Entry
そわそわ
sowasowa
A state of being restless, fidgety, or unable to calm down due to anticipation, nervousness, or excitement.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Sowasowa describes the physical and mental state of being restless or fidgety. It is commonly used when someone cannot sit still because they are nervously anticipating an event, such as an exam, an interview, or a date. It can also describe the behavior of someone who feels out of place or is hiding something.
- nervous anticipation
- fidgeting
Sense Map
Nervous Anticipation
Feeling restless or unable to calm down because you are waiting for something to happen.
デートの前にそわそわする
Fidgeting
Physically moving around or being unable to sit still due to inner unease or excitement.
そわそわと歩き回る
Usage Note
How to Use
そわそわする
Used as a verb meaning 'to feel restless' or 'to get nervous'.
そわそわしている
Describes an ongoing state of being restless or fidgeting right now.
そわそわと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed restlessly, such as waiting (待つ) or walking (歩く).
How to Use
Common Phrases
そわそわする
to feel restless
そわそわしている
is currently restless
そわそわと待つ
to wait restlessly
そわそわ落ち着かない
restless and unable to calm down
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting for a date or a present. | Positive | Implies excitement and a happy inability to calm down. |
| Waiting for test results. | Neutral to Negative | Implies nervousness, mild anxiety, and worry. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
おどおど おどおど / similar | When someone is acting fearful, lacking confidence, or intimidated. | Sowasowa is about anticipation or excitement, while odoodo is specifically about fear or anxiety causing a lack of confidence. | オドオドした態度 |
もじもじ もじもじ / similar | When someone is shy, hesitant to speak, or bashfully squirming. | Sowasowa implies an active restlessness (like pacing), whereas mojimoji is more about shy hesitation and small, restrained movements. | 恥ずかしくてモジモジする |
せかせか せかせか / similar | When someone is rushing around or doing things in a hurried, impatient manner. | Sowasowa is an internal feeling of restlessness, while sekaseka is about rushing physical actions because one feels busy. | せかせか歩く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using sowasowa for extreme panic or terror.
Sowasowa is for mild anxiety, nervousness, or anticipation. For terror or extreme panic, use words like panikku (パニック) or kyoufu (恐怖).
Using sowasowa to describe a hyperactive child just playing.
It specifically describes nervous energy or anticipation, not just general high energy or running around for fun.
Examples
Examples
面接の前で、朝からずっとそわそわしている。
めんせつのまえで、あさからずっとそわそわしている。
I have been feeling restless all morning before the interview.
LiteralFocuses on the state of being nervous and restless due to an upcoming event.
彼はプレゼントをもらえると思って、そわそわと待っていた。
かれはプレゼントをもらえるとおもって、そわそわとまっていた。
He waited restlessly, thinking he would get a present.
LiteralShows positive restlessness coming from excitement.
テストの結果が気になって、教室でそわそわ落ち着かない。
テストのけっかがきになって、きょうしつでそわそわおちつかない。
I am restless and unable to calm down in the classroom, worrying about the test results.
LiteralHighlights the inability to calm down due to internal anxiety.
時計を見ながらそわそわと歩き回る。
とけいをみながらそわそわとあるきまわる。
Walking around restlessly while looking at the clock.
VisualFocuses on the physical manifestation of restlessness, namely pacing or moving aimlessly.
何か隠し事があるのか、彼の態度はそわそわしている。
なにかかくしごとがあるのか、かれのたいどはそわそわしている。
Perhaps he is hiding something, his attitude seems restless.
FigurativeExtended to describe the overall attitude or aura of someone feeling guilty or uncomfortable.
Similar Words
オドオド
odoodo
Describes a nervous and hesitant behavior caused by fear or a lack of self-confidence. Similar but more about fear or a lack of confidence.
もじもじ
mojimoji
Describes fidgeting, squirming, or acting restlessly due to shyness, hesitation, or nervousness. Similar but used when shyness holds back action, rather than actively pacing.
せかせか
sekaseka
Sekaseka describes moving, acting, or speaking in a hurried, restless, and agitated manner. Similar in activity, but sekaseka is driven by feeling busy or rushed, not anticipation.
Questions
Can I use sowasowa when I am scared of ghosts?
No, sowasowa is for anticipation or mild nervousness. For fear of ghosts, words like biku biku (びくびく) are more appropriate.
Is it rude to tell someone they are sowasowa-ing?
Not necessarily rude, but it points out their visible nervousness. It's often used objectively to describe someone's state.
What is the difference between sowasowa and doki doki?
Doki doki refers to the sound and feeling of a fast heartbeat (internal), while sowasowa often involves visible physical restlessness and fidgeting.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1007120
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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