Translation guide
The English phrase 'boiling up' can refer to the physical process of liquid reaching a boil, or metaphorically to emotions intensifying. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both senses.
Describing water or other liquids starting to boil, often with a sense of rising heat.
Standard verb for 'to boil' or 'to come to a boil'. Used for water or other liquids.
お湯が沸騰している。
The water is boiling.
やかんの水が沸騰し始めた。
The water in the kettle has started boiling.
Expressing that anger, excitement, or other feelings are rising or reaching a peak.
General phrase for emotions building up or intensifying. Neutral and widely applicable.
試合前で感情が高まっている。
Emotions are boiling up before the match.
沸騰する is more technical and emphasizes the bubbling action of boiling. 沸く is more everyday and can also mean water is heated (e.g., for a bath). For cooking, 煮立つ is specific to liquids with ingredients.
While 沸き立つ can be used metaphorically, directly translating 'boiling up' as 沸騰する for emotions is unnatural. Use phrases like 感情が高まる or 怒りがこみ上げる instead.
Common verb for water boiling or heating up. Slightly less formal than 沸騰する.
お風呂が沸いたよ。
The bath is ready (the water has heated up).
お湯が沸いたら教えて。
Let me know when the water boils.
Specifically for cooking liquids coming to a boil, often with ingredients inside.
鍋が煮立ってきた。
The pot is coming to a boil.
Specifically for anger welling up inside. Very natural for 'boiling with anger'.
彼の言葉に怒りがこみ上げてきた。
Anger boiled up inside me at his words.
For excitement or agitation building up. Often used in sports or event contexts.
観客の興奮が高まっている。
The excitement of the crowd is boiling up.
Literally 'to boil up', used metaphorically for emotions or a crowd becoming excited/agitated.
会場が歓声で沸き立った。
The venue boiled up with cheers.
Describes a simmering anger or irritation, like 'boiling inside'. Casual.
あいつの態度にむかむかする。
His attitude makes my blood boil.