nervioso/a
When you're feeling nervioso/a, it means you're experiencing a sense of unease, apprehension, or worry. It's similar to feeling anxious or agitated in English.
You might feel nervioso/a before an important event, like a job interview or a presentation. It can also describe a general state of being easily alarmed or flustered.
When you're at a C2 level in Spanish, you understand the nuances of adjectives like "nervioso/a." While it can mean "nervous" in the common sense, it also carries the connotation of being easily agitated or prone to anxiety. You might hear it to describe someone who gets flustered quickly or reacts strongly to unexpected situations. It implies a certain temperament, not just a fleeting feeling. So, it's about a disposition towards being easily unsettled, rather than simply experiencing nerves before a big event.
nervioso/a in 30 Sekunden
- Feeling anxious or worried.
- Describes someone easily agitated.
- Used for unease before an event.
§ What 'nervioso/a' means
Let's talk about the Spanish word nervioso/a. You'll hear this a lot, and it's quite useful. Simply put, nervioso/a means 'nervous' or 'anxious' in English. It describes someone who is easily agitated, worried, or feeling a bit on edge. Think about those butterflies in your stomach before a big event, or the feeling you get when you're stressed about something. That's nervioso/a.
- DEFINITION
- Easily agitated or alarmed; anxious.
Just like in English, you use nervioso/a to describe a person's state of mind or how they are feeling in a particular moment. It's not usually about a permanent personality trait, but rather a temporary feeling or reaction to a situation. If someone is generally a worried person, you might use a different word, but for feeling anxious right now, nervioso/a is your go-to.
§ When to use 'nervioso/a'
So, when do people actually use this word? Here are some common situations:
- Before an important event: Got a big exam, a job interview, or a presentation coming up? You'll likely feel nervioso/a.
- When waiting for news: Waiting for test results, a call back, or an important decision can definitely make you nervioso/a.
- In stressful situations: Being stuck in traffic, dealing with a difficult person, or facing an unexpected problem can make you feel nervioso/a.
- Feeling restless or fidgety: Sometimes, being nervioso/a can manifest physically, like pacing, tapping your foot, or just feeling unable to sit still.
Remember that nervioso/a is an adjective, so its ending changes depending on the gender and number of the noun it describes. If you're talking about a male, you use nervioso. If you're talking about a female, you use nerviosa. For multiple males or a mixed group, it's nerviosos. For multiple females, it's nerviosas. This is standard Spanish grammar for adjectives, so keep an eye out for it!
§ Examples in context
Let's look at some practical examples so you can see how nervioso/a is used in real sentences:
Ella está muy nerviosa por su entrevista de trabajo.
Translation hint: She is very nervous about her job interview. (Notice 'nerviosa' because 'ella' is female.)
Los estudiantes estaban nerviosos antes del examen.
Translation hint: The students were nervous before the exam. (Here, 'nerviosos' is plural and masculine, referring to 'los estudiantes'.)
Me pongo un poco nervioso cuando hablo en público.
Translation hint: I get a little nervous when I speak in public. (If 'me' refers to a male speaker, it's 'nervioso'.)
No estés tan nervioso, todo va a salir bien.
Translation hint: Don't be so nervous, everything will be fine. (Addressing a male directly.)
As you can see, nervioso/a is pretty versatile. It's often used with the verb 'estar' (to be, for temporary states) to express the feeling. So you'll commonly hear 'estar nervioso/a'.
By practicing with these examples and paying attention to when native speakers use it, you'll quickly master nervioso/a. It's a fundamental word for expressing emotions in Spanish, and one you'll definitely want in your vocabulary toolkit.
§ Basic Sentence Structure
The word "nervioso/a" is an adjective, which means it describes a noun. In Spanish, adjectives usually come after the noun they describe. However, when you're talking about someone being nervous, you'll most often use it with the verb "estar" (to be).
- Remember:
- Use "estar" for temporary states like feeling nervous, not "ser."
Here’s how you match "nervioso/a" to the noun:
- If the noun is masculine singular (e.g., él, el perro), use nervioso.
- If the noun is feminine singular (e.g., ella, la chica), use nerviosa.
- If the noun is masculine plural (e.g., ellos, los chicos), use nerviosos.
- If the noun is feminine plural (e.g., ellas, las chicas), use nerviosas.
Estoy nervioso por el examen.
- Translation hint:
- I am nervous about the exam.
Ella está nerviosa antes de hablar en público.
- Translation hint:
- She is nervous before speaking in public.
§ Common Prepositions with "Nervioso/a"
When you want to specify why someone is nervous, you'll often use a preposition after "nervioso/a." The most common ones are "por" and "con."
- "Por" (for, about, due to):
- Use "por" to indicate the cause or reason for being nervous.
Están nerviosos por los resultados.
- Translation hint:
- They are nervous about the results.
Me pongo nervioso por hablar con gente nueva.
- Translation hint:
- I get nervous about talking to new people.
- "Con" (with):
- "Con" can be used to say someone is nervous with a particular person or in a particular situation.
Siempre está nerviosa con su jefe.
- Translation hint:
- She is always nervous with her boss.
§ "Ponerse Nervioso/a" - To Get Nervous
Another very common way to express getting nervous is by using the reflexive verb "ponerse." This literally means "to put oneself" but in this context, it means "to become" or "to get."
- Conjugation of "Ponerse" (present tense):
- Yo me pongo
- Tú te pones
- Él/Ella/Usted se pone
- Nosotros/as nos ponemos
- Vosotros/as os ponéis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes se ponen
Siempre me pongo nervioso cuando tengo que esperar.
- Translation hint:
- I always get nervous when I have to wait.
Ella se pone nerviosa fácilmente.
- Translation hint:
- She gets nervous easily.
This construction is very natural and commonly used by native speakers. Practice using it to sound more fluent.
§ Don't Confuse "Nervioso/a" with "Enojado/a"
Many English speakers, when starting to learn Spanish, often use "nervioso/a" when they actually mean "enojado/a." In English, we might say someone is "nervous" when they are angry or annoyed. For example, "He's making me nervous with his constant complaining." However, in Spanish, "nervioso/a" specifically means anxious, uneasy, or agitated. If you want to say someone is angry, you should use "enojado/a" (for a man) or "enojada" (for a woman).
Estoy nervioso por el examen. (I am nervous/anxious about the exam.)
Estoy enojado con mi hermano. (I am angry with my brother.)
§ Using "Ponerse Nervioso/a" for Becoming Nervous
Another common error is not using the reflexive verb "ponerse" when you want to express the idea of *becoming* nervous. While "estar nervioso/a" means to *be* nervous, "ponerse nervioso/a" means to *get* nervous or *become* nervous. This distinction is important for expressing a change in emotional state.
- Correct Usage
- Use "estar nervioso/a" for a current state of being nervous.
- Correct Usage
- Use "ponerse nervioso/a" to describe the action of becoming nervous.
Ella siempre se pone nerviosa antes de hablar en público. (She always gets nervous before speaking in public.)
Estaba muy nervioso durante la entrevista. (I was very nervous during the interview.)
§ Adjective Agreement is Key
Since "nervioso/a" is an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. This means if you're talking about a group of women, it's "nerviosas." If it's a group of men or a mixed group, it's "nerviosos." Many beginners forget this crucial aspect of Spanish grammar.
- For a masculine singular subject: nervioso (e.g., El chico está nervioso - The boy is nervous)
- For a feminine singular subject: nerviosa (e.g., La chica está nerviosa - The girl is nervous)
- For masculine plural or mixed gender subjects: nerviosos (e.g., Los chicos están nerviosos - The boys are nervous; Los estudiantes están nerviosos - The students are nervous)
- For feminine plural subjects: nerviosas (e.g., Las chicas están nerviosas - The girls are nervous)
Mis padres están nerviosos por mi viaje. (My parents are nervous about my trip.)
Las niñas están nerviosas por la obra de teatro. (The girls are nervous about the play.)
§ "Nervioso/a" vs. "Ansioso/a"
Many English speakers learning Spanish often confuse "nervioso/a" with "ansioso/a." While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, there's a key difference. Think of "nervioso/a" as a temporary state, like feeling jittery before a presentation or a first date. It's often a reaction to a specific situation.
On the other hand, "ansioso/a" can imply a more prolonged state of anxiety, or even an anxiety disorder. It's a deeper, more pervasive feeling. You're "nervioso/a" for an exam, but you might be "ansioso/a" about your future in general.
§ "Nervioso/a" vs. "Preocupado/a"
Another common point of confusion is between "nervioso/a" and "preocupado/a." "Preocupado/a" means worried. While being nervous can certainly make you worried, the terms aren't exact synonyms. You can be worried about something without feeling physically nervous.
For example, you might be "preocupado/a" about your friend's health, but you wouldn't necessarily say you're "nervioso/a" about it unless you were anticipating a difficult conversation or a doctor's visit. "Preocupado/a" focuses on the mental state of concern, while "nervioso/a" often includes a physical component like a racing heart or restless hands.
- DEFINITION
- Preocupado/a: Worried, concerned.
Estoy muy preocupado por el examen de mañana. (I am very worried about tomorrow's exam.)
§ When to use "Nervioso/a"
Use "nervioso/a" when you want to describe a feeling of being on edge, jumpy, or slightly agitated, usually due to an upcoming event or a tense situation. It's perfect for those butterflies in your stomach feeling.
- Before a public speaking event.
- Before a big test.
- When waiting for important news.
- During a scary movie.
- On a first date.
Estoy nervioso por mi entrevista de trabajo. (I'm nervous about my job interview.)
Ella se puso muy nerviosa cuando vio el examen. (She got very nervous when she saw the exam.)
Los niños estaban un poco nerviosos antes de subir a la montaña rusa. (The children were a little nervous before getting on the roller coaster.)
The key takeaway is that "nervioso/a" describes a state of emotional and often physical agitation, typically in response to a specific, often immediate, situation. It's a great word to have in your vocabulary for expressing that momentary unease or excitement.
How Formal Is It?
"El director mostró una actitud aprensiva ante los nuevos cambios."
"Estaba nervioso antes de la entrevista de trabajo."
"Con los nervios de punta, esperó la llamada."
"El niño estaba preocupado por su juguete perdido."
"Estoy rayado por lo que me dijo."
Beispiele nach Niveau
Se puso muy nerviosa antes de su presentación y casi se le olvida todo.
She got very nervous before her presentation and almost forgot everything.
Here, 'nerviosa' agrees in gender with 'ella' (she). The preterite tense 'se puso' indicates a completed action.
¿Estás nervioso por el examen de mañana? Yo sí un poco.
Are you nervous about tomorrow's exam? I am a little.
'Nervioso' agrees with 'tú' (you, masculine singular). The construction 'estar + adjetivo' is used for temporary states or conditions.
Los niños estaban nerviosos en la sala de espera del dentista.
The children were nervous in the dentist's waiting room.
'Nerviosos' agrees with 'los niños' (the children, masculine plural). The imperfect tense 'estaban' describes a continuous or habitual state in the past.
Me pone nervioso cuando tengo que hablar en público.
It makes me nervous when I have to speak in public.
The impersonal verb construction 'me pone nervioso' translates to 'it makes me nervous.' 'Nervioso' agrees with 'yo' (me, masculine singular).
Ella siempre está nerviosa antes de los vuelos, incluso si son cortos.
She is always nervous before flights, even if they are short.
'Nerviosa' agrees with 'ella' (she). 'Siempre está' indicates a continuous state or habit.
No estés nervioso, todo va a salir bien en la entrevista.
Don't be nervous, everything will go well in the interview.
This is a negative informal command ('no estés'). 'Nervioso' agrees with 'tú' (you, masculine singular).
Cuando el perro escucha truenos, se pone muy nervioso y busca esconderse.
When the dog hears thunder, he gets very nervous and looks for a place to hide.
'Nervioso' agrees with 'el perro' (the dog, masculine singular). 'Se pone' indicates a change in state.
La situación me tiene un poco nerviosa; no sé qué esperar.
The situation has me a bit nervous; I don't know what to expect.
Here, 'me tiene nerviosa' implies 'it keeps me nervous' or 'it makes me nervous.' 'Nerviosa' agrees with 'yo' (me, feminine singular).
Se puso muy nerviosa antes de su presentación, a pesar de haber practicado incontables veces.
She got very nervous before her presentation, despite having practiced countless times.
Here 'nerviosa' agrees in gender with 'ella' (she).
El perro se pone nervioso con los fuegos artificiales, siempre se esconde debajo de la cama.
The dog gets nervous with fireworks; it always hides under the bed.
'Se pone nervioso' is a common way to express 'gets nervous'.
Es normal sentirse un poco nervioso cuando conoces a gente nueva por primera vez.
It's normal to feel a bit nervous when you meet new people for the first time.
'Sentirse nervioso' (to feel nervous) uses a reflexive verb.
La situación política actual tiene a mucha gente nerviosa sobre el futuro económico del país.
The current political situation has many people nervous about the country's economic future.
'Tener a alguien nervioso' means to make someone nervous or anxious.
No estés nervioso por el examen, sé que has estudiado mucho y lo harás bien.
Don't be nervous about the exam; I know you've studied a lot and you'll do well.
'No estés nervioso' is the informal negative command for 'estar nervioso'.
El sonido repentino lo dejó un poco nervioso, así que revisó la puerta de inmediato.
The sudden sound left him a bit nervous, so he checked the door immediately.
'Dejar a alguien nervioso' means to leave someone nervous or unsettled.
Cuando el avión experimentó turbulencias, algunos pasajeros se veían bastante nerviosos.
When the plane experienced turbulence, some passengers looked quite nervous.
'Verse nervioso' means to look nervous.
Me pone nervioso tener que hablar en público, aunque sea algo que hago a menudo.
It makes me nervous to have to speak in public, even though it's something I do often.
'Me pone nervioso' is another way to express 'it makes me nervous'.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"Ponerse nervioso/a"
To get nervous
Me pongo nerviosa cuando hablo en público. (I get nervous when I speak in public.)
neutral"Estar hecho/a un manojo de nervios"
To be a bundle of nerves
Antes del examen, estaba hecho un manojo de nervios. (Before the exam, he was a bundle of nerves.)
informal"Los nervios a flor de piel"
Nerves on edge / Very sensitive
Con tanto trabajo, tengo los nervios a flor de piel. (With so much work, my nerves are on edge.)
neutral"Calmar los nervios"
To calm one's nerves
Necesito un té para calmar los nervios. (I need some tea to calm my nerves.)
neutral"De nervios"
Out of nerves / Due to nervousness
Se rió de nervios durante la presentación. (He laughed out of nerves during the presentation.)
neutral"Tener nervios de acero"
To have nerves of steel
Un cirujano debe tener nervios de acero. (A surgeon must have nerves of steel.)
neutral"Poner los nervios de punta"
To get on one's nerves / To make someone edgy
Esa música me pone los nervios de punta. (That music gets on my nerves.)
informal"Un ataque de nervios"
A nervous breakdown / A fit of nerves
Después de la noticia, tuvo un ataque de nervios. (After the news, she had a nervous breakdown.)
neutral"Tirar de los nervios"
To fray one's nerves / To be irritating
Su constante parloteo me tira de los nervios. (His constant chatter frays my nerves.)
informal"No tener ni un nervio"
To not be nervous at all / To be very calm
Parece que no tiene ni un nervio antes del gran día. (It seems he's not nervous at all before the big day.)
informalTipps
Gender Matters for Nervioso
Remember that nervioso changes its ending depending on the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use nervioso for masculine singular nouns and nerviosa for feminine singular nouns. For plural, it's nerviosos (masculine) and nerviosas (feminine).
Associated Verb: Estar
When you're talking about someone being nervous, you'll almost always use the verb estar (to be) with nervioso/a. For example, 'Estoy nervioso' means 'I am nervous'.
Common Phrases with Nervioso
Listen for phrases like 'ponerse nervioso/a' (to get nervous) or 'estar nervioso/a por algo' (to be nervous about something). These are very common and will help you sound more natural.
Don't Confuse with Enfadado
Don't confuse nervioso/a with enfadado/a (angry). While someone might get angry when nervous, the words have different meanings. Nervioso/a is about anxiety, not anger.
Opposite of Nervioso
The opposite of nervioso/a can be tranquilo/a (calm) or relajado/a (relaxed). Practice using these antonyms to expand your vocabulary.
Practice with Examples
Create your own sentences using nervioso/a. For instance, 'Ella está nerviosa antes de su presentación' (She is nervous before her presentation) or 'Los niños estaban nerviosos por la película de terror' (The children were nervous about the horror movie).
Expressing Nervousness in Spanish Culture
In some Spanish-speaking cultures, direct expressions of vulnerability like 'Estoy nervioso/a' might be used a bit less frequently in casual conversation compared to English. People might use more subtle hints or phrases like 'Estoy un poco preocupado/a' (I'm a bit worried).
Related Noun: Nerviosismo
For a more advanced touch, learn the noun nerviosismo, which means 'nervousness' or 'anxiety'. For example, 'El nerviosismo antes del evento era palpable' (The nervousness before the event was palpable).
Listen to Native Speakers
Pay attention to how native Spanish speakers use nervioso/a in different contexts. Listen to music, watch movies, or find podcasts in Spanish. This will help you get a feel for its natural usage and pronunciation.
Teste dich selbst 96 Fragen
Write a short sentence about how someone might feel before a big test.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ella está nerviosa por el examen. (She is nervous about the test.)
Imagine your friend is going on an airplane for the first time. How might they feel? Write one sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi amigo está un poco nervioso por volar. (My friend is a little nervous about flying.)
Write a sentence describing a dog that is easily startled by loud noises.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El perro está nervioso con los ruidos fuertes. (The dog is nervous with loud noises.)
How does Ana feel before entering the new school?
Read this passage:
Ana va a un nuevo colegio. Ella no conoce a nadie. Antes de entrar, ella se siente un poco nerviosa. (Ana is going to a new school. She doesn't know anyone. Before entering, she feels a little nervous.)
How does Ana feel before entering the new school?
The passage states that Ana se siente un poco nerviosa (she feels a little nervous) before entering the new school.
The passage states that Ana se siente un poco nerviosa (she feels a little nervous) before entering the new school.
Why are the soccer players nervous?
Read this passage:
Mañana hay un partido de fútbol muy importante. Los jugadores del equipo están nerviosos. Quieren ganar. (Tomorrow there is a very important soccer game. The players on the team are nervous. They want to win.)
Why are the soccer players nervous?
The passage says 'Mañana hay un partido de fútbol muy importante. Los jugadores del equipo están nerviosos.' This means the important game is making them nervous.
The passage says 'Mañana hay un partido de fútbol muy importante. Los jugadores del equipo están nerviosos.' This means the important game is making them nervous.
What makes the cat feel nervous?
Read this passage:
Mi gato no es muy valiente. Cuando ve a un perro grande, se pone muy nervioso. Se esconde debajo de la cama. (My cat is not very brave. When he sees a big dog, he gets very nervous. He hides under the bed.)
What makes the cat feel nervous?
The passage states 'Cuando ve a un perro grande, se pone muy nervioso.' (When he sees a big dog, he gets very nervous.)
The passage states 'Cuando ve a un perro grande, se pone muy nervioso.' (When he sees a big dog, he gets very nervous.)
This sentence means 'She is nervous.' 'Ella' is 'She', 'está' is 'is' (for temporary states), and 'nerviosa' is 'nervous' (feminine form).
This sentence means 'The dog is nervous.' 'El' is 'The' (masculine singular), 'perro' is 'dog', 'está' is 'is', and 'nervioso' is 'nervous' (masculine form).
This sentence means 'I am a little nervous.' 'Estoy' is 'I am', 'un poco' means 'a little', and 'nervioso' is 'nervous' (masculine form).
Ella está muy ___ antes del examen.
The context implies a feeling of anxiety before an exam, so 'nerviosa' is the best fit.
No te pongas ___, todo va a salir bien.
The phrase 'No te pongas ___' suggests telling someone not to be a certain way, and 'nervioso' fits the context of reassurance.
Me pongo ___ cuando tengo que hablar en público.
Speaking in public often causes anxiety, making 'nervioso' the appropriate choice.
Mi perro se pone ___ con los ruidos fuertes.
Animals can also get agitated by loud noises, so 'nervioso' describes the dog's state.
Ella estaba un poco ___ antes de su primera cita.
First dates often bring feelings of anxiety, making 'nerviosa' a natural fit.
No estés tan ___ por cosas pequeñas.
The sentence suggests avoiding anxiety over minor issues, so 'nervioso' is correct.
Which word describes someone who gets anxious easily?
The Spanish word for easily agitated or alarmed; anxious is 'nervioso/a'.
My sister is very ___ before her exams. (Mi hermana está muy ___ antes de sus exámenes.)
The context implies anxiety, so 'nerviosa' is the correct feminine form for 'nervous' to describe 'mi hermana'.
How would you describe a boy who is anxious about speaking in public? (¿Cómo describirías a un chico que está ansioso por hablar en público?)
'Nervioso' is the masculine form of the adjective for 'anxious' or 'nervous'.
If you are 'nervioso', you are feeling calm. (Si estás 'nervioso', te sientes tranquilo.)
'Nervioso' means anxious or agitated, which is the opposite of feeling calm.
A person who is 'nerviosa' might worry a lot. (Una persona que está 'nerviosa' podría preocuparse mucho.)
Being 'nerviosa' is associated with anxiety and worrying.
The word 'nervioso/a' is only used to describe physical sickness. (La palabra 'nervioso/a' solo se usa para describir enfermedades físicas.)
'Nervioso/a' primarily describes a state of mind, like being anxious or worried, not just physical sickness.
The speaker is talking about a test.
Someone is asking about a presentation.
This person feels this way before flying.
Read this aloud:
No estoy nervioso, estoy emocionado.
Focus: nervioso, emocionado
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Read this aloud:
Mi hermana está nerviosa por su entrevista de trabajo.
Focus: hermana, nerviosa, entrevista
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Read this aloud:
Cuando estoy nervioso, respiro profundamente.
Focus: cuando, respiro, profundamente
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This sentence means 'I am very nervous for the exam.' The correct order follows typical Spanish sentence structure: subject + verb + adverb + adjective + preposition + article + noun.
This sentence means 'She gets nervous when she speaks in public.' The structure is subject + reflexive verb + adjective + conjunction + verb + preposition + noun.
This sentence means 'Don't get nervous, everything will be fine.' It's an imperative (command) followed by a declarative statement.
Choose the best translation for 'nervioso/a' in this context: 'Mi perro se pone muy nervioso con los fuegos artificiales.'
In this sentence, 'nervioso' describes a state of unease or anxiety, which aligns with 'anxious'.
Which of the following situations would most likely make someone 'nervioso/a'?
Public speaking often causes anxiety, which is a key aspect of being 'nervioso/a'.
Select the sentence where 'nerviosa' is used correctly.
This sentence correctly uses 'nerviosa' to convey anxiety about an upcoming event (an exam). Winning the lottery usually causes excitement, not nervousness. Coffee usually keeps one awake, not makes them sleep. While kids can be excited to go to the park, 'nerviosos' implies anxiety, which isn't the primary emotion for a park visit.
If you are 'nervioso/a', you are probably feeling relaxed.
'Nervioso/a' means easily agitated or anxious, which is the opposite of feeling relaxed.
It is common to feel 'nervioso/a' before an important job interview.
Important situations like job interviews often cause anxiety or nervousness.
Someone who is 'nervioso/a' would typically be described as very calm.
The definition of 'nervioso/a' involves being agitated or anxious, not calm.
Someone comforting another person.
Describes someone's state before a work event.
A question about an upcoming test.
Read this aloud:
Me pongo nervioso cuando tengo que hablar en público.
Focus: nervioso, público
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Read this aloud:
Ella siempre está nerviosa antes de los vuelos.
Focus: nerviosa, vuelos
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Read this aloud:
No te preocupes, es normal sentirse un poco nervioso.
Focus: preocupes, sentir
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No sé por qué, pero me siento un poco ___ hoy. ¿Quizás es el café?
The speaker is feeling a bit 'nervioso' (nervous/agitated), possibly due to the coffee.
Antes de cada presentación importante, siempre se pone muy ___, a pesar de su experiencia.
It's common to feel 'nervioso' (nervous) before an important presentation, even with experience.
La espera de los resultados del examen la tenía completamente ___; no podía concentrarse en nada más.
Waiting for exam results can make someone 'nerviosa' (anxious/agitated), making it hard to concentrate.
Cada vez que habla en público, su voz suena un poco ___ y sus manos le tiemblan ligeramente.
When speaking in public, a 'nerviosa' (nervous) voice and trembling hands are common signs of anxiety.
El ambiente en la sala era bastante tenso; todos parecían ___ por la noticia que esperaban.
A tense atmosphere and waiting for news often make people 'nerviosos' (anxious).
Después de la discusión, se sentía tan ___ que no pudo dormir en toda la noche.
Feeling 'nervioso' (agitated/anxious) after an argument can lead to sleeplessness.
Choose the best synonym for 'nervioso/a' in the following sentence: 'Se puso muy nervioso antes de la entrevista.'
'Ansioso/a' directly translates to 'anxious,' which is a strong synonym for 'nervioso/a' in this context. The other options are antonyms.
Which of these situations would most likely make someone feel 'nervioso/a'?
Public speaking often induces feelings of anxiety or nervousness, making it the most suitable answer. The other options describe calm or relaxed activities.
If someone tells you, 'No te pongas nervioso/a,' what are they advising you to do?
'No te pongas nervioso/a' means 'Don't get nervous,' which is advice to remain calm. The other options are incorrect interpretations.
It is common to feel 'nervioso/a' when you are about to do something important or challenging.
Feeling nervous before significant events or challenges is a very common human experience. It's a natural reaction to anticipation or pressure.
The word 'nervioso/a' can only be used to describe someone who is physically shaking.
While physical shaking can be a symptom of being nervous, 'nervioso/a' primarily refers to a state of mental agitation, anxiety, or unease, not just physical trembling.
Eating a large meal right before a job interview is a good way to reduce feeling 'nervioso/a'.
Eating a large meal before a stressful event might actually increase discomfort or make one feel sluggish, which isn't generally recommended for reducing nervousness. Light, healthy meals are often preferred.
The witness was nervous before giving his testimony in court.
Why are you so nervous about the exam? You've studied a lot.
She became nervous when the dog started barking at her non-stop.
Read this aloud:
Intenta mantener la calma, sé que es una situación nerviosa.
Focus: nerviosa
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Read this aloud:
¿Qué haces cuando te sientes nervioso antes de un evento importante?
Focus: nervioso
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Es natural sentirse un poco nervioso en una primera cita.
Focus: nervioso, natural
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Describe a situation where someone you know became very 'nervioso/a'. What caused it and how did they react?
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Sample answer
Mi amigo Juan se puso muy nervioso antes de su examen de conducir. Estaba sudando, sus manos temblaban y no podía parar de hablar sobre lo que podría salir mal. Intentamos calmarlo, pero estaba realmente ansioso por no fallar el examen. Al final, lo pasó, pero la experiencia fue bastante estresante para él.
Imagine you have a big presentation tomorrow. Write a short paragraph explaining why you might feel 'nervioso/a' and what you plan to do to manage that feeling.
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Sample answer
Mañana tengo una presentación importante en el trabajo y me siento bastante nervioso. Me preocupa no recordar todos los puntos clave o que mi voz tiemble. Para manejar mi nerviosismo, he repasado el material varias veces y planeo hacer algunos ejercicios de respiración profunda antes de empezar. Espero que mi preparación me dé más confianza.
Think about a time you felt 'nervioso/a' but the situation turned out to be fine. What did you learn from that experience?
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Sample answer
Una vez me puse muy nerviosa por una entrevista de trabajo. Estaba tan ansiosa que apenas dormí la noche anterior. Sin embargo, la entrevista fue mucho más relajada de lo que esperaba y la conversación fluyó muy bien. Aprendí que a menudo mis miedos son peores que la realidad y que la preparación ayuda a superar esos nervios.
¿Por qué estaba nervioso el director del hospital?
Read this passage:
El director del hospital estaba muy nervioso antes de la inspección anual. Caminaba de un lado a otro en su oficina, revisando los informes una y otra vez. Temía que cualquier pequeño error pudiera tener consecuencias graves para la reputación de la institución. Su asistente intentaba tranquilizarlo, pero él no podía evitar sentirse abrumado por la presión.
¿Por qué estaba nervioso el director del hospital?
El pasaje indica claramente que el director estaba nervioso 'antes de la inspección anual'.
El pasaje indica claramente que el director estaba nervioso 'antes de la inspección anual'.
¿Qué acción de los pasajeros demuestra que estaban nerviosos?
Read this passage:
Durante el vuelo, una fuerte turbulencia causó que muchos pasajeros se pusieran nerviosos. Algunos empezaron a agarrarse a los reposabrazos con fuerza, mientras que otros cerraron los ojos y oraron. La tripulación de cabina intentó calmar la situación, informando que era algo normal y que no había peligro, pero la ansiedad era palpable.
¿Qué acción de los pasajeros demuestra que estaban nerviosos?
El texto describe estas acciones como indicadores de nerviosismo ('Algunos empezaron a agarrarse a los reposabrazos con fuerza, mientras que otros cerraron los ojos y oraron').
El texto describe estas acciones como indicadores de nerviosismo ('Algunos empezaron a agarrarse a los reposabrazos con fuerza, mientras que otros cerraron los ojos y oraron').
¿Cuál de las siguientes frases NO describe el estado de María?
Read this passage:
María se sentía muy nerviosa antes de su audición para la orquesta. Había practicado la pieza musical miles de veces, pero la idea de tocar frente a un jurado exigente le producía mariposas en el estómago. Sus manos sudaban y su corazón latía rápido. Sabía que tenía que controlar esos nervios para poder mostrar su mejor talento.
¿Cuál de las siguientes frases NO describe el estado de María?
Todas las otras opciones describen síntomas de nerviosismo, mientras que 'completamente relajada' es lo opuesto al estado de María.
Todas las otras opciones describen síntomas de nerviosismo, mientras que 'completamente relajada' es lo opuesto al estado de María.
La situación económica actual me tiene bastante ______.
The economic situation is causing anxiety, so 'nervioso' is the correct adjective.
Antes del examen, se sentía tan ______ que no podía concentrarse.
Feeling anxious before an exam is common, making 'nervioso' the appropriate choice.
A pesar de su experiencia, el orador se mostró un poco ______ al inicio de su presentación.
Even experienced speakers can feel anxious at the start, so 'nervioso' fits the context.
La espera de los resultados médicos la tenía completamente ______.
Waiting for medical results often causes anxiety, so 'nerviosa' is the correct adjective (feminine to match 'la').
Cuando suena el teléfono tarde en la noche, siempre me pongo ______ por si es una mala noticia.
A late-night phone call often triggers anxiety, making 'nervioso' the most suitable option.
El perro se pone muy ______ con los truenos y busca refugio.
Animals can become agitated by loud noises like thunder, so 'nervioso' is the correct adjective.
The speaker's feelings before a major talk.
How unexpected news affected someone.
The atmosphere in a room while waiting for news.
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Describe una situación reciente en la que te sentiste nervioso y cómo la manejaste.
Focus: Rhythm and intonation for expressing emotion.
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¿Qué estrategias utilizas para calmarte cuando te encuentras en un estado de nerviosismo extremo?
Focus: Clear pronunciation of words like 'estrategias' and 'nerviosismo'.
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Imagina que eres un periodista a punto de entrevistar a una figura pública muy importante. ¿Cómo describirías tu estado de ánimo?
Focus: Varying pitch to reflect excitement and apprehension.
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Describe a situation where someone might feel 'nervioso/a' in a professional setting. Use at least three sentences and incorporate the word 'nervioso/a' correctly.
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Sample answer
En una entrevista de trabajo, es común sentirse nervioso/a, especialmente si es para un puesto muy deseado. Antes de una presentación importante ante la junta directiva, uno también puede estar muy nervioso/a. Incluso al enfrentar un plazo de entrega ajustado, la presión puede hacer que uno se sienta bastante nervioso/a.
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend who is feeling 'nervioso/a' about an upcoming event. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) offering comfort and practical suggestions. Use 'nervioso/a' at least once.
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Sample answer
Entiendo que te sientas nervioso/a por el evento de mañana, es completamente normal. Lo más importante es intentar mantener la calma; puedes practicar técnicas de respiración profunda. Además, recuerda que has trabajado mucho para esto, así que confía en tu preparación. Estoy seguro de que todo saldrá bien.
Write a short narrative (4-5 sentences) describing a time you or someone you know felt 'nervioso/a' due to an unexpected turn of events. Ensure the narrative flows well and uses 'nervioso/a' appropriately.
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Sample answer
Estábamos a punto de despegar cuando el piloto anunció un problema técnico inesperado. Inmediatamente, la atmósfera en la cabina se volvió tensa y mucha gente empezó a sentirse nerviosa/a. La incertidumbre sobre la demora y la posibilidad de que el vuelo fuera cancelado solo aumentó nuestra ansiedad. Afortunadamente, lo resolvieron rápido, pero ese momento fue bastante nervioso/a para todos.
¿Qué implica sentirse 'nervioso/a' en el contexto de la globalización, según el texto?
Read this passage:
La globalización ha traído consigo un aumento en la presión social y laboral. Muchos individuos se sienten cada vez más nerviosos/as ante la perspectiva de no cumplir con las expectativas. Este estado de ansiedad constante puede afectar gravemente su salud mental y física, llevándolos a buscar mecanismos de afrontamiento poco saludables. Es crucial desarrollar estrategias personales para manejar este nivel de estrés y mantener el bienestar.
¿Qué implica sentirse 'nervioso/a' en el contexto de la globalización, según el texto?
El texto menciona que 'muchos individuos se sienten cada vez más nerviosos/as ante la perspectiva de no cumplir con las expectativas' y lo describe como un 'estado de ansiedad constante'.
El texto menciona que 'muchos individuos se sienten cada vez más nerviosos/as ante la perspectiva de no cumplir con las expectativas' y lo describe como un 'estado de ansiedad constante'.
¿Por qué la ponente se sentía 'nerviosa/a' antes de su intervención?
Read this passage:
Durante la conferencia internacional, la ponente principal, conocida por su aplomo, confesó sentirse ligeramente nerviosa/a antes de su intervención. Atribuyó esta sensación no a la falta de preparación, sino a la magnitud del evento y a la diversidad de la audiencia. Sin embargo, su nerviosismo inicial se disipó rápidamente una vez que comenzó a hablar, demostrando su profesionalismo y experiencia.
¿Por qué la ponente se sentía 'nerviosa/a' antes de su intervención?
El texto indica que la ponente 'atribuyó esta sensación no a la falta de preparación, sino a la magnitud del evento y a la diversidad de la audiencia'.
El texto indica que la ponente 'atribuyó esta sensación no a la falta de preparación, sino a la magnitud del evento y a la diversidad de la audiencia'.
¿Qué factor principal contribuía al nerviosismo del director del hospital?
Read this passage:
El director del hospital estaba visiblemente nervioso/a mientras esperaba los resultados de la delicada cirugía. La vida del paciente dependía de la habilidad del equipo quirúrgico y la tensión en la sala de espera era palpable. Aunque había presenciado innumerables operaciones, cada situación crítica le generaba un profundo sentido de responsabilidad y, consecuentemente, un notable nerviosismo.
¿Qué factor principal contribuía al nerviosismo del director del hospital?
El pasaje afirma que 'la vida del paciente dependía de la habilidad del equipo quirúrgico y la tensión en la sala de espera era palpable', y que 'cada situación crítica le generaba un profundo sentido de responsabilidad y, consecuentemente, un notable nerviosismo'.
El pasaje afirma que 'la vida del paciente dependía de la habilidad del equipo quirúrgico y la tensión en la sala de espera era palpable', y que 'cada situación crítica le generaba un profundo sentido de responsabilidad y, consecuentemente, un notable nerviosismo'.
This sentence describes someone feeling nervous despite thorough preparation for a demanding audience, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of 'nervioso'.
This sentence uses 'nerviosas' to describe a collective anxiety caused by an economic crisis, showing advanced contextual usage.
This sentence presents a contrasting scenario where even a typically composed individual feels nervous, highlighting the intensity of the situation.
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Summary
Use 'nervioso/a' to describe someone who is feeling anxious or easily worried.
- Feeling anxious or worried.
- Describes someone easily agitated.
- Used for unease before an event.
Gender Matters for Nervioso
Remember that nervioso changes its ending depending on the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use nervioso for masculine singular nouns and nerviosa for feminine singular nouns. For plural, it's nerviosos (masculine) and nerviosas (feminine).
Associated Verb: Estar
When you're talking about someone being nervous, you'll almost always use the verb estar (to be) with nervioso/a. For example, 'Estoy nervioso' means 'I am nervous'.
Context is Key: Situation vs. Personality
While nervioso/a can describe a temporary state ('Estoy nervioso por el examen' - I'm nervous about the exam), it can also describe someone's general personality if used consistently. However, for a persistent 'nervous' personality, 'ansioso/a' might be a better fit.
Common Phrases with Nervioso
Listen for phrases like 'ponerse nervioso/a' (to get nervous) or 'estar nervioso/a por algo' (to be nervous about something). These are very common and will help you sound more natural.
Beispiel
Se pone nervioso antes de los exámenes.
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a diferencia de
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abatido
B1Feeling or showing great sadness or discouragement; dejected.
abatimiento
B2State of being low in spirits; dejection or depression.
abatir
B1To make someone feel dejected or disheartened.
abierto/a de mente
B2Open-minded; willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
aborrecer
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to loathe.
abrazar
A1To put one's arms around someone as a sign of affection.
abrazo
A1An act of holding someone closely in one's arms; a hug.
abrumador
B1Overpowering; very great or intense.
abrumar
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a large amount of something.
