Translation guide
The English word "irritation" covers both physical discomfort and emotional annoyance. In Japanese, these are expressed with different words and patterns. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on whether you mean a physical sensation, a feeling of annoyance, or the act of provoking someone.
Expressing a mild physical discomfort or inflammation, such as from allergies, dryness, or friction.
General term for physical irritation or stimulation. Often used for skin, eyes, or throat. Can be neutral or negative depending on context.
この化粧品は肌に刺激が強い。
This cosmetic is harsh on the skin.
煙で目に刺激を感じた。
The smoke irritated my eyes.
Medical term for inflammation. More specific than 刺激, used when there is redness, swelling, or pain.
喉に炎症がある。
I have an inflammation in my throat.
Specifically means itchiness, a common type of physical irritation.
虫刺されでかゆみがひどい。
The bug bite is really itchy.
Expressing a feeling of being bothered, annoyed, or frustrated by someone or something.
The most direct equivalent for emotional irritation. Conveys a sense of impatience and frustration. Often used with 感じる (to feel).
彼の態度にいらだちを感じる。
I feel irritation at his attitude.
いらだちが募る。
My irritation grows.
Kanji form of いらだち. Same meaning but more common in written language.
Common mimetic word (onomatopoeia) for feeling irritated or annoyed. Very natural in casual speech. Can be used as a verb or noun (イライラ).
渋滞でイライラする。
I get irritated in traffic jams.
彼はいつもイライラしている。
He's always irritated.
A more general term for discomfort or unpleasant feeling, which can include irritation. Slightly more formal.
Describing the action of causing irritation in others, often deliberately.
Provocation; deliberately trying to irritate or anger someone. Often used in contexts like arguments or sports.
彼の挑発に乗ってはいけない。
Don't fall for his provocation.
Causative form of いらだつ (to be irritated). Means to make someone irritated.
彼の行動は私をいらだたせる。
His behavior irritates me.
Causative form of イライラする. More casual than いらだたせる.
あの音が私をイライラさせる。
That sound irritates me.
いらだち is a noun describing the state of irritation, while イライラ is a mimetic word that can be used as a noun or a verb (イライラする). イライラ is more colloquial and vividly expresses the feeling. In formal writing, いらだち or 苛立ち is preferred.
English 'irritation' is often used in phrases like 'I have an irritation on my skin.' In Japanese, you would typically specify the symptom (e.g., かゆみ for itch, かぶれ for rash) rather than using a generic word. Using 刺激 in such contexts may sound unnatural.
苛立ちを抑えられない。
I can't suppress my irritation.
彼の言葉に不快感を覚えた。
I felt a sense of irritation at his words.