How to Say ‘I'm a little nervous.’ in Japanese
ちょっと緊張します。
chotto kinchou shi masu
[choht-toh keen-choh shee mahs]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Admitting nerves before your shot is a modest, likable move in Japan. It usually draws reassurance from your playing partners.
Phrase Breakdown
ちょっと
chotto
[choht-toh]
a little; a bit
Placed before an adjective to soften the impact. Good for negotiating quiet hours politely.
夜は音楽がちょっと大きいです。
At night, the music is a little loud.
緊張
kinchou
[keen-choh]
nervousness / tension
Noun meaning “nervousness/tension.” Common patterns: 緊張する (get nervous), 緊張してる (I’m nervous). Good honest line on a first meeting.
初対面だと緊張 します。
I get nervous when meeting for the first time.
し
shi
[shee]
do
し is the stem of する, meaning to do.
予約しします。
I do the reservation.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.
予約を確認し ます。
I will confirm the reservation.
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