Translation guide
This entry covers how to express becoming irritated or annoyed in Japanese. It focuses on common verbs and phrases that describe the onset of irritation, ranging from mild annoyance to strong frustration.
Expressing that someone becomes irritated or annoyed, often due to a specific trigger.
A very common onomatopoeic verb meaning to feel irritated, frustrated, or on edge. It describes a state of irritation, often from ongoing stress or minor annoyances.
I get irritated by the way he talks.
Expressing mild irritation or annoyance, often fleeting.
A momentary feeling of irritation, like a flash of annoyance. Often used for small, sudden triggers.
イライラする describes a state of irritation or frustration, often from ongoing stress or minor annoyances. 腹が立つ implies a stronger, more personal anger, often directed at someone's specific action. イライラする can be used for both people and situations, while 腹が立つ is usually about people's behavior.
I got irritated from being made to wait.
渋滞でイライラした。
I got irritated in the traffic jam.
Literally 'stomach stands up', meaning to get angry or irritated. It implies a stronger, more personal offense than イライラする.
I got irritated by his rude attitude.
A more formal or literary verb meaning to be irritated or impatient. Often used in written language.
He is irritated by the slow reply.
Slang term meaning to be pissed off or irritated. Very common in casual speech, especially among younger people.
The way that guy talks pisses me off.
Literally 'to touch a nerve', meaning to get on someone's nerves or irritate them. It implies a specific trigger that causes irritation.
His laugh gets on my nerves.
I got a bit irritated by his remark.
To be slightly offended or annoyed, often showing it on one's face. It implies a brief, visible reaction.
She got a bit irritated at the joke.
彼の無責任さに腹が立った。
I got angry at his irresponsibility.
The English phrase 'get irritated' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Avoid literal translations like '刺激される' (which means 'to be stimulated') or '怒らせる' (which means 'to make someone angry'). Use the expressions listed above instead.