Dictionary
English - Japanese

Tension

ˈtɛnʃən
Very common
~ 2100
~ 2100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

緊張 (きんちょう), 張力 (ちょうりょく), 緊迫 (きんぱく), 対立 (たいりつ)

Tension meanings in Japanese

緊張 (きんちょう)

Example:
She felt a lot of tension before the presentation.
彼女はプレゼンテーションの前に多くの緊張を感じていた。
The tension in the room was palpable during the meeting.
会議中、部屋の緊張感は明らかだった。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to describe physical or emotional stress, anxiety, or nervousness in situations such as public speaking or important meetings.
Note: 緊張 can also refer to the physical tension in muscles.

張力 (ちょうりょく)

Example:
The tension in the rope was necessary to lift the heavy load.
そのロープの張力は重い荷物を持ち上げるために必要だった。
Engineers must calculate the tension in cables to ensure safety.
エンジニアは安全を確保するためにケーブルの張力を計算しなければならない。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in physics and engineering to refer to the force exerted by a rope, cable, or string when it is pulled tight.
Note: 張力 is a technical term commonly used in scientific contexts.

緊迫 (きんぱく)

Example:
The situation has reached a state of high tension.
状況は高い緊迫状態に達している。
The political tension between the two countries has escalated.
二国間の政治的緊迫が高まっている。
Usage: FormalContext: Used to describe a situation that is tense or fraught with conflict, often in geopolitical contexts.
Note: 緊迫 is more about the intensity of the situation rather than personal feelings.

対立 (たいりつ)

Example:
There was a lot of tension between the two teams.
二つのチームの間には多くの対立があった。
Tension sometimes arises from misunderstandings.
対立は時には誤解から生じることがある。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to describe conflicts or opposition between people or groups.
Note: 対立 can be used in various contexts, including personal relationships, sports, and politics.

Tension's synonyms

Stress

Stress refers to mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
Example: The tension between the two countries led to increased stress among the citizens.
Note: While tension can be more general, stress often implies a more specific mental or emotional strain.

Pressure

Pressure refers to the force or influence that is put on someone to do something.
Example: The pressure of meeting deadlines caused tension in the workplace.
Note: Pressure can imply an external force or influence causing tension, while tension can be more internal or between individuals.

Strain

Strain refers to the physical or emotional demands that are difficult to cope with.
Example: The strain of balancing work and family responsibilities created tension in her life.
Note: Strain often implies a feeling of being stretched or overwhelmed, which can lead to tension.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Example: Her anxiety about the upcoming exam caused tension in her relationships.
Note: While tension can be more general, anxiety specifically refers to a feeling of worry or unease.

Tension expressions, common phrases

On edge

To be tense, nervous, or anxious about something.
Example: Ever since the argument, he's been on edge and easily irritated.
Note: This phrase describes a heightened state of tension or anxiety.

Walking on eggshells

To be very cautious in one's actions or speech to avoid causing offense or further tension.
Example: She felt like she was walking on eggshells around her boss, afraid to make a mistake.
Note: This phrase conveys the idea of extreme sensitivity and delicate handling to prevent a negative reaction.

High strung

Easily agitated or prone to being nervous or tense.
Example: She's always been high strung, reacting strongly to even minor stresses.
Note: This phrase describes a person who is naturally predisposed to tension or anxiety.

Nail-biting

Causing great anxiety or tension; very suspenseful.
Example: The game was so intense, it was nail-biting until the final seconds.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the suspenseful or anxiety-inducing nature of a situation.

Under pressure

Experiencing stress or strain due to expectations or demands.
Example: She performs well under pressure, always managing to meet tight deadlines.
Note: This phrase focuses on the stress induced by external factors like deadlines or expectations.

Stress out

To become anxious or tense due to stress or pressure.
Example: I always stress out before exams, but somehow manage to do well.
Note: This phrase highlights the individual's response to stress, often resulting in tension or anxiety.

In a bind

In a difficult situation with limited options, causing tension or stress.
Example: I'm in a bind because I promised to go to two events at the same time.
Note: This phrase implies being caught in a challenging or tense circumstance with few solutions.

Walking a tightrope

Navigating a precarious situation where a small mistake could have serious consequences.
Example: Balancing work and family life feels like walking a tightrope sometimes.
Note: This phrase suggests the delicate balance and tension involved in managing a challenging situation.

Tension everyday (slang) expressions

On pins and needles

Feeling extremely anxious or nervous, eagerly anticipating something.
Example: I'm on pins and needles waiting to hear back about the job interview.
Note:

Biting nails

Feeling very anxious or nervous, especially about something uncertain or suspenseful.
Example: The suspense is killing me, I've been biting my nails all day.
Note:

Hair-raising

Causing extreme fear or tension, typically in a thrilling or exciting way.
Example: That horror movie was so intense, it was a hair-raising experience!
Note:

Grinding teeth

Experiencing extreme stress or tension, leading to physical manifestations like teeth grinding.
Example: I've been grinding my teeth at night due to the stress at work.
Note:

Jitters

Feeling nervous or anxious, especially before a stressful event or situation.
Example: I always get the jitters before a performance.
Note:

Butterflies in the stomach

Feeling nervous or anxious, especially in the stomach area, due to anticipation or excitement.
Example: I have butterflies in my stomach before the big presentation.
Note:

Heart in mouth

Feeling extremely anxious or tense, usually due to a sudden shock or intense situation.
Example: When I heard the news, my heart was in my mouth.
Note:

Tension - Examples

There was a lot of tension between the two coworkers after their disagreement.

Tension grammar

Tension - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: tension
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): tensions, tension
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): tension
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): tensioned
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): tensioning
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): tensions
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): tension
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): tension
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Tension Contains 2 syllables: ten • sion
Phonetic transcription: ˈten(t)-shən
ten sion , ˈten(t) shən (The red syllable is stressed)

Tension - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Tension: ~ 2100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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