Nervousness
Tension
noun, verbal noun
Your tense body begins to stretch tighter and tighter as nervousness takes over.
緊張 describes that nervousness you feel before a big event or during a stressful moment. It can also refer to other things that feel tight or strained, like muscle tension, or even global tensions and strained relations between countries.
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.
社長のジョークに緊張の糸がほぐれました。
The president's joke helped ease the tension.
面接のときは、緊張で手汗が止まりませんでした。
My hands wouldn't stop sweating from nervousness during the interview.
緊張感がただよう会場の中、彼女は静かに立ち上がった。
Amidst the palpable tension in the room, she quietly stood up.
「明日、就職の面接があるんで、ちょっと緊張してるんだよね。」「え〜そうなの？うまくいくといいね。」
"I have a job interview tomorrow. I'm a little nervous." "Oh, really? Well, I'm sure you'll do fine."
仕事から来るストレスと緊張で、最近よく眠れないんです。
I've been having trouble sleeping lately due to stress and tension from work.