nervio
“nervio” means “nerve” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
nerve
Also: vein
📝 In Action
El dentista dice que el nervio del diente está inflamado.
A2The dentist says the tooth nerve is inflamed.
El nervio óptico conecta el ojo con el cerebro.
B1The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain.
Puedes ver los nervios de la hoja si la pones a contraluz.
C1You can see the veins of the leaf if you hold it against the light.
nerves, energy
Also: spirit
📝 In Action
Tengo muchos nervios por el examen de mañana.
A2I'm very nervous about tomorrow's exam.
Esa canción tiene mucho nervio.
B2That song has a lot of energy/spirit.
Los nervios me traicionaron durante la entrevista.
B1My nerves got the better of me during the interview.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: nervio
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I am nervous' using the noun form?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'nervus', which originally referred to sinews, tendons, or bowstrings. Over time, it evolved to describe the fibers that carry signals through the body.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'nervio' mean the same as 'cheek' or 'audacity'?
Not usually. In English, you might say 'You have a lot of nerve!' to mean someone is being rude. In Spanish, we use phrases like '¡Qué cara tienes!' or '¡Qué poca vergüenza!' instead.
Why do people say 'un ataque de nervios'?
This is a common phrase for a sudden burst of intense emotion, anxiety, or anger where a person loses control. It's culturally significant in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Can I use 'nervio' for the lines on a leaf?
Yes! Just like English uses 'veins,' Spanish uses 'nervios' to describe the structural lines that support a leaf.