긴장하다 (gin-jang-ha-da, ginjanghada) · 떨리다 (tteol-ri-da, tteolrida)
'긴장하다' mainly describes a psychological or mental state, while '떨리다' expresses a physical reaction or emotional trembling.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To feel mentally anxious or nervous
When to use
Pre-exam mind, Pre-presentation anxiety, Serious interview atmosphere
The nuance
Used mainly for mental or psychological states, especially in important or stressful situations
To physically tremble or shake, often due to emotions
When to use
Body trembling from cold, Hand shaking due to nervousness, Voice trembling from emotion
The nuance
Used to express physical trembling or shaking caused by emotions or physical reactions
시험 보기 전에 너무 긴장했어요.
si-heom bo-gi jeon-e neo-mu gin-jang-haess-eo-yo., si heom bo gi jeon e neo mu gin jang haess eo yo.
Appropriate to express mental state before exam.
발표할 때 손이 떨렸어요.
bal-pyo-hal ttae son-i tteol-ryeoss-eo-yo., bal pyo hal ttae son i tteol ryeoss eo yo.
Correct for physical trembling.
중요한 면접에서 손이 긴장했어요.
jung-yo-han myeon-jeop-e-seo son-i gin-jang-haess-eo-yo., jung yo han myeon jeop e seo son i gin jang haess eo yo.
'Hands being nervous' is unnatural; use '떨리다' for hands.
무서워서 몸이 떨렸어요.
mu-seo-wo-seo mom-i tteol-ryeoss-eo-yo., mu seo wo seo mom i tteol ryeoss eo yo.
Suitable for physical trembling due to emotion.
회의 전에 마음이 떨렸어요.
hoe-ui jeon-e ma-eum-i tteol-ryeoss-eo-yo., hoe ui jeon e ma eum i tteol ryeoss eo yo.
Use '긴장하다' for mental state, not '떨리다'.
추워서 몸이 떨리고 있어요.
chu-wo-seo mom-i tteol-ri-go iss-eo-yo., chu wo seo mom i tteol ri go iss eo yo.
Appropriate for physical trembling from cold.
중요한 시험 때문에 손이 떨렸어요.
jung-yo-han si-heom ttae-mun-e son-i tteol-ryeoss-eo-yo., jung yo han si heom ttae mun e son i tteol ryeoss eo yo.
Correct for trembling hands due to nervousness.
긴장해서 목소리가 떨렸어요.
gin-jang-hae-seo mok-so-ri-ga tteol-ryeoss-eo-yo., gin jang hae seo mok so ri ga tteol ryeoss eo yo.
Appropriate for voice trembling caused by nervousness.
Which word describes mental state before an exam?
How do you describe body shaking from cold?
What do you call shaking hands during an important presentation?
