Translation guide
The English adverb 'restlessly' describes an action done in a way that shows inability to rest, often due to anxiety, boredom, or excess energy. In Japanese, this concept is usually expressed through mimetic adverbs, adverbial phrases, or verb forms that convey fidgeting, impatience, or constant movement.
Describing someone moving their body constantly, shifting in their seat, or pacing around because they cannot relax.
A mimetic adverb describing a state of fidgeting or being unable to settle down, often due to nervousness or excitement. Commonly used with する.
彼は面接の前、そわそわしていた。
He was restlessly fidgeting before the interview.
子供たちは遠足の前日、そわそわして眠れなかった。
The children were so restless the night before the field trip that they couldn't sleep.
The negative form of 落ち着く (to calm down), meaning 'unable to settle down' or 'restless'. Used as an adjective or adverbially.
彼は何か落ち着かない様子で部屋の中を歩き回った。
He paced around the room restlessly, looking unsettled.
落ち着かない気持ちで結果を待った。
I waited for the results with a restless feeling.
A mimetic adverb for squirming or fidgeting, often from embarrassment, shyness, or hesitation. Slightly more childish or cute than そわそわ.
彼女は恥ずかしそうにもじもじしていた。
She was squirming restlessly, looking embarrassed.
A mimetic adverb for wandering or loitering around restlessly, often without a clear purpose. Implies pacing or moving about.
彼は部屋の前をうろうろしていた。
He was pacing restlessly in front of the room.
Describing a state of mind where one cannot relax due to worry, anticipation, or racing thoughts.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'so anxious one can't think straight' or 'on pins and needles'. Used when waiting for important news or worrying about something.
試験の結果が気が気でなかった。
I was restlessly anxious about the exam results.
Literally 'unable to sit or stand still', this phrase expresses such strong restlessness or impatience that one must take action. Often used when eager to do something.
彼女に会いたくて、いてもたってもいられなかった。
I was so restless to see her that I couldn't stay still.
A mimetic adverb for being fretful or impatient, often from worry or irritation. Used with する.
Describing a night of poor sleep where one keeps moving or waking up.
Literally 'to toss and turn in bed'. Used to describe restless sleep. Often combined with adverbs like 何度も (many times).
暑くて一晩中寝返りを打っていた。
It was so hot I tossed and turned restlessly all night.
Simply 'cannot sleep'. When used with adverbs like なかなか, it implies restlessness.
心配事があって、なかなか眠れなかった。
I had worries and couldn't sleep restfully.
Describing moving from place to place without settling, often due to an inner drive or boredom.
A verb meaning 'to wander' or 'to roam'. Can imply restlessness when used in contexts like 心がさまよう (one's mind wanders restlessly).
彼はあてもなく街を彷徨った。
He wandered restlessly through the streets without a destination.
A mimetic adverb for strolling or loitering idly. Can imply restlessness if done out of boredom.
そわそわ is general fidgeting from nervousness or excitement. もじもじ implies shyness or hesitation, often with a cute nuance. うろうろ is about pacing or wandering around, often aimlessly.
面接前でそわそわする。
Fidgeting before an interview.
人前でもじもじする。
Squirming in front of people.
迷子になってうろうろする。
Wandering around restlessly after getting lost.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'restlessly'. Avoid trying to translate it directly with a single word. Instead, choose a mimetic word or phrase that matches the specific type of restlessness.
返事が遅くてやきもきした。
I was restlessly impatient because the reply was late.
彼は退屈で街をぶらぶら歩いた。
He walked restlessly around town out of boredom.