Translation guide
The state of being visibly worried, irritable, or restless, often over small things. In Japanese, this is usually expressed through adjectives describing mood, verbs for worrying, or phrases about being on edge.
Describing a person who is anxious and easily annoyed, often showing it through restless behavior.
A common mimetic word for irritation and restlessness. Can be used as a noun, adverb, or verb with する.
彼は待っている間ずっとイライラしていた。
He was fretful the whole time he was waiting.
A verb meaning to be irritated or fretful. Slightly more formal than イライラする.
彼女は遅れに苛立っていた。
She was fretful about the delay.
Mimetic word for restlessness, fidgeting, or being unable to settle down due to worry or excitement.
試験の前でそわそわしている。
He's fretful before the exam.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to be so worried you can't relax. Stronger than just being irritable.
結果がわかるまで気が気でなかった。
I was fretful until I knew the results.
Describing a child who is fussy, whiny, or unable to settle, often due to tiredness or discomfort.
A verb specifically for children being whiny, fussy, or fretful, often when tired or wanting attention.
赤ちゃんがぐずって寝ない。
The baby is fretful and won't sleep.
Means 'in a bad mood' or 'cranky'. Can be used for children or adults, but for children it often implies fretfulness.
Describing a state of constantly worrying about something, often unnecessarily.
Mimetic word for worrying or brooding over trivial things. Often used with する.
小さなことをくよくよするな。
Don't be fretful over little things.
A noun describing a person who is prone to worry; a worrywart. Describes a fretful disposition.
The child is fretful and crying.
He's fretful by nature and always worrying about something.