’m scared shitless about the speech.)

Regional Variations

Spanish is a widely spoken language with variations and dialects across different regions. While the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier are understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, certain regional variations exist:

• Argentina: In Argentina, people often use “estar cagado/a” to emphasize nervousness informally, similar to the Spanish expression mentioned earlier. For example:
  

  Estoy cagado/a de los nervios por el examen final. (I’m nervous as hell about the final exam.)

• Puerto Rico: In Puerto Rico, people might use “estar maceta” informally to express feeling nervous. For example:
  

  Estoy maceta por la presentación tan importante. (I’m nervous about the very important presentation.)

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding of expressing nervousness in Spanish:

• Context Matters: Always consider the context and intensity of your nervousness when choosing the appropriate phrase.
• Body Language: Accompany your verbal expression with appropriate facial expressions and body language to convey your state of nervousness more effectively.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Try using these different phrases in various sentences to improve your fluency and confidence in expressing nervousness in Spanish.

Example 1:

Estoy nervioso/a antes de mi primera cita. (I am nervous before my first date.)

Example 2:

Me siento pasmado/a al hablar en público. (I feel stunned when speaking in public.)

Example 3:

Estoy preocupado/a por el viaje en avión. (I am worried about the plane trip.)

Conclusion

Expressing nervousness appropriately in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. In this guide, we explored various formal and informal ways to say “nervous” in Spanish, highlighting regional variations where applicable. Remember to consider context, body language, and practice these phrases regularly. Now, you’re empowered to navigate conversations and accurately convey your nervousness in Spanish-based interactions!