estar super nervoso

Use the verb estar because this is a temporary state. You aren't a nervous person forever. You are just nervous right now. If you are male, say nervoso. If you are female, say nervosa. You can drop the eu (I) because the verb estou tells us who is talking. Just say Estou super nervoso! for maximum impact. It sounds natural and very modern.

Use it when you are waiting for exam results. Use it at the dentist if you hate drills. It is perfect for texting friends when you're about to do something scary. If you are about to give a speech, tell your colleague Estou super nervosa. It helps break the ice. People will usually offer you a coffee or a hug. It is a very relatable human emotion.

Avoid this in a very formal legal setting. Don't say it to a judge while testifying. It might make you look guilty instead of just anxious! Also, don't use it for minor things. If you're just choosing between pizza toppings, super nervoso is too dramatic. Unless, of course, the pizza choice defines your entire future. In that case, go ahead and be dramatic.

Portuguese speakers are generally very expressive with their emotions. We don't hide our feelings behind a 'stiff upper lip.' Admitting you are super nervoso is seen as being honest and authentic. It often invites others to share their own stress. The word super became a popular intensifier in the last few decades. It replaced older, more formal words like extremamente. It feels youthful and energetic.

If you want to sound even more casual, try estar uma pilha. This means you are like a battery full of static electricity. You can also say estar com frio na barriga. This literally means 'having a cold belly,' or butterflies. For a more 'slang' vibe, younger people might say estar surtando. This means you are 'tripping out' or losing your mind from stress. But super nervoso remains the classic, most versatile choice.