How to Say ‘I’m Nervous’ and Discuss Anxiety in Japanese

To say “I’m nervous” and discuss anxiety in Japanese, you can use the following phrases:

I’m Nervous:

1. 緊張しています (Kinchou shiteimasu):
   This means “I’m nervous.” It’s a straightforward way to express your feelings of anxiety or nervousness.
2. 不安です (Fuan desu):
   This means “I’m anxious.” It’s a way to express your feelings of unease or apprehension.

Discussing Anxiety:

1. 心配しています (Shinpai shiteimasu):
   This means “I’m worried.” It’s a way to talk about feeling anxious or concerned about a specific situation.
2. 気がかりなことがあります (Ki ga kari na koto ga arimasu):
   This means “I have something on my mind” or “I’m preoccupied with something.” It’s a more indirect way to discuss anxiety.
3. 落ち着かない気持ちです (Ochitsukanai kimochi desu):
   This means “I feel unsettled.” It’s a way to convey the restlessness and discomfort associated with anxiety.
4. 不安定な状態です (Fuan teki na joutai desu):
   This means “I’m in an unstable state.” It’s a way to describe your emotional state when dealing with anxiety.
5. 心が落ち着かないです (Kokoro ga ochitsukanai desu):
   This means “My heart/mind can’t settle down.” It reflects the internal turmoil and unease that come with anxiety.
6. 焦っています (Asetteimasu):
   This means “I’m feeling flustered” or “I’m in a hurry.” It can also convey a sense of anxiousness.
7. 不安を感じています (Fuan o kanjiteimasu):
   This means “I’m feeling anxious.” It explicitly discusses the feeling of anxiety.

Discussing anxiety can be sensitive, so it’s important to choose the appropriate phrase based on the context and your relationship with the person you’re communicating with. Use these phrases to express your feelings of nervousness or discuss your experience with anxiety in a considerate manner.