nervosité
/nɛʁ.vo.zi.te/feminine
The English phrase 'nervousness' is translated into French as nervosité.
nervosité refers to the state or quality of being nervous. In French, this term can describe a psychological state of being nervous, but it can also refer to a physical state of being 'irritable' or 'edgy'.
Meaning: state or quality of being nervous (noun)
Which one should you use?
The adjective form nerveux (masculine) or nerveuse (feminine) can be used to describe a person or thing as being 'nervous'.
How does it change in a sentence?
nervosité is a feminine noun and is preceded by the feminine definite article la to mean 'the nervousness'.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɛʁ.vo.zi.te/
Did you know?
- In certain French culinary contexts, the word nerveux can describe the 'texture' of meat that is too tough or lacks fat.
- In French, the adjective nerveux is not just used for anxiety, but also to describe a powerful and explosive athletic movement, such as a 'snappy' tennis serve.
- The French have a specific term, le trac, to describe the specific kind of nervosité felt by performers before going on stage.
Examples in context
- Sa nervosité était visible.Her nervousness was noticeable.This sentence is useful for describing how someone's nervosité could be seen by others.Tatoeba #11293054 by lbdx, translation #4627182 by Hybrid
- Tom a essayé de cacher sa nervosité.Tom tried to hide his nervousness.This sentence shows how someone might attempt to conceal their nervosité.Tatoeba #7700238 by Maxence, translation #2770603 by CK
- Sa voix tremblante trahissait sa nervosité.His tremulous voice betrayed his nervousness.This sentence illustrates how physical signs, like a voice, can reveal nervosité.Tatoeba #10137015 by Aiji, translation #9935544 by AlanF_US
- Il ressentait une profonde anxiété avant son discours.He felt deep nervousness before his speech.
- La tension monte avant un examen.The nervousness builds up before an exam.
- J'éprouve une appréhension pour ma première entrevue d'emploi.I'm feeling nervousness for my first job interview.
- Je suis stressé(e) avant mon rendez-vous chez le dentiste.I am nervous before my dentist appointment.
- Elle était crispée avant son premier jour de travail.She was nervous on her first day of work.
- J'ai toujours le trac avant de prendre l'avion.I'm always nervous before taking a flight.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are waiting to go on stage for a presentation.
- ManonTu as l'air d'avoir beaucoup de nervosité, Gabriel.You seem to have a lot of nervousness, Gabriel.
- GabrielOui, je suis très stressé par ce discours.Yes, I am very stressed about this speech.
- ManonRespire profondément pour calmer ta nervosité.Breathe deeply to calm your nervousness.
- GabrielMerci, Manon, ça m'aide beaucoup.Thanks, Manon, that helps me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nervousness” translations and entries nervosité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
