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.
最近、仕事でイライラすることが多い。
Lately, I've been irritated a lot at work.
彼の態度にイライラした。
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).
彼はその質問に苛立った。
He was irritated by the question.
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.
あいつの言い方、マジでムカつく。
The way he talks really irritates me.
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.
彼の無責任な態度には腹が立つ。
His irresponsible attitude irritates me (makes me angry).
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).
返事が遅くてじれる。
I get irritated when replies are slow.
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.
騒音にイライラする。
I get irritated by noise.
彼の話し方にイライラした。
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.
渋滞でイライラする。
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.
彼はイライラしている様子だった。
He seemed irritated.
An adverb meaning 'irritatedly' or 'in an irritated manner'. Literary and less common in speech.
彼は苛立たしげにため息をついた。
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.
待たされてイライラした。
I was irritated from waiting.
彼の嘘に腹が立った。
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.