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A2 noun 10 min read

不紧张

bu jin zhang

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不紧张 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 不紧张 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on basic personal information and immediate needs. '不紧张' (bù jǐnzhāng) is taught as a simple negation of '紧张' (nervous). Students learn to use it in basic Subject + Adjective sentences like '我不紧张' (I am not nervous). The focus is on recognizing the characters and understanding that '不' means 'not'. At this stage, it's a vital tool for expressing basic feelings during the first few weeks of language learning or when meeting new people. Learners are encouraged to use it to reassure themselves and others in simple classroom interactions.

At the A2 level, learners can communicate in simple and routine tasks. They start using '不紧张' with degree adverbs like '很' (hěn - though usually '不紧张' doesn't take '很', it takes '不太' for 'not very'). A2 learners begin to use the phrase in more varied contexts, such as describing their feelings before a test or a simple presentation. They also learn the 'A-not-A' question form: '你紧张不紧张？' (Are you nervous or not?). This allows for more dynamic social interactions. The understanding of the word expands from a simple feeling to a response to common social pressures.

B1 learners can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling and can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar. At this level, '不紧张' is used in complex sentences involving conjunctions like '虽然...但是...' (Although... but...). For example, '虽然人很多，但是我不紧张' (Although there are many people, I am not nervous). Learners also start to distinguish between '不紧张' and '放松' (relax), understanding the nuance between the absence of anxiety and the presence of relaxation. They can use the phrase to describe people's characters in stories or personal anecdotes.

At the B2 level, speakers can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. They use '不紧张' in more abstract and professional contexts. They might use it to describe a 'psychological state' (心理状态) or a 'performance' (表现). B2 learners are expected to use more sophisticated modifiers like '一点也不' (not at all) or '毫无' (not in the least). They understand the cultural implications of being '不紧张' in Chinese society, such as the value placed on composure. They can also use the phrase to discuss more complex topics like mental health or workplace stress management.

C1 learners can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They use '不紧张' as a baseline from which they pivot to more literary or precise terms like '泰然自若' (tài rán zì ruò - cool and collected) or '从容不迫' (cóng róng bù pò - calm and unhurried). At this level, the learner understands the subtle rhetorical uses of '不紧张' in literature and high-level discourse. They can analyze why an author might choose '不紧张' over a more complex word to create a specific tone or to emphasize a character's simplicity and directness.

At the C2 level, speakers have a precision of meaning and can express finer shades of meaning. '不紧张' is used with total mastery of its connotations and registers. A C2 speaker might use it ironically or as part of a sophisticated psychological analysis. They understand its historical development and how the characters '紧' and '张' relate to ancient Chinese philosophy and metaphors of tension (like the bow). They can use the phrase in any context, from legal proceedings to poetic descriptions, with perfect grammatical accuracy and cultural resonance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不紧张 in 30 Seconds

Used to describe a calm, relaxed state of mind without anxiety.
Commonly used before exams, interviews, or public speaking events.
Formed by adding the negator 'bù' (not) to 'jǐnzhāng' (nervous).
Can be emphasized with phrases like 'yīdiǎn yě bù' (not at all).

The phrase 不紧张 (bù jǐnzhāng) is a fundamental expression in Mandarin Chinese used to describe a state of being relaxed, composed, or free from anxiety. Linguistically, it is a negation of the adjective 紧张 (jǐnzhāng), which translates to 'nervous', 'tense', or 'strained'. When we break down the components, we find 不 (bù), the universal negator meaning 'not', and 紧张 (jǐnzhāng). The characters in 紧张 are particularly evocative: 紧 (jǐn) refers to something being tight or close-knit (originally related to the tension of silk threads), and 张 (zhāng) refers to the stretching of a bowstring. Together, they depict a state of high tension, like a bow pulled to its limit. Therefore, 不紧张 literally means the absence of that 'stretched-tight' feeling.

Psychological State: It refers to the internal emotional experience of remaining calm during high-stakes situations such as exams, job interviews, or public performances. It is often a desired state of mind.
Physical Relaxation: While primarily emotional, it can also describe the lack of physical tension in the body, such as relaxed muscles or a steady heartbeat in a situation where one might expect stress.
Social Composure: In social settings, being 'not nervous' implies a level of confidence and ease when interacting with others, especially strangers or authority figures.

看到他在台上演讲的样子，我发现他一点也不紧张。(Seeing him give a speech on stage, I realized he wasn't nervous at all.)

In Chinese culture, the ability to remain 不紧张 is often associated with the concept of 心理素质 (xīnlǐ sùzhì), or 'psychological quality/resilience'. A person with high psychological quality is expected to maintain their composure under pressure. You will hear this phrase frequently in educational contexts (students talking about tests), professional environments (preparing for presentations), and personal growth discussions. It is a versatile term that bridges the gap between simple daily conversation and more complex psychological descriptions.

面对这么多的观众，你竟然完全不紧张，真厉害！(Facing such a large audience, you're actually not nervous at all, truly impressive!)

Furthermore, the phrase is often used as an encouragement. A friend might say “别紧张” (bié jǐnzhāng - don't be nervous), to which you might reply “我不紧张” (wǒ bù jǐnzhāng - I'm not nervous) as a way of self-reassurance or to signal your readiness. It is a powerful tool for emotional regulation and social signaling in the Chinese-speaking world.

Using 不紧张 (bù jǐnzhāng) in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it follows the standard rules for negating adjectives in Mandarin. However, to sound more natural, one should understand the common patterns and modifiers that accompany it. The most basic structure is [Subject] + 不紧张. Because '紧张' functions as a stative verb (adjective), you do not need the verb 'to be' (是 - shì) before it.

Simple Affirmation of State: Standard: 我不紧张 (Wǒ bù jǐnzhāng) - I am not nervous. This is the direct way to state your current emotional condition.
Emphatic Negation: Pattern: [Subject] + 一点也不 + 紧张. Example: 他一点也不紧张 (Tā yīdiǎn yě bù jǐnzhāng) - He is not nervous at all. This is very common in spoken Chinese to show total confidence.
Comparative Relaxation: Pattern: [Subject] + 比以前 + 不紧张. Example: 我现在比以前不紧张了 (Wǒ xiànzài bǐ yǐqián bù jǐnzhāng le) - I am less nervous now than before. The 'le' at the end indicates a change in state.

虽然这是我第一次参加比赛，但我真的不紧张。(Although this is my first time participating in a competition, I'm really not nervous.)

It is important to note that 不紧张 can also be used in questions. A common way to ask if someone is nervous is 你紧张不紧张？(Nǐ jǐnzhāng bù jǐnzhāng?), which is the 'A-not-A' question format. Alternatively, you can ask 你紧张吗？(Nǐ jǐnzhāng ma?). If you want to ask 'Why aren't you nervous?', you would say 你为什么不紧张？(Nǐ wèishéme bù jǐnzhāng?).

他那种不紧张的态度让大家都感到很放心。(His non-nervous attitude made everyone feel very relieved.)

In more complex sentences, 不紧张 can act as a modifier for a noun, though it usually requires the particle '的' (de). For example, “一个不紧张的运动员” (yī gè bù jǐnzhāng de yùndòngyuán) means 'a non-nervous athlete'. This usage emphasizes the trait of the person rather than just their current feeling. Mastering these variations allows you to describe emotional resilience in a variety of nuanced ways.

The phrase 不紧张 (bù jǐnzhāng) echoes through many corridors of daily life in China and Chinese-speaking communities. Its presence is most felt in environments where performance and evaluation are central. For instance, in the high-pressure world of the Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam), teachers and parents constantly monitor students' levels of anxiety. You will hear phrases like “只要你不紧张，就能考好” (Zhǐyào nǐ bù jǐnzhāng, jiù néng kǎo hǎo), meaning 'As long as you aren't nervous, you'll be able to test well'. Here, 不紧张 is treated as the key to success.

The Doctor's Office: When getting a shot or undergoing a check-up, a doctor might say, “放松点，不紧张” (Fàngsōng diǎn, bù jǐnzhāng), which translates to 'Relax a bit, don't be nervous'. It is used to physically calm the patient.
Job Interviews: Interviewers often try to build rapport by saying, “我们只是随便聊聊，不用紧张” (Wǒmen zhǐshì suíbiàn liáoliáo, bùyòng jǐnzhāng) - 'We're just chatting casually, no need to be nervous'.
Sports Commentary: Commentators often praise athletes by saying, “这位选手心态很好，一点都不紧张” (Zhè wèi xuǎnshǒu xīntài hěn hǎo, yīdiǎn dōu bù jǐnzhāng) - 'This player has a great mindset, not nervous at all'.

看他走路的样子，就知道他现在一点也不紧张。(Looking at the way he walks, you can tell he isn't nervous at all right now.)

In modern media, such as reality TV shows or talent competitions like Sisters Who Make Waves or Produce 101, the camera often focuses on contestants backstage. You'll hear them whispering to themselves, “不紧张，不紧张”, as a form of self-mantra. It also appears in romantic contexts, where one might admit to being nervous on a first date, or conversely, claim to be 不紧张 to appear cool and collected.

只要心里有底，做任何事情都会不紧张。(As long as you are prepared in your heart, you won't be nervous doing anything.)

Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) often feature posts about 'how to stay 不紧张 during presentations'. The term is ubiquitous because the feeling it describes—or the absence thereof—is a universal human experience that transcends specific cultural boundaries, yet is expressed with specific linguistic flair in Chinese.

While 不紧张 (bù jǐnzhāng) is relatively simple to use, English speakers often fall into several common traps due to direct translation or a misunderstanding of Chinese grammar. One of the most frequent errors is the inclusion of the verb 是 (shì). In English, we say 'I **am** not nervous.' This leads learners to say *我是不紧张. In Chinese, however, adjectives (stative verbs) do not require 'shì' for simple descriptions. The correct form is simply 我不紧张.

The 'Shì' Error: Incorrect: 我是不紧张 (Wǒ shì bù jǐnzhāng). Correct: 我不紧张 (Wǒ bù jǐnzhāng). Only use 'shì' if you are emphasizing a contrast (e.g., 'I *am* the one who isn't nervous').
Confusing with 'Relaxed': Learners often use '不紧张' when they actually mean '轻松' (qīngsōng - relaxed/easy). '不紧张' is specifically the absence of anxiety, while '轻松' describes a pleasant, stress-free state or a task that is easy to do.
Misplacing Adverbs: Incorrect: 我不很紧张 (Wǒ bù hěn jǐnzhāng). While technically understandable, it sounds unnatural. To say 'not very nervous,' use '不太紧张' (bù tài jǐnzhāng).

错误：他非常不紧张。 (Mistake: He is 'very' not nervous - sounds awkward). 正确：他表现得很镇定。(Correct: He behaves very calmly.)

Another nuance involves the word '紧张' itself. In Chinese, 紧张 can also mean 'scarce' or 'in short supply' (e.g., 时间很紧张 - time is tight). Therefore, saying 时间不紧张 means 'time is not tight' or 'we have plenty of time'. Beginners sometimes get confused when they hear 紧张 applied to objects or abstract concepts like time, thinking it always refers to human emotion. Context is key!

如果你觉得压力大，就深呼吸，让自己不紧张。(If you feel a lot of pressure, take a deep breath to make yourself not nervous.)

Lastly, remember the tone sandhi of '不'. While '不' is 4th tone, learners often forget to pronounce it clearly when they are themselves nervous! Practice saying bù jǐnzhāng with a sharp falling tone on 'bù' and a low-dipping tone on 'jǐn'. This will help you sound more confident and native-like.

While 不紧张 (bù jǐnzhāng) is a perfect general-purpose term, Mandarin offers a rich palette of synonyms and related terms that can convey specific nuances of calmness. Depending on whether you are describing a physical state, a personality trait, or a reaction to a crisis, you might choose a different word.

放松 (fàngsōng) - Relaxed: Unlike '不紧张', which is the absence of a negative, '放松' is a positive state of relaxation. It's what you do after work or during a massage. Example: 考试结束了，我可以放松了 (The exam is over, I can relax).
镇定 (zhèndìng) - Composed/Calm: This is a more formal term, often used to describe someone who remains calm in a dangerous or chaotic situation. It implies a strong will. Example: 面对火灾，他表现得很镇定 (Facing the fire, he behaved very calmly).
从容 (cóngróng) - Unhurried/Leisurely: This describes a state of being calm and unhurried. It's often used for someone who has everything under control and is moving at their own pace. Example: 她从容地走上讲台 (She walked onto the podium unhurriedly).

比起简单的不紧张，“淡定” (dàndìng) 更多了一份看透世事的冷静。(Compared to just being 'not nervous', 'dandìng' adds a layer of coolness from having seen through the world.)

Another popular slang term is 淡定 (dàndìng). Originally a dialect word, it became a massive internet buzzword. It describes a 'chill' or 'unfazed' attitude, often in the face of something shocking or annoying. If someone remains 不紧张 when they should be panicking, people might call them 'dàndìng'.

他看起来非常不紧张，甚至还有心情开玩笑。(He looks very not nervous; he even has the mood to crack jokes.)

In summary, while 不紧张 is your 'bread and butter' phrase for saying you aren't worried, exploring these alternatives will allow you to describe human emotions with much greater precision and cultural depth. Whether you are aiming for the heroic 'zhèndìng' or the modern 'dàndìng', knowing these distinctions marks the transition from a beginner to an intermediate speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '张' (zhāng) in '紧张' contains the 'bow' radical (弓). It originally meant to string a bow. So, being 'not nervous' is like having a bow that isn't pulled tight!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /buː dʒɪn.dʒæŋ/

US /bu dʒɪn.dʒæŋ/

The primary stress is often placed on 'jǐn' to emphasize the state being negated.

Rhymes With

bù (not) rhymes with 'lù' (road) jǐn (tight) rhymes with 'mǐn' (quick) zhāng (stretch) rhymes with 'páng' (side) kù (pants) xìn (letter) táng (sugar) fù (father) wáng (king)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bù' with a rising tone (it should be falling).
Failing to curl the tongue for the 'zh' in 'zhāng'.
Mixing up the tones, making it sound like a different word.
Merging the two syllables of 'jǐnzhāng' into one.
Pronouncing 'jǐn' with a flat tone instead of a dipping one.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are common and taught early in most curriculums.

Writing 3/5

The character '紧' and '张' have many strokes and require practice.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say, but tone sandhi of 'bù' must be correct.

Listening 2/5

Very common in spoken Chinese, easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

不紧张很我

Learn Next

放松压力心理表现状态

Advanced

泰然自若从容不迫淡定心理素质

Grammar to Know

Adjective negation with '不'

我不累，我不紧张。

Tone sandhi of '不'

不(bù)紧张 vs 不(bú)对。

Degree adverbs with '不'

不太紧张, 一点也不紧张。

A-not-A question form

你紧张不紧张？

Stative verbs (no 'shì')

我[is]不紧张 (Incorrect: 我是不紧张).

Examples by Level

我不紧张。

I am not nervous.

Subject + 不 + Adjective.

你不紧张吗？

Are you not nervous?

Adding 'ma' at the end makes it a question.

老师不紧张。

The teacher is not nervous.

Simple noun subject.

他今天不紧张。

He is not nervous today.

Time word 'today' placed before the verb/adjective.

我们都不紧张。

We are all not nervous.

'Dou' means 'all'.

我不紧张，我很开心。

I am not nervous, I am very happy.

Two simple clauses joined together.

你紧张不紧张？

Are you nervous or not?

A-not-A question format.

他不紧张，他很勇敢。

He is not nervous, he is very brave.

Using 'brave' as a reason.

我考试的时候不紧张。

I am not nervous when I take exams.

'...的时候' means 'when'.

他一点也不紧张。

He is not nervous at all.

'一点也不' is a common emphatic structure.

你为什么不紧张？

Why are you not nervous?

'为什么' means 'why'.

我觉得他不紧张。

I think he is not nervous.

'我觉得' means 'I think/feel'.

虽然有面试，但我不紧张。

Although there is an interview, I am not nervous.

'虽然...但...' structure.

他比我不紧张。

He is less nervous than I am.

Comparison using '比'.

现在我不紧张了。

I am not nervous anymore.

'le' at the end indicates a change of state.

他看起来很不紧张。

He looks very not nervous.

'看起来' means 'looks like'.

面对这么多观众，他竟然一点也不紧张。

Facing so many audience members, he actually isn't nervous at all.

'竟然' expresses surprise.

只要准备充分，就不会紧张。

As long as you prepare sufficiently, you won't be nervous.

'只要...就...' means 'as long as... then...'

他那种不紧张的态度让我很佩服。

I admire his non-nervous attitude.

'...的态度' acts as the subject.

我努力让自己保持不紧张的状态。

I try hard to keep myself in a non-nervous state.

'保持...的状态' means 'maintain a state of...'

医生告诉我手术很简单，叫我不要紧张。

The doctor told me the surgery is simple and told me not to be nervous.

Indirect speech.

他说话的声音很平稳，听起来一点也不紧张。

His voice is very steady; he doesn't sound nervous at all.

Describing the quality of a voice.

不管发生什么事，他都能做到不紧张。

No matter what happens, he can manage to not be nervous.

'不管...都...' means 'no matter... still...'

他通过深呼吸来缓解压力，让自己不紧张。

He uses deep breathing to relieve stress and make himself not nervous.

'通过...来...' means 'by means of... in order to...'

尽管竞争激烈，他依然表现得十分从容，一点也不紧张。

Despite the fierce competition, he still behaved very calmly and wasn't nervous at all.

'尽管...依然...' is a formal 'although' structure.

心理素质好的人在关键时刻通常都不紧张。

People with good psychological quality usually aren't nervous at critical moments.

'关键时刻' means 'critical moment'.

这种不紧张的表现其实是多年练习的结果。

This non-nervous performance is actually the result of years of practice.

'...的结果' means 'the result of...'

面试官更看重那些在压力下仍能保持不紧张的应聘者。

Interviewers value candidates who can remain not nervous under pressure.

'看重' means 'to value' or 'think highly of'.

由于他胸有成竹，所以面对质疑时一点也不紧张。

Because he was well-prepared (had a plan in mind), he wasn't nervous at all when facing doubts.

'胸有成竹' is an idiom for being well-prepared.

他不仅不紧张，反而还安慰起身边的人来。

He was not only not nervous, but on the contrary, he started comforting the people around him.

'不仅不...反而...' means 'not only not... but instead...'

在如此重大的场合下，能做到不紧张确实不容易。

In such a significant occasion, being able to not be nervous is truly not easy.

'确实' means 'indeed' or 'truly'.

他那副不紧张的样子，让对手感到很有压力。

His non-nervous appearance made his opponents feel a lot of pressure.

'让...感到...' means 'make... feel...'

他的这种不紧张并非源于自大，而是源于对自身实力的清晰认知。

His lack of nervousness does not stem from arrogance, but from a clear understanding of his own strength.

'并非...而是...' means 'is not... but rather...'

在外交谈判中，保持一种不紧张且不失礼貌的态度至关重要。

In diplomatic negotiations, maintaining a non-nervous and polite attitude is crucial.

'至关重要' is a formal way to say 'vital'.

他深邃的目光透露出一种不紧张的自信，令人心生敬畏。

His deep gaze revealed a non-nervous confidence that inspired awe.

'透露出' means 'to reveal' or 'give away'.

这种不紧张的心理状态是职业运动员必须具备的核心素质之一。

This non-nervous psychological state is one of the core qualities that professional athletes must possess.

'具备' means 'to possess' or 'be equipped with'.

尽管身处险境，他依然能维持一种不紧张的假象，以迷惑敌人。

Despite being in danger, he could still maintain an illusion of not being nervous to deceive the enemy.

'假象' means 'false appearance' or 'illusion'.

这种不紧张并非意味着漠不关心，而是一种极度专注的表现。

This lack of nervousness does not mean indifference, but rather a manifestation of extreme focus.

'意味着' means 'to mean' or 'imply'.

他以一种近乎冷酷的不紧张，处理掉了所有突发状况。

With an almost cold lack of nervousness, he handled all the unexpected situations.

'近乎' means 'close to' or 'bordering on'.

在艺术创作中，只有处于一种不紧张的自由状态，灵感才会迸发。

In artistic creation, inspiration only bursts forth when one is in a non-nervous state of freedom.

'只有...才...' means 'only if... then...'

他那种超脱于物外的不紧张，仿佛在这个喧嚣的世界中开辟了一片净土。

His transcendental lack of nervousness seemed to carve out a piece of pure land in this noisy world.

Highly metaphorical and literary language.

这种不紧张，实则是其深厚文化底蕴与人生阅历的自然流露。

This non-nervousness is, in reality, the natural expression of his profound cultural heritage and life experience.

'实则' is a formal word for 'actually'.

在博弈论的视角下，表现出不紧张是一种向对手传递实力的强力信号。

From the perspective of game theory, showing a lack of nervousness is a powerful signal of strength to the opponent.

Academic context.

他以不紧张解构了原本沉重的氛围，使对话得以在轻松的基调下继续。

He deconstructed the originally heavy atmosphere with his lack of nervousness, allowing the dialogue to continue on a relaxed tone.

'解构' means 'to deconstruct'.

这种不紧张，既是对自我的高度掌控，也是对命运的坦然接受。

This non-nervousness is both a high degree of self-control and a calm acceptance of fate.

'既是...也是...' means 'is both... and...'

在极端的生理压力下，他依然维持着不紧张的表象，这简直是人类意志的奇迹。

Under extreme physiological pressure, he still maintained the appearance of not being nervous; this is simply a miracle of human will.

'表象' means 'surface appearance'.

他的不紧张中蕴含着一种威严，让周围的人不敢有丝毫懈怠。

His lack of nervousness contained a sense of majesty, making those around him not dare to be the least bit slack.

'蕴含' means 'to contain' or 'embody'.

与其说他是不紧张，不如说他已经进入了一种物我两忘的禅定境界。

Rather than saying he is not nervous, it is better to say he has entered a Zen state of forgetting both himself and the world.

'与其说...不如说...' means 'rather than... it is better to say...'

Common Collocations

一点也不紧张

完全不紧张

看起来不紧张

表现得不紧张

竟然不紧张

尽量不紧张

保持不紧张

从来不紧张

为什么不紧张

真的不紧张

Common Phrases

不紧张就好

— As long as you're not nervous, it's fine.

只要你不紧张就好。

没什么好紧张的

— There's nothing to be nervous about.

别担心，没什么好紧张的。

一点都不紧张吗？

— Are you not nervous at all?

你要上台了，一点都不紧张吗？

假装不紧张

— To pretend not to be nervous.

他其实很怕，但他在假装不紧张。

尽量让自己不紧张

— Try your best to make yourself not nervous.

深呼吸，尽量让自己不紧张。

不紧张是假的

— Saying I'm not nervous is a lie (I actually am).

说我不紧张是假的，我手都在抖。

看起来一点也不紧张

— Looks like they aren't nervous at all.

他在台上看起来一点也不紧张。

心里一点也不紧张

— Not nervous in one's heart (internally calm).

虽然外面乱，但我心里一点也不紧张。

只要不紧张就能成功

— You can succeed as long as you aren't nervous.

相信自己，只要不紧张就能成功。

不紧张的态度

— A non-nervous attitude.

他那种不紧张的态度很关键。

Often Confused With

不紧张 vs 放松

Relaxed vs. Not nervous. 'Relaxed' is a positive state, 'Not nervous' is the absence of anxiety.

不紧张 vs 镇定

Composed vs. Not nervous. 'Composed' is more formal and implies strength in a crisis.

不紧张 vs 平静

Quiet/Still vs. Not nervous. 'Quiet' can describe a lake or a mind, but doesn't necessarily mean you were expected to be nervous.

Idioms & Expressions

"泰然自若"

— To be as calm as if nothing had happened; cool and collected.

面对危险，他泰然自若。

Formal

"从容不迫"

— Calm and unhurried; leisurely.

他从容不迫地完成了任务。

Formal

"处变不惊"

— To remain calm in the face of events; stay unruffled in a crisis.

一个优秀的领导需要处变不惊。

Formal

"神色自若"

— To maintain one's composure; look as if nothing is wrong.

他虽然受伤了，但依然神色自若。

Literary

"若无其事"

— As if nothing had happened; nonchalant.

他若无其事地走开了。

Neutral

"胸有成竹"

— To have a well-thought-out plan; to be very confident.

他面试前胸有成竹，所以一点也不紧张。

Neutral

"心平气和"

— Calm and reasonable; even-tempered.

我们坐下来心平气和地谈谈。

Neutral

"面不改色"

— To not change color (face); to remain calm and unfazed.

他面不改色地撒了谎。

Neutral

"不动声色"

— To maintain a poker face; not show one's feelings.

他不动声色地观察着大家。

Formal

"悠然自得"

— Carefree and content; at ease.

他在公园里悠然自得地散步。

Literary

Easily Confused

不紧张 vs 不紧张 (No space)

Typos or spacing errors.

In Chinese, there are no spaces between characters in a phrase like this.

我不紧张 (Correct).

不紧张 vs 不紧 (Not tight)

Using only the first half.

'不紧' refers to physical tightness (like clothes), while '不紧张' refers to emotions.

这件衣服不紧。

不紧张 vs 没紧张

Using 'méi' instead of 'bù'.

'Méi' is used for past actions or possession. 'Bù' is for habitual states or adjectives.

我刚才没紧张 (I wasn't nervous just now).

不紧张 vs 不担心

Not worried vs Not nervous.

'Not worried' (bù dānxīn) is about a future outcome; 'Not nervous' is about current feeling.

我不担心结果。

不紧张 vs 轻松

Easy/Relaxed.

'轻松' (qīngsōng) is often used for tasks or the feeling after a task is done.

考试完了，我很轻松。

Sentence Patterns

S + 不紧张

我不紧张。

S + 一点也不 + 紧张

他一点也不紧张。

虽然...但是 + S + 不紧张

虽然人多，但是我不紧张。

只要...就 + 不紧张

只要准备好，就不紧张。

S + 表现得 + 很不紧张

他表现得很不紧张。

S + 保持 + 不紧张的状态

我们要保持不紧张的状态。

S + 并非...而是 + 不紧张

他并非自大，而是不紧张。

S + 以...的不紧张 + [Action]

他以超乎常人的不紧张处理了危机。

Word Family

Nouns

紧张感 (jǐnzhāng gǎn - feeling of nervousness)

紧张局势 (jǐnzhāng júshì - tense situation)

Verbs

紧张起来 (jǐnzhāng qǐlái - to become nervous)

Adjectives

紧张的 (jǐnzhāng de - nervous)

不紧张的 (bù jǐnzhāng de - non-nervous)

放松 (fàngsōng - relax)

压力 (yālì - pressure)

心情 (xīnqíng - mood)

状态 (zhuàngtài - state)

自信 (zìxìn - confidence)

How to Use It

frequency

Very Common

Common Mistakes

我是不紧张。 → 我不紧张。
In Chinese, adjectives don't need the verb 'to be' (shì) for simple descriptions.
我不很紧张。 → 我不太紧张。
'不太' is the natural way to say 'not very' for adjectives.
没紧张。 → 不紧张。
Use 'bù' for states/adjectives, 'méi' for past actions or possession (usually).
他很紧张不。 → 他紧张不紧张？
The A-not-A question format requires repeating the adjective.
这根绳子不紧张。 → 这根绳子不紧。
'紧张' is for emotions or abstract tension, not physical tightness of objects.

Tips

Stative Verbs

Remember that '紧张' acts like a verb. You don't need 'shì' (to be). '我不紧张' is complete.

Modesty

Saying '我不紧张' can be a way to show you are well-prepared without being arrogant.

Tone Sandhi

In 'bù jǐnzhāng', 'bù' stays 4th tone because 'jǐn' is 3rd tone.

Emphasis

Use '一点也不' (yīdiǎn yě bù) to sound more like a native speaker when emphasizing your calmness.

Character Components

Focus on the 'bow' radical in 'zhāng' to remember it relates to tension.

Self-Talk

Repeating '不紧张' to yourself is a common way Chinese speakers calm themselves down.

Context Clues

If you hear '紧张' in a store, it might mean 'stock is low', not that the store is nervous!

Encouragement

Telling a friend '你肯定不紧张' can be a great way to boost their confidence.

Level Up

Once you master '不紧张', try using '从容' to describe a more graceful calmness.

Real Life

Try using the phrase the next time you have a Chinese oral test!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a bowstring. 'Jǐnzhāng' is the string pulled tight. 'Bù' is the 'X' through it. No tension, no nervousness!

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of a microphone with a big smile and loose shoulders. That is 'bù jǐnzhāng'.

Word Web

Calm Relaxed Confident Steady Brave Prepared Quiet Easy

Challenge

Try to say '我不紧张' five times fast while looking in the mirror before your next Chinese class!

Word Origin

The phrase is a modern construction using the ancient negation '不' and the compound adjective '紧张'. '不' dates back to oracle bone script, originally representing a plant's calyx. '紧张' is a relatively modern compound, though its individual characters are ancient.

Original meaning: Not being in a state of 'tight stretching'.

Sino-Tibetan / Mandarin Chinese.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to tell someone '你不应该紧张' (you shouldn't be nervous) in a way that dismisses their genuine anxiety; '别紧张' is softer.

In the West, admitting you are 'not nervous' can sometimes sound like overconfidence, but in Chinese, it's often a simple statement of readiness.

Zhuge Liang's 'Empty Fort Strategy' (remaining calm/not nervous to trick an army). Modern Chinese pop songs about staying 'dàndìng' (calm). Interviews with Olympic athletes like Quan Hongchan who appear remarkably 'bù jǐnzhāng'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/Exams

考试不紧张
别紧张
放轻松
你会考好的

Work/Interviews

面试不紧张
表现自然
准备充分
自信一点

Public Speaking

台上不紧张
深呼吸
看着观众
大声说话

Medical Checkups

打针不紧张
别害怕
很快就好了
放松肌肉

Sports

比赛不紧张
心态平衡
正常发挥
享受过程

Conversation Starters

"你明天要面试，你紧张吗？ (Are you nervous for your interview tomorrow?)"

"我第一次上台演讲，但我一点也不紧张。 (I'm going on stage for the first time, but I'm not nervous at all.)"

"你看起来很不紧张，有什么秘诀吗？ (You look very not nervous; do you have a secret?)"

"考试前你怎么让自己不紧张？ (How do you make yourself not nervous before an exam?)"

"即使面对老板，他也不紧张。 (Even facing the boss, he isn't nervous.)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你感到不紧张的经历。 (Describe an experience where you felt not nervous.)

为什么在压力下保持不紧张很重要？ (Why is it important to stay not nervous under pressure?)

写一写你如何帮助一个紧张的朋友变得不紧张。 (Write about how you help a nervous friend become not nervous.)

如果你在面试中不紧张，你的表现会更好吗？ (If you aren't nervous in an interview, will your performance be better?)

对比‘不紧张’和‘兴奋’的感觉。 (Compare the feelings of 'not nervous' and 'excited'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is grammatically okay but sounds a bit unnatural. Native speakers prefer '我一点也不紧张' or '我很镇定' to express a high degree of calmness.

'不紧张' is the absence of nervousness. '放松' (fàngsōng) means to relax or loosen up. You can be '不紧张' but still focused, whereas '放松' often implies a more casual state.

Use '别紧张' (bié jǐnzhāng) or '不要紧张' (bùyào jǐnzhāng). '不紧张' on its own is a statement, not a command.

It is neutral. It can be used in casual conversation with friends or in a formal report about someone's performance.

No, it can also mean 'tight' or 'scarce' (e.g., '时间很紧张' - time is tight). So '不紧张' can also mean 'not tight' in those contexts.

'不' is used to negate adjectives and habitual actions. Since '紧张' is an adjective/state, '不' is the standard negator.

Usually no. For a loose rope, you would say '不紧' (bù jǐn). '不紧张' is almost always for people or abstract situations like 'supply' or 'time'.

Yes, '淡定' (dàndìng) is a very popular slang term that means to be cool, unfazed, or 'chill' in any situation.

You can say '我不那么紧张了' (Wǒ bù nàme jǐnzhāng le) or '我没那么紧张了'.

Yes, it is used frequently to describe characters' reactions. More advanced literature might use idioms like '泰然自若'.