Translation guide
The tendency to become easily annoyed or angered. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns describing a state of being easily irritated, adjectives for a short temper, and phrases about being on edge.
Describing a person's general disposition or temporary state of being easily irritated.
A common onomatopoeic word that describes the feeling of being irritated, frustrated, or on edge. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (イライラする). Often used for temporary states.
Lately, I get irritated over little things.
I can feel his irritability.
Refers to a short temper or quick-tempered personality. Often used to describe someone's inherent nature.
He has a short temper, so he gets angry quickly.
A short temper leads to loss. (proverb)
Describes a nervous, high-strung, or sensitive temperament. Implies being easily bothered by small things, often due to anxiety or over-sensitivity.
She is high-strung and sensitive to noise.
A noun meaning irritation or annoyance. Slightly more formal/literary than イライラ. Often used in written contexts.
I felt irritation at his attitude.
An adjective meaning 'prone to anger' or 'quick-tempered'. Describes a habitual tendency.
Some people become more irritable as they age.
Referring to irritability as a symptom of a condition, such as depression, PMS, or stress.
A medical/psychological term for 'irritability' as a symptom. Used in clinical contexts.
Irritability can be seen as a symptom of depression.
A common way to express 'feeling of irritability' in everyday or medical contexts. Combines the onomatopoeia イライラ with 感 (feeling).
A more formal term for a feeling of impatience and irritability, often with restlessness. Used in psychological descriptions.
Describing irritability caused by environmental factors like hot weather, noise, or lack of sleep.
The verb form of イライラ, meaning 'to feel irritated'. Very common for temporary states caused by something.
The heat makes me irritable.
The noise makes me irritable and I can't concentrate.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be on edge' or 'to be worked up'. Implies a state of heightened irritability.
Describes a state where one's nerves are frayed or on edge, often due to stress or a tense environment.
イライラ describes a temporary feeling of irritation, while 短気 refers to a personality trait of being quick-tempered. 神経質 implies a nervous, high-strung disposition where one is easily bothered by small things, often due to sensitivity rather than anger.
He's quick-tempered so he gets angry easily, but today he seems especially irritable.
Direct translations like '刺激性' (irritation as in skin irritation) are incorrect for emotional irritability. Use the terms above depending on context.
During PMS, feelings of irritability become stronger.
Driven by irritability and impatience, I couldn't stay still.
寝不足で気が立っている。
I'm on edge from lack of sleep.
I'm on edge before the exam.