nerviosos

Nerviosos is the plural form of nervioso, an adjective in Spanish used to describe someone who is nervous or anxious, or something that causes nerves. It can refer to a temporary emotional state, as in estar nervioso before a test, or to a more general disposition characterized by restlessness, worry, or heightened alertness. The term can also describe situations or events that provoke nervous reactions in people.

Etymology and grammar: nervioso comes from Latin nervosus, related to nervus (nerve). In modern Spanish it denotes psychological or emotional tension rather than anatomical tissue. The word agrees in gender and number: nervioso (masc. singular), nerviosa (fem. sing.), nerviosos (masc. pl.), nerviosas (fem. pl.).

Usage notes: nervioso is common in everyday speech and informal writing. It is not a medical diagnosis; for clinical contexts, terms such as ansiedad (anxiety), trastorno de ansiedad (anxiety disorder), or estrés would be used. Synonyms include ansioso, inquieto, intranquilo, and tenso, while antonyms include tranquilo and sereno. Idioms include tener los nervios de acero (to have nerves of steel) and ponerse nervioso (to become nervous).

Cultural and linguistic context: The word appears frequently in literature, media, and conversation to describe characters or situations marked by nervousness or pressure. Its use can range from light, everyday expression to descriptive narration, depending on tone and context.

See also: Nervous system, ansiedad, tensión, intranquilidad, español.