Translation guide
The English word "shaky" can describe physical instability, emotional nervousness, or uncertain quality. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that is physically unstable, wobbling, or trembling, such as hands, legs, a table, or a structure.
Used for trembling due to cold, fear, or weakness. Often describes body parts like hands or voice.
寒さで手が震えている。
My hands are shaky from the cold.
緊張で声が震えた。
My voice was shaky from nerves.
Onomatopoeic word for something wobbling or unsteady, like a loose tooth or an unstable table.
この机は脚がぐらぐらしている。
This desk is shaky; its legs are wobbly.
歯がぐらぐらする。
My tooth is loose/shaky.
Describes unsteady movement, like staggering or feeling dizzy. Often used for a person's gait.
疲れて足元がふらふらだ。
I'm so tired my legs are shaky.
Means unstable or unsteady. More formal; used for structures, systems, or conditions.
このはしごは不安定で危ない。
This ladder is shaky and dangerous.
Describing a person who feels anxious, uncertain, or lacking in confidence, or a performance that shows nerves.
The most common way to say someone is nervous. Literally "being tense."
初めてのプレゼンで緊張している。
I'm feeling shaky about my first presentation.
Means lacking confidence. Often used when someone feels shaky about their abilities.
英語を話すのにまだ自信がない。
I'm still shaky about speaking English.
Onomatopoeic word for acting timidly or nervously, often visibly shaky.
Describing something that is not solid, reliable, or well-founded, such as a plan, memory, or argument.
Means vague, uncertain, or unreliable. Commonly used for memories, promises, or knowledge.
彼の説明はあやふやだった。
His explanation was shaky.
その計画はまだあやふやだ。
The plan is still shaky.
Means uncertain or unreliable. Slightly more formal than あやふや.
震える (furueru) is for trembling/shaking, often of body parts. ぐらぐら (guragura) is for objects wobbling. ふらふら (furafura) is for unsteady movement of a person, like staggering.
彼は面接でおどおどしていた。
He was shaky and timid during the interview.
証拠が不確かで、判決は難しい。
The evidence is shaky, so a verdict is difficult.
Expresses a feeling of unease because something is unreliable or insufficient. Often used for financial situations or prospects.
貯金が少なくて将来が心もとない。
With so little savings, my future feels shaky.