Translation guide
The English word 'upset' covers a wide range of negative emotional states, from mild annoyance to deep distress. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on the specific feeling and situation.
Expressing that someone is emotionally shaken, sad, or distressed, often due to a specific event.
Literally 'feeling down/depressed'. A common way to say you're feeling upset or low in spirits.
彼は試験に落ちて、気分が落ち込んでいる。
He's upset because he failed the exam.
Means 'sad'. Use when the upset feeling is primarily sadness.
その知らせを聞いて悲しくなった。
I got upset when I heard the news.
Means 'to be shaken up' or 'disturbed'. Often used for emotional shock or agitation.
彼女はその事故の知らせに動揺した。
She was upset by the news of the accident.
Means 'to be shocked'. Use when the upset is a sudden, strong emotional impact.
彼の言葉にショックを受けた。
I was upset by what he said.
Expressing that someone is angry, irritated, or annoyed.
The standard word for 'angry'. Use when the upset is clearly anger.
彼は私のミスに怒っている。
He's upset about my mistake.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to get angry' or 'to be irritated'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼の態度には腹が立つ。
His attitude upsets me.
Means 'to be irritated' or 'frustrated'. Describes a state of ongoing annoyance.
渋滞でイライラした。
I got upset because of the traffic jam.
Slang for 'to be pissed off' or 'disgusted'. Strong and informal.
Can sound crude; avoid in polite settings.
Referring to an upset stomach or indigestion.
A polite, general way to say 'my stomach is upset' or 'I have an upset stomach'.
昨日からお腹の調子が悪いんです。
I've had an upset stomach since yesterday.
Refers to a heavy, upset feeling in the stomach after eating too much or something rich.
脂っこいものを食べて胃もたれがする。
I ate greasy food and now my stomach is upset.
Means 'nausea'. Use when the upset stomach involves feeling like vomiting.
Describing an action that disturbs a state, plan, or balance.
Means 'to disturb' or 'disrupt'. Used for upsetting balance, order, rhythm, etc.
彼の一言が場の空気を乱した。
His one remark upset the atmosphere.
Means 'to overturn' or 'upset' a decision, plan, or expectation.
Means 'to throw off' or 'derange'. Often used for upsetting plans or schedules.
Physically knocking something over or causing it to tip.
Means 'to overturn' or 'knock over'. Common for objects like cups or furniture.
猫が花瓶をひっくり返した。
The cat upset the vase.
Means 'to knock down' or 'topple'. Used for larger objects or in sports contexts.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'upset'. Using a dictionary translation like 動揺 (どうよう) for everyday sadness or anger can sound unnatural. Always choose the word that matches the specific emotion or situation.
怒っている (おこっている) is the general term for 'angry'. 腹が立つ (はらがたつ) is more about a personal feeling of irritation and is very common in speech. 腹が立つ is often used for ongoing annoyance, while 怒っている can be a temporary state.
Just seeing his face upsets me.
吐き気がして気分が悪い。
I feel nauseous and upset.
裁判所はその判決を覆した。
The court upset the ruling.
雨で予定が狂った。
The rain upset our plans.
The strong wind upset the signboard.