緊張(きんちょう)

きんちょう
noun
tension, nervousness
1. tension, nervousness, strain
A state of mental or emotional strain, especially before an important event.
面接(めんせつ)で緊張(きんちょう)した。
I was nervous at the interview.
緊張(きんちょう)しないで。
Don't be nervous.
Encouraging expression
人前(ひとまえ)で話(はな)すと緊張(きんちょう)してしまう。
I get nervous when speaking in front of people.
2. tension (political/social)
A strained state of relations between groups or countries.
両国(りょうこく)の緊張(きんちょう)が高(たか)まっている。
Tension between the two countries is rising.
国際的(こくさいてき)な緊張(きんちょう)が続(つづ)いている。
International tensions continue.
地域(ちいき)の緊張(きんちょう)を和(やわ)らげるために、話(はな)し合(あ)いが必要(ひつよう)だ。
Discussions are needed to ease regional tensions.

緊張(きんちょう) has two main uses: personal nervousness and interpersonal/political tension.

SENSE 1 — NERVOUSNESS:

Describes the feeling of being nervous or anxious before something important.

SENSE 2 — TENSION (political/social):

Describes strained relations between groups, countries, or people.

COMMON COMPOUND:

  • 緊張(きんちょう)感(かん): sense of tension, suspense

Related Words

Antonym: リラックス (relaxation)
general
Added 2026.1.11 21:55 · Revised 2026.5.21 6:14
02000/02494_kinchou