Translation guide
Describes someone who is easily annoyed, quick to anger, or generally grumpy. Japanese offers many nuanced terms depending on the cause and expression of irritability.
He is an irritable person.
Neutral, common way to say someone is short-tempered.
She's so irritable today.
For a temporary bad mood.
Describing someone who gets irritated over small things or has a short temper.
Refers to a short-tempered or impatient person. Often used as a noun or na-adjective.
He's short-tempered, so he gets angry quickly.
An i-adjective meaning 'prone to anger' or 'quick-tempered'. Describes a habitual tendency.
Literally 'tantrum holder'; someone with a fiery temper who easily flies into a rage.
Similar to 短気 but slightly less common. Means impatient or short-tempered.
Describing someone who is always in a bad mood, unfriendly, or irritable as a personality trait.
A na-adjective meaning 'in a bad mood' or 'sullen'. Can describe a temporary state or a person's usual demeanor.
She always looks irritable.
An adverb/noun describing someone who is sullen, glum, or silently grumpy. Often used with している.
Slang for a gloomy, pessimistic, or irritable person. Literally 'dark-rooted'. Can be insulting.
Describing someone who is easily irritated because they are high-strung, sensitive, or on edge.
A na-adjective meaning 'nervous', 'high-strung', or 'sensitive'. Implies irritability stemming from anxiety or perfectionism.
He's high-strung and bothered by even small noises.
Phrase meaning 'easily irritated' or 'prone to frustration'. イライラ is an onomatopoeia for irritation.
短気 (short temper) focuses on quickness to anger. 怒りっぽい (prone to anger) emphasizes frequency/habit. 気難しい (hard to please) implies a generally difficult, moody personality that may not always involve overt anger.
The English phrase 'irritable person' doesn't have a single direct equivalent. Using イライラする人 is understandable but sounds like 'a person who is currently irritated' rather than a personality trait. Choose a word that matches the specific nuance.
My dad is quick-tempered and often yells.
Describes someone who is hard to please, moody, or touchy. Implies a generally difficult personality.
It's tough talking to that irritable boss.
He has a temper and snaps at the slightest thing.
気短な人は待つのが苦手だ。
Impatient people are bad at waiting.
彼はむっつりしていて、話しかけにくい。
He's sullen and hard to approach.
あいつは根暗だから、いつも文句ばかり言ってる。
That guy is so gloomy, he's always complaining.
Lately I've been easily irritated and it's bothering me.