Translation guide
This entry covers how to express becoming irritated or annoyed in Japanese. It focuses on common verbs and phrases that describe the onset of irritation, ranging from mild annoyance to strong frustration.
Expressing that someone becomes irritated or annoyed, often due to a specific trigger.
A very common onomatopoeic verb meaning to feel irritated, frustrated, or on edge. It describes a state of irritation, often from ongoing stress or minor annoyances.
彼の話し方にイライラする。
I get irritated by the way he talks.
渋滞でイライラした。
I got irritated in the traffic jam.
Expressing mild irritation or annoyance, often fleeting.
A momentary feeling of irritation, like a flash of annoyance. Often used for small, sudden triggers.
彼の一言にイラッとした。
I got a bit irritated by his remark.
To be slightly offended or annoyed, often showing it on one's face. It implies a brief, visible reaction.
イライラする describes a state of irritation or frustration, often from ongoing stress or minor annoyances. 腹が立つ implies a stronger, more personal anger, often directed at someone's specific action. イライラする can be used for both people and situations, while 腹が立つ is usually about people's behavior.
待たされてイライラした。
I got irritated from being made to wait.
彼の無責任さに腹が立った。
I got angry at his irresponsibility.
The English phrase 'get irritated' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Avoid literal translations like '刺激される' (which means 'to be stimulated') or '怒らせる' (which means 'to make someone angry'). Use the expressions listed above instead.
Literally 'stomach stands up', meaning to get angry or irritated. It implies a stronger, more personal offense than イライラする.
彼の失礼な態度に腹が立った。
I got irritated by his rude attitude.
A more formal or literary verb meaning to be irritated or impatient. Often used in written language.
彼は遅い返事に苛立っている。
He is irritated by the slow reply.
Slang term meaning to be pissed off or irritated. Very common in casual speech, especially among younger people.
あいつの言い方にムカつく。
The way that guy talks pisses me off.
Literally 'to touch a nerve', meaning to get on someone's nerves or irritate them. It implies a specific trigger that causes irritation.
彼の笑い声が癇に障る。
His laugh gets on my nerves.
She got a bit irritated at the joke.