Translation guide
Describes a state of nervous excitement, anxiety, or restlessness. Japanese expressions vary based on whether the agitation is emotional, physical, or a mix of both.
Expressing a state of inner turmoil, nervousness, or being emotionally unsettled.
Describes being shaken up, disturbed, or emotionally agitated, often due to a shocking or upsetting event. Commonly used for visible emotional disturbance.
彼はその知らせを聞いて動揺していた。
He was agitated after hearing the news.
彼女は動揺して声が震えていた。
She was so agitated that her voice was trembling.
Expresses irritation, frustration, or being on edge. Often used for agitation caused by minor annoyances or impatience.
渋滞でイライラしている。
I'm agitated because of the traffic jam.
彼は待たされてイライラしていた。
He was agitated from being kept waiting.
Means excited or worked up, which can be positive or negative. In negative contexts, it implies being agitated or in a heightened emotional state.
議論の後、彼は興奮していた。
After the argument, he was agitated.
Describes feeling flustered, impatient, or in a hurry, often due to pressure or a sense of urgency. Implies a more frantic type of agitation.
時間がなくて焦っている。
I'm agitated because I'm running out of time.
Literally 'anxious and unable to settle down.' Used when agitation stems from worry or unease, making one restless.
試験の結果が気になって不安で落ち着かない。
I'm agitated because I'm worried about the exam results.
Describing a state where one cannot stay still, often due to nervous energy or discomfort.
Means unable to settle down or feel at ease. Used for both mental and physical restlessness.
彼はそわそわして落ち着かない様子だ。
He seems agitated and can't sit still.
Onomatopoeic word for being fidgety or restless, often due to anticipation or nervousness.
面接の前でそわそわしている。
I'm feeling agitated before the interview.
Literally 'cannot stay still.' Used when agitation makes one physically unable to remain motionless.
不安でじっとしていられなかった。
I was so agitated I couldn't stay still.
Describing something that is physically turbulent, choppy, or stirred up.
Used for rough seas, weather, or a turbulent state. Can also describe a person's rough or agitated demeanor.
海が荒れている。
The sea is agitated.
Specifically means 'choppy' or 'ruffled' for water surfaces. Can metaphorically describe an agitated atmosphere.
風で湖が波立っている。
The lake is agitated by the wind.
Describes a crowd or atmosphere that is noisy, turbulent, or in an uproar. More literary.
会場は騒然としていた。
The venue was agitated (in an uproar).
Direct translations like '動揺させられた' are unnatural. Use the state forms (〜している) to describe being agitated.
イライラ is irritation/frustration, often from minor triggers. 動揺 is deeper emotional disturbance from shock or upset. Choose based on the cause of agitation.