Translation guide
How to express becoming irritated, bothered, or frustrated in Japanese, depending on the cause and intensity.
Expressing that something is starting to annoy you or is getting on your nerves.
A very common mimetic word for feeling irritated, frustrated, or on edge. Often used for ongoing annoyance.
電車が遅れてイライラした。
I got annoyed because the train was late.
I get annoyed by the way he talks.
Literally 'stomach stands', meaning to get angry or annoyed. Slightly stronger than イライラする, often implies a more direct cause.
彼の無責任な態度に腹が立った。
I got annoyed at his irresponsible attitude.
Slangy, casual expression for feeling annoyed or pissed off. Common among younger people.
あいつの顔を見るとムカつく。
Just seeing his face annoys me.
A more formal or literary word for irritation. Often used in writing.
彼は遅刻に苛立っていた。
He was annoyed by the tardiness.
Expressing annoyance at a persistent or minor problem, like noise or inconvenience.
To be troubled or annoyed by someone's actions that cause inconvenience. Often used for public nuisances.
夜遅くの電話に迷惑している。
I'm annoyed by late-night phone calls.
To be troubled or at a loss. Can express annoyance when something is a problem.
隣の騒音に困っている。
I'm annoyed by the neighbor's noise.
Expressing that someone or something is persistently annoying in a way that wears you down.
Literally 'touches the nerves', meaning something gets on your nerves. Stronger than イライラする.
彼の笑い声が神経に障る。
His laugh gets on my nerves.
Similar to 神経に障る but more old-fashioned or literary. Implies something that provokes anger.
その言い方が癇に障った。
That way of speaking got on my nerves.
Expressing that you not only feel annoyed but also react visibly, such as sighing or complaining.
To show one's irritation outwardly. Useful when you want to emphasize the visible reaction.
彼はイライラを表に出さない。
He doesn't show his annoyance.
To sigh, often as a sign of annoyance or exasperation.
彼女はイライラしてため息をついた。
She got annoyed and sighed.
イライラする is a general feeling of irritation, often from ongoing stress. 腹が立つ is more about a specific incident that makes you angry. ムカつく is casual and stronger.
渋滞でイライラする。
I get annoyed in traffic jams.
彼の嘘に腹が立った。
I got annoyed at his lie.
Avoid directly translating 'get' as なる. Phrases like イライラになる are incorrect. Use イライラする or other set expressions.