A1informal

Sei nervosa?

Are you nervous?

Pronunciation

sei ner-VO-sa — stress on 'vo-'. 'Nervosa' has three syllables. For a man: 'Sei nervoso?' — same stress pattern.

When to use it

Gently checking in if your date seems a little anxious or quiet. Said with warmth and a smile — not meant to embarrass.

What it means

'Sei' = you are. 'Nervosa' = nervous (feminine adjective). 'Nervoso/a' in Italian means nervous, anxious, or on edge. It is not related to 'nerve' in the anatomical sense. This question shows attentiveness and empathy.

Variations

Non ti preoccupare — siamo solo noi due.

Don't worry — it's just the two of us.

Reassuring and intimate — reduces pressure immediately

Capisco — anch'io ero emozionato/a.

I understand — I was also excited/nervous.

Sharing your own nervousness creates instant connection

Mettiti comodo/a.

Make yourself comfortable.

Invitation to relax — shows thoughtfulness about their comfort

Mini Dialogue

— Sei nervosa? — Sì, un pochino. È un po' strano, no? Non ci conoscevamo. — Capisco perfettamente — anch'io all'inizio ero emozionato. — Davvero? Non si vede! — Ho imparato a nasconderlo. Ma fidati — è normale.

— Are you nervous? — Yes, a little. It's a bit strange, isn't it? We didn't know each other. — I completely understand — I was excited at the start too. — Really? You can't tell! — I've learned to hide it. But trust me — it's normal.

Cultural Note

Admitting nervousness ('ero emozionato/a') on a first date humanises you in Italian eyes. 'Emozionato' is interesting — it means emotionally moved or excited, not just nervous. It carries a positive charge that 'nervoso' does not.

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