nervios
/NER-vee-ohs/
nerves
In this context, nervios means anxiety or jitters.
nervios(noun)
nerves
?anxiety, jitters
,nervousness
?state of anxiety
stage fright
?performance anxiety
📝 In Action
Tengo muchos nervios antes de la presentación.
A1I have a lot of nerves/anxiety before the presentation.
¿Puedes darme un vaso de agua? ¡Estoy de nervios!
A2Can you give me a glass of water? I'm so nervous!
Ella trató de calmar sus nervios respirando profundamente.
B1She tried to calm her nerves by breathing deeply.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for Anxiety
When talking about the feeling of anxiety, 'nervios' is almost always used in the plural, even though 'nervousness' is singular in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular
Mistake: "Tengo nervio."
Correction: Tengo nervios. (Use the plural form when describing anxiety.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Tener'
To express that you feel nervous, use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tengo nervios' (I have nerves) is the standard way to say 'I am nervous.'
Nervios also refers to the anatomical structures that transmit signals throughout the body.
📝 In Action
El sistema de nervios controla todos los movimientos del cuerpo.
B2The system of nerves controls all the movements of the body.
Sufrió una lesión que afectó varios nervios de la columna.
C1He suffered an injury that affected several nerves in the spine.
💡 Grammar Points
The Singular Form
When referring to a single nerve fiber, the singular form 'nervio' is used. 'Nervios' is the plural.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
The context usually makes it clear whether you are talking about physical nerves (medical talk) or the feeling of anxiety (everyday talk).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: nervios
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'nervios' to mean anxiety?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'nervios' is plural, why is the English translation 'nervousness' (singular)?
Spanish often uses the plural form 'nervios' to treat the feeling of anxiety as a collection of jitters, worries, or physical sensations. Think of it as 'a case of the nerves,' which is common in English too, but in Spanish, the plural is mandatory for this emotional meaning.
What's the difference between 'nervios' and 'nerviosismo'?
'Nervios' usually refers to the temporary state or specific jitters (Tengo nervios). 'Nerviosismo' refers to the general condition or trait of being anxious (Su nerviosismo es crónico).