كنت متوتر

The phrase is a simple two-word combo. Start with كنت, which means "I was." Then add the adjective متوتر. If you are a woman, you must add the "ah" sound at the end: كنت متوترة. It is like a Lego set; you can add words to it easily. Want to say you were "very" nervous? Just add جداً at the end. It fits perfectly into both formal and casual conversations without sounding weird.

Use this after the stressful event has passed. Maybe you just finished a high-stakes job interview. Or perhaps you just walked off stage after a speech. It is perfect for bonding with friends over coffee. It shows you are human and relatable. Use it when explaining why you were a bit quiet earlier. It is the ultimate "debriefing" phrase after a big life moment.

Do not use this if you are currently shaking with nerves. For that, you would say أنا متوتر (I am nervous). Also, do not use it for extreme, life-threatening fear. If a lion is chasing you, متوتر is way too mild. In that case, use خايف, which means "scared." It is also not for physical muscle tension from the gym. Keep it for the emotional and mental jitters.

In Arabic-speaking cultures, people are generally very expressive about their emotions. Admitting you were nervous is often seen as a sign of humility and sincerity. It shows you actually cared about the outcome of what you were doing. There is no "stiff upper lip" requirement here. Whether it is a wedding day or a driving test, being متوتر is a shared human experience everyone understands.

You might hear different versions depending on where you are. In Egypt, someone might say كنت مشدود, which means "I was stretched." A very common idiom is كنت على أعصابي. This literally translates to "I was on my nerves." It is the equivalent of saying "I was on pins and needles." But كنت متوتر remains the most universal version. You can use it from Morocco to Dubai and everyone will get you.