Translation guide
The English phrase "go mad" can mean to become insane, to become very angry, or to do something with great enthusiasm or abandon. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe someone becoming mentally ill, crazy, or losing their sanity.
A common and direct way to say 'go mad' or 'go insane'. It literally means 'one's mind goes crazy'.
He went mad from stress.
Literally 'one's head becomes strange', this is a slightly more casual way to say someone is losing their mind.
I feel like I'm going mad working this much.
A stronger, more clinical term meaning 'to go insane' or 'to become deranged'. Often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
He went mad with grief.
To express that someone becomes extremely angry, often suddenly.
Means 'to become furious' or 'to fly into a rage'. It's a strong, formal expression.
The boss went mad over that mistake.
Literally 'to rage madly', this vividly describes someone who is beside themselves with anger.
He went mad with anger when he was betrayed.
A very common casual/slang term meaning 'to snap' or 'to lose one's temper'. Often used for sudden outbursts.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to get angry' or 'to be pissed off'. It literally means 'it comes to one's head'.
To describe acting in an unrestrained, enthusiastic, or crazy manner, often in a positive or neutral sense.
Means 'to be absorbed in' or 'to be crazy about' something. It conveys enthusiastic involvement.
He's gone mad for the new game.
Means 'to go wild' or 'to be enthusiastic' about something, often used for crowds or fans.
The audience went mad over the performance.
Means 'to frolic' or 'to make merry', often used for children or people in high spirits. Can imply going a bit wild with excitement.
An idiom meaning 'to let loose' or 'to go wild', often implying a departure from normal restraint, like at a party.
Directly translating 'go mad' as 行く狂う (いくくるう) is not natural Japanese. Use the expressions provided based on the intended meaning.
激怒する is formal and strong, while キレる is casual and implies a sudden snap. 頭にくる is more about being annoyed or pissed off, less explosive than キレる.
That person goes mad easily, so be careful.
His attitude really makes me go mad.
The kids were going mad in the pool.
I went a bit mad last night.