1.
nerve
Fibers in the body that transmit signals between the brain and other parts of the body.
神経が痛む。
My nerve hurts.
歯の神経を抜いた。
I had the nerve in my tooth removed.
自律神経のバランスが崩れると体調を崩しやすい。
When the autonomic nervous system becomes unbalanced, it's easy to feel unwell.
2.
nerves, sensitivity, temperament
One's mental state, sensitivity to things, or disposition.
彼は神経が細かい。
He is very sensitive / pays attention to details.
あの音は神経にさわる。
That sound gets on my nerves.
大勢の前で話すと神経が高ぶる。
I get nervous when speaking in front of many people.
神経 is used for both physical nerves and psychological sensitivity.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 神経が細かい (sensitive, detail-oriented)
- 神経が太い (thick-skinned, insensitive - often negative)
- 神経を使う (to be nervous, to pay careful attention)
- 神経にさわる (to get on one's nerves)
- 神経が高ぶる (nerves are on edge)
COMPOUNDS:
- 神経質 (nervous temperament)
- 神経科 (neurology department)
- 自律神経 (autonomic nervous system)