Translation guide
The English verb 'chafe' has two main meanings: physical rubbing that causes irritation, and emotional irritation or impatience. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both senses.
To rub against something and cause soreness or irritation, or to be rubbed in that way.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be rubbed', 'to chafe', or 'to be worn'. Commonly used for skin chafing or fabric rubbing.
To feel annoyed, impatient, or irritated, especially because of restrictions or delays.
Common phrase for feeling irritated, frustrated, or impatient. Covers the emotional sense of 'chafe' well.
彼は規則に縛られていらいらしていた。
He was chafing under the restrictions.
Avoid directly translating 'chafe' as 擦れる when you mean emotional irritation. Use いらいらする or similar phrases instead.
靴が合わなくて、かかとが擦れて痛い。
My shoes don't fit, and my heel is chafing and hurts.
Transitive verb meaning 'to rub' or 'to chafe'. Use when the subject is causing the chafing.
このリュックのストラップが肩を擦って痛い。
This backpack strap is chafing my shoulder and it hurts.
Formal/technical term for 'to rub' or 'to cause friction'. Used in scientific or mechanical contexts, not for everyday skin chafing.
部品が摩擦して摩耗する。
The parts chafe and wear down.
Verb meaning 'to get impatient' or 'to be irritated by waiting'. Emphasizes the restlessness of chafing at delays.
彼は返事が遅くてじれていた。
He was chafing at the slow response.
Means 'to feel frustrated' or 'to be impatient' because things aren't going as desired. Suitable for chafing at a situation.
彼は自分の無力さにもどかしく思っていた。
He was chafing at his own powerlessness.
Verb meaning 'to be irritated' or 'to be annoyed'. A bit more formal/literary than いらいらする.
彼は不当な扱いに苛立っていた。
He chafed at the unfair treatment.