Translation guide
The English idiom "on pins and needles" describes a state of anxious anticipation, nervousness, or excited waiting. In Japanese, this feeling is expressed through various idiomatic phrases, onomatopoeia, and descriptive expressions rather than a single direct translation.
Expressing a state of being very anxious or nervously waiting for something to happen, often with a sense of suspense.
Literally 'one's mind is not at ease'. A common phrase used when you are so worried or anxious about something that you cannot relax. It conveys the restless, on-edge feeling of being on pins and needles.
試験の結果が気が気でない。
I'm on pins and needles about the exam results.
彼女の返事を待っている間、気が気でなかった。
While waiting for her reply, I was on pins and needles.
Expressing a state of excited, eager waiting, often with a positive connotation, like looking forward to something thrilling.
Both express anxiety-driven restlessness, but 気が気でない focuses on mental unease, while いてもたってもいられない emphasizes the physical inability to stay still. The latter is often used when the anxiety drives you to take action.
心配で気が気でない。
I'm so worried I can't think straight.
心配でいてもたってもいられず、病院に電話した。
I was so worried I couldn't sit still, so I called the hospital.
Do not translate 'on pins and needles' literally as ピンと針の上にいる. It will not be understood. Use the idiomatic expressions provided.
Literally 'unable to be still or stand'. Describes a state of being so restless with anxiety or impatience that you can't stay put. Similar to 'climbing the walls' or 'on pins and needles'.
結果が気になって、いてもたってもいられなかった。
I was so anxious about the result that I was on pins and needles.
An onomatopoeic word describing a restless, fidgety state due to nervousness or excitement. Often used when someone can't sit still because they are waiting for something.
彼は面接の前でそわそわしていた。
He was on pins and needles before the interview.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning to be on edge or in suspense, often while watching something unfold. It implies a heart-pounding, anxious feeling, like watching a close game.
試合の最後まで、はらはらしっぱなしだった。
I was on pins and needles until the very end of the match.
Means to be fretful, impatient, or worried while waiting for something. It conveys a sense of mental agitation and is often used when things are not progressing as hoped.
連絡が来なくて、やきもきした。
I was on pins and needles because I didn't hear from them.
Literally 'cannot wait'. A very common expression for being so excited about something that you can hardly wait. It captures the eager, anticipatory side of 'on pins and needles'.
コンサートが待ちきれない！
I'm on pins and needles for the concert!
Onomatopoeia for being excited and thrilled in anticipation. It's a positive, bubbly feeling, often used by children or in casual contexts.
旅行の前日はわくわくして眠れなかった。
The night before the trip, I was on pins and needles and couldn't sleep.