Translation guide
Expresses a state of nervous tension, anxiety, or irritability. Japanese uses various adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic phrases to convey this feeling, often depending on the cause and intensity.
Feeling tense, worried, or unable to relax, often due to anticipation or stress.
Describes a state of being on edge, tense, or irritable, often due to stress or a charged atmosphere. Commonly used in daily conversation.
試験前でみんなピリピリしている。
Everyone is on edge before the exam.
彼は最近仕事のストレスでピリピリしている。
He's been on edge lately due to work stress.
Feeling edgy, snappy, or quick to anger, often due to fatigue, stress, or discomfort.
Expresses irritation or frustration. Very common for being on edge in the sense of being easily annoyed.
寝不足でイライラしている。
I'm on edge from lack of sleep.
Being watchful, cautious, or ready for danger, often in a tense situation.
Means 'on guard' or 'vigilant'. Used when someone is on edge due to potential threats or risks.
警察は不審者に警戒している。
The police are on edge about the suspicious person.
ピリピリ often implies a tense atmosphere or collective nervousness, while イライラ is more about personal irritation or frustration. ピリピリ can be used for a group (e.g., office mood), but イライラ is usually individual.
オフィス全体がピリピリしている。
The whole office is on edge.
彼は待ち時間にイライラしている。
He's on edge from waiting.
Avoid directly translating 'on edge' as 縁にいる or similar. The English idiom does not have a direct spatial equivalent in Japanese. Use the expressions above based on the intended nuance.
Means 'nervous' or 'tense'. A general term for being on edge, especially before a performance, meeting, or important event.
面接の前で緊張している。
I'm on edge before the interview.
Literally 'nerves are stretched taut'. Conveys a high-strung, on-edge state, often from prolonged stress or alertness.
長時間の運転で神経が張り詰めている。
My nerves are on edge after driving for hours.
Describes restlessness or fidgeting due to nervousness or impatience. Less intense than 'ピリピリ', more about being unable to stay still.
結果を待っている間、彼はそわそわしていた。
He was on edge while waiting for the results.
He was on edge after getting stuck in traffic.
Similar to イライラ but often implies a more outwardly snappy or testy mood. Slightly more colloquial.
今日は朝からカリカリしているね。
You're on edge this morning, aren't you?
Literally 'nerves are sharp'. Describes a hypersensitive, irritable state. More literary or dramatic.
彼女は神経が尖っていて、ちょっとしたことでも怒る。
She's so on edge that she snaps at the slightest thing.
Literally 'holding one's body ready'. Implies being physically or mentally braced for something, often sudden.
彼はいつ襲われてもいいように身構えていた。
He was on edge, ready to be attacked at any moment.