Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of something becoming strained in Japanese, including physical tension, emotional stress, and relationships under pressure.
Describing when a physical object, material, or body part becomes tight, tense, or under strain.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become tense/tight/stretched'. Used for strings, muscles, surfaces, etc.
The rope has become strained.
肩が張っている。
My shoulders are tense.
Often used for muscles becoming tense, but also for mental tension. Can mean 'to become strained' in a physical sense.
筋肉が緊張している。
The muscles are strained.
Describing when a person's mental state becomes stressed, anxious, or under pressure.
The most common way to say 'become nervous/tense'. Covers both physical and mental strain.
面接の前は緊張する。
I become strained before interviews.
Literally 'stress accumulates', used when strain builds up over time.
仕事でストレスがたまっている。
I'm becoming strained from work.
Literally 'nerves become taut', used for high-strung tension.
試験の前は神経が張り詰める。
Before exams, my nerves become strained.
Describing when a relationship becomes tense, awkward, or strained due to conflict or stress.
Onomatopoeic verb meaning 'to become awkward/strained', often used for relationships or interactions.
二人の関係がぎくしゃくしてきた。
Their relationship has become strained.
Means 'to become awkward/uncomfortable', often due to a specific incident.
喧嘩の後、気まずくなった。
After the fight, things became strained.
Literally 'tension runs', used when a sudden strain appears in a group or situation.
部屋に緊張が走った。
A strained atmosphere filled the room.
Describing when a system, resource, or capacity is stretched thin or under pressure.
Formal term meaning 'to be strained/tight', used for budgets, supplies, medical systems, etc.
医療体制がひっ迫している。
The healthcare system is becoming strained.
Means 'to reach the limit', implying strain beyond capacity.
電力供給が限界に達している。
The power supply is becoming strained.
張る is primarily for physical tension (strings, muscles, surfaces), while 緊張する covers both physical and mental tension. For relationships, use ぎくしゃくする or 気まずくなる.
Directly translating 'become strained' as 緊張になる is unnatural. Use the appropriate verb or phrase for the context.