Translation guide
Expressing irritation in Japanese ranges from mild annoyance to strong anger. The most common and versatile word is イライラする, which describes a state of being irritated or frustrated. Other options depend on the cause and intensity of the irritation.
Expressing a general feeling of being irritated, annoyed, or frustrated, often by small things or a situation.
The most common and natural way to say 'be irritated' or 'be frustrated'. It describes a state of mental irritation, often from stress or minor annoyances. Can be used for both temporary and ongoing feelings.
Lately, I've been irritated a lot at work.
I was irritated by his attitude.
A more formal or literary verb meaning 'to be irritated' or 'to get irritated'. Often used in writing or formal speech. The noun form is 苛立ち (いらだち).
Slang/casual verb meaning 'to be irritated' or 'to be pissed off'. Very common in informal speech, especially among younger people. Can sound strong or childish.
Literally 'stomach stands', meaning 'to get angry/irritated'. Stronger than イライラする, closer to anger. Often used when someone's actions cause irritation.
Means 'to get irritated' due to impatience or things not going smoothly. Less common than イライラする, often used in the form じれったい (irritating, frustrating).
Expressing that a particular thing or person is the source of irritation.
Use the particle に to mark the source of irritation. This is the most straightforward pattern.
I get irritated by noise.
I was irritated by the way he spoke.
Use で to indicate the cause or situation that makes you irritated. Often interchangeable with に, but で emphasizes the situation.
I get irritated by traffic jams.
Describing visible signs of irritation or acting irritated.
Means 'looking irritated' or 'showing signs of irritation'. 様子 (ようす) means appearance or state.
He seemed irritated.
An adverb meaning 'irritatedly' or 'in an irritated manner'. Literary and less common in speech.
He sighed irritatedly.
イライラする is a general feeling of irritation or frustration, often from stress or minor things. 腹が立つ is stronger and implies anger, usually directed at someone's actions. ムカつく is slang and can be even stronger or more emotional.
I was irritated from waiting.
I got angry at his lie.
怒る means 'to get angry' and is stronger than 'irritated'. Use イライラする or 苛立つ for irritation. Using 怒る when you only mean irritated can sound too intense.
彼はその質問に苛立った。
He was irritated by the question.
あいつの言い方、マジでムカつく。
The way he talks really irritates me.
彼の無責任な態度には腹が立つ。
His irresponsible attitude irritates me (makes me angry).
I get irritated when replies are slow.