Translation guide
The English word 'fury' describes intense, often violent anger. In Japanese, the most direct equivalent is 激怒 (gekido), but natural expression depends on context, intensity, and formality. This guide covers words for extreme anger, phrases for being furious, and common idioms.
Expressing the state of being extremely angry, often with a loss of control.
The most direct translation for 'fury' or 'rage'. It is a strong, formal word often used in writing or serious speech.
彼の顔は激怒で真っ赤になった。
His face turned bright red with fury.
A verb meaning 'to be in a furious rage', emphasizing wild, uncontrolled anger. More vivid than 激怒.
彼は怒り狂って机を叩いた。
He pounded the desk in fury.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'intense anger'. Less formal than 激怒, suitable for everyday conversation.
彼女は激しい怒りを感じた。
She felt a surge of fury.
A state of blind rage or frenzy, often leading to irrational actions. Used in legal or psychological contexts.
逆上して人を傷つけた。
In a fit of fury, he injured someone.
Common phrases to say someone is extremely angry, often used in casual speech.
Literally 'it comes to the head', meaning to get very angry or pissed off. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼の態度には本当に頭にくる。
His attitude really makes me furious.
Literally 'stomach stands up', meaning to get angry or irritated. Slightly less intense than 'fury' but can be used for strong anger.
An onomatopoeic phrase meaning to be 'fuming mad' or 'seeing red'. Emphasizes visible anger.
父はカンカンになって怒鳴った。
My father was furious and started yelling.
Describing fury in a metaphorical or mythological sense, such as the fury of a storm or gods.
Means 'fury' or 'violence' of natural forces like storms, diseases, or war. Often used in news reports.
台風が猛威を振るった。
The typhoon raged with fury.
Literally 'wrath of god', used for divine fury or retribution.
それは神の怒りに触れる行為だ。
That is an act that incurs divine fury.
Directly saying 激怒 (gekido) in everyday conversation can sound overly dramatic or stiff. Instead, use phrases like 頭にくる (atama ni kuru) or 腹が立つ (hara ga tatsu) to express strong anger naturally.
あの言い方、本当に頭にくる。
That way of speaking really makes me furious.
怒り (ikari) is the general word for 'anger', while 激怒 (gekido) specifically means 'fury' or 'rage'. Use 激怒 only for extreme, often violent anger. In most situations, 怒り or idiomatic phrases are more appropriate.
彼は怒りで震えていた。
He was shaking with fury.
Uses general anger word 怒り; 激怒 could be used for stronger emphasis.
彼の無責任さには腹が立つ。
His irresponsibility makes me furious.
A literary idiom meaning 'to be filled with extreme anger'. Used in formal writing or dramatic speech.
彼の裏切りに怒り心頭に発した。
He was consumed with fury at the betrayal.