Translation guide
The English word 'intolerable' describes something that is too painful, annoying, or difficult to endure. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on what is intolerable: physical sensations (heat, pain), emotional states (rudeness, stress), or situations (noise, injustice). Common expressions include 耐えられない, 我慢できない, and たまらない, each with different nuances and typical contexts.
Express that something is so painful, uncomfortable, or distressing that one cannot endure it.
Literally 'cannot bear/endure'. Used for physical pain, heat, cold, noise, or emotional suffering. A general, strong expression.
この暑さは耐えられない。
This heat is intolerable.
彼の無礼な態度には耐えられない。
I can't stand his rude attitude.
Literally 'cannot endure/put up with'. Often used for annoying situations, people's behavior, or discomfort. Slightly more emotional than 耐えられない.
この騒音は我慢できない。
I can't stand this noise.
彼の遅刻にはもう我慢できない。
I can no longer tolerate his lateness.
Expresses that a feeling or sensation is so strong it's unbearable. Often used for desires (wanting to do something), or for extreme heat/cold/pain. Can be positive or negative depending on context.
暑くてたまらない。
It's unbearably hot.
歯が痛くてたまらない。
My tooth hurts so much I can't stand it.
Literally 'cannot finish/do completely'. Used for emotional pain, sadness, or frustration that feels overwhelming. Somewhat literary or dramatic.
その悲しい話を聞いて、やりきれない気持ちになった。
Hearing that sad story, I felt an intolerable sadness.
Express that a situation, behavior, or condition is so bad that it cannot be allowed or accepted.
Literally 'cannot forgive/allow'. Used for morally unacceptable actions, injustice, or betrayal.
彼の裏切りは絶対に許せない。
His betrayal is absolutely intolerable.
このような差別は許せない。
This kind of discrimination is intolerable.
Formal expression meaning 'cannot tolerate/accept'. Used in official statements, news, or serious discussions.
政府はその行為を容認できないと表明した。
The government stated that such actions are intolerable.
Literally 'cannot overlook'. Used when you cannot ignore a problem or wrongdoing.
この問題は見過ごせない。
This problem is intolerable (cannot be overlooked).
Describe a situation that is so difficult, severe, or extreme that one cannot handle it.
Literally 'cannot handle with one's hands'. Means something is out of control, unmanageable, or too much to deal with.
この状況はもう手に負えない。
This situation is intolerable (out of control).
彼の要求は手に負えない。
His demands are intolerable (impossible to meet).
Means 'there's nothing that can be done', expressing helplessness in an intolerable situation.
もうどうにもならないほど状況は悪化した。
The situation has deteriorated to an intolerable level where nothing can be done.
耐えられない is the most direct translation of 'intolerable' and works for physical and emotional endurance. 我慢できない emphasizes putting up with annoyance or discomfort, often used for people's behavior. たまらない expresses an overwhelming sensation (often physical) that you can't stand; it can also be used positively (e.g., 嬉しくてたまらない 'I'm so happy I can't stand it').
痛みに耐えられない。
I can't bear the pain.
彼の態度に我慢できない。
I can't stand his attitude.
寒くてたまらない。
It's so cold I can't stand it.
There is no single Japanese adjective that covers all uses of 'intolerable'. Translating it as 耐え難い (たえがたい) is possible but sounds literary and is less common in everyday speech. Stick to the verb phrases above for natural Japanese.
耐え難い苦痛
unbearable pain (literary)