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How to Say "nervous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nervioso

/nair-vee-OH-soh//neɾˈβjoso/

adjectiveA1general
Use this word when you are feeling anxious, agitated, or stressed about a specific situation.
A simplified illustration of a small rabbit looking anxious, nervously rubbing its paws together.

Examples

Estoy nervioso por la entrevista de trabajo de mañana.

I am nervous about tomorrow's job interview.

Mi hermana está muy nerviosa antes de subir al escenario.

My sister is very anxious before going up on stage.

No te pongas nervioso; todo va a salir bien.

Don't get nervous; everything is going to turn out well.

El sistema nervioso central controla el cuerpo.

The central nervous system controls the body.

Agreement is Key

Since 'nervioso' is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the person or thing you are describing. Use '-a' for feminine words (nerviosa), and '-os' or '-as' for plurals (nerviosos, nerviosas).

Use 'Estar' for Feelings

To express feeling nervous, always use the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary emotional state, not a permanent characteristic.

Always Describes Nerves

In this usage, 'nervioso' describes something that is literally part of the body's nerve structure, like organs or cells. It functions like an English adjective.

Using 'Ser'

Mistake: “Soy nervioso.”

Correction: Estoy nervioso.

ansioso

/ahn-SYOH-soh//anˈsjo.so/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when you are eagerly anticipating an upcoming event, often with a mix of excitement and a little apprehension.
A small, wide-eyed rabbit sitting alone, gripping its paws tightly, conveying a feeling of worry and nervousness.

Examples

Mi hermana está ansiosa por su entrevista de trabajo mañana.

My sister is anxious about her job interview tomorrow.

Estábamos ansiosos esperando la llamada del médico.

We were anxiously waiting for the doctor's call.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'ansioso' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'ansioso' (masculine singular), 'ansiosa' (feminine singular), 'ansiosos' (masculine plural), 'ansiosas' (feminine plural).

Confusing 'Anxious' Meanings

Mistake: “Using 'ansioso' when you simply mean 'eager' (Definition 2) but forgetting the preposition.”

Correction: When meaning 'worried,' you often use 'ansioso POR' + noun. When meaning 'eager,' it's common to use 'ansioso POR' or 'ansioso DE' + infinitive.

nervioso

adjectiveB2technical
Use this specific meaning of 'nervioso' when referring to the biological nerves or the nervous system of the body.

Examples

El sistema nervioso central controla el cuerpo.

The central nervous system controls the body.

Confusing 'Nervioso' and 'Ansioso'

Learners often confuse 'nervioso' and 'ansioso' because both can describe a feeling of unease. Remember that 'nervioso' is for general anxiety or agitation, while 'ansioso' implies a stronger sense of eager anticipation for something to happen.

Related Translations

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