Translation guide
Ways to express that someone or something is annoying or irritating in Japanese, from mild irritation to strong anger.
Express that a person, behavior, or situation is bothersome or gets on your nerves.
A very common mimetic word meaning to be irritated, annoyed, or on edge. Can describe both a temporary feeling and a person who is irritating.
The way he talks gets on my nerves.
I got irritated from being made to wait.
Casual and slightly stronger than イライラする. Often used among friends. Can express anger or disgust.
That guy's attitude really gets on my nerves.
I get annoyed by the same thing every day.
Literally 'stomach stands up', meaning to get angry or offended. More about anger than mere irritation.
I got angry at his irresponsible remarks.
Literally 'touches one's spirit', meaning something rubs you the wrong way or offends you. Often used for remarks or attitudes.
Her way of speaking got on my nerves.
Similar to 気に障る but stronger and more literary. Implies hitting a nerve or provoking anger.
His arrogant attitude got on my nerves.
Express that a persistent sound, habit, or circumstance is wearing you down.
Means 'noisy' or 'annoying'. Can be used for sounds, people, or persistent nagging. Often used in the phrase 耳障り (みみざわり) for unpleasant sounds.
The music from the next room is so loud it gets on my nerves.
Literally 'touches the nerves', a direct equivalent to 'gets on one's nerves'. Often used for persistent irritations.
Describes a feeling of impatience or irritation when things are slow or not going as desired. More about frustration than anger.
Express that someone is intentionally getting on your nerves or pushing your buttons.
イライラする is general irritation, often from a situation. ムカつく is more casual and can imply disgust or stronger annoyance. 腹が立つ is about anger, often at a specific action or person.
I get irritated in traffic jams.
I was really annoyed by that clerk's attitude.
I got angry because I was lied to.
The English phrase 'get on one's nerves' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using 神経に障る is close but can sound overly formal or medical. In casual conversation, イライラする or ムカつく are more natural.
His voice grates on my nerves.
The high-pitched sound of that machine gets on my nerves.
His sluggish movements get on my nerves.
弟がいつも私をからかう。
My younger brother always teases me and gets on my nerves.