N3
きんちょう (kinchō)
緊張
nervousness; tension
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Refers to physical or emotional tension/nervousness, especially before a big event. Can be used with する as a verb (緊張する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'W-Why are you staring back into my eyes like that... My face is red? That's just because you're standing so close, making me nervous—Wait, no it's not! It's just because the AC is set way too high in this room!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『な、何よ、私の目を見つめ返してきて...。顔が赤い？それはあんたがそんな間近にいるから緊張してるだけで...って、違うわよ！この部屋のエアコンの温度設定が高すぎるだけなんだから！』
📝 Example Sentences
発表の直前は、とても緊張しました。
Just before the presentation, I was extremely nervous.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "緊張"!
大勢の人の前で話すときは、とても_______します。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 人前で体が硬くなったり不安になったりする状態なので「緊張」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『緊張するなら、客席をカボチャだと思いなさい！...ダメなら、私だけを見つめて話しなさいよね！』
English: Since it is a state of stiffening or feeling anxious in front of people, 'nervousness' (kinchō) is correct. Haruka: 'If you're nervous, imagine the audience as pumpkins! ...If that fails, just look at me while speaking!'
English: Since it is a state of stiffening or feeling anxious in front of people, 'nervousness' (kinchō) is correct. Haruka: 'If you're nervous, imagine the audience as pumpkins! ...If that fails, just look at me while speaking!'
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