Translation guide
Expressing that you find something unbearable, intolerable, or extremely annoying. Japanese uses various phrases depending on the nuance: physical/emotional inability to endure, strong dislike, or frustration.
Expressing that a situation, feeling, or physical sensation is too much to bear.
Literally 'cannot endure/be patient'. The most direct and common way to say you can't stand something. Used for both physical and emotional situations.
この暑さには我慢できない。
I can't stand this heat.
I can't stand his attitude anymore.
Literally 'cannot bear/withstand'. Slightly more formal or literary than 我慢できない. Often used for physical pain or hardship.
この痛みには耐えられない。
I can't stand this pain.
Similar to 我慢できない but emphasizes patience and perseverance. Somewhat old-fashioned or formal.
こんなに待つのは辛抱できない。
I can't stand waiting this long.
Expressing that you strongly dislike a person, thing, or situation, often with emotional intensity.
Literally 'hate very much'. The most natural way to say you can't stand someone or something because you dislike them intensely. Casual.
あの先生が大嫌いだ。
I can't stand that teacher.
納豆が大嫌いだ。
I can't stand natto.
Literally 'so unpleasant I can't help it'. Stronger emotional emphasis than 大嫌い. Used when the feeling is overwhelming.
彼の話し方が嫌でたまらない。
I can't stand the way he talks.
Idiomatic: 'the bug doesn't like it'. Means an instinctive dislike or aversion to someone. Often used for people you just can't warm up to.
どうもあの人は虫が好かない。
I just can't stand that person.
Expressing that you have reached your limit and can no longer accept a situation.
Literally 'it's already enough'. Used when you're fed up and can't take any more. Casual and emphatic.
彼の言い訳はもうたくさんだ。
I can't stand his excuses anymore.
Means 'fed up' or 'sick and tired'. Expresses weariness and irritation. Often used with ～に.
毎日同じ仕事でうんざりだ。
I can't stand doing the same work every day.
Literally 'the limit of patience'. Used when you've reached your breaking point. More dramatic.
もう我慢の限界だ。
I can't stand it any longer.
Use 我慢できない when you cannot endure a situation or physical discomfort. Use 大嫌い when you actively dislike a person or thing. 我慢できない implies suffering through something, while 大嫌い is about emotional aversion.
騒音に我慢できない。
I can't stand the noise. (it's unbearable)
あの歌手が大嫌いだ。
I can't stand that singer. (I hate them)
Avoid directly translating 'stand' as 立つ (tatsu). 'Cannot stand it' is an idiom meaning 'cannot tolerate', not about physical standing. Use the phrases above instead.