Translation guide
The English word "pique" has two main meanings: a feeling of irritation or resentment, and to stimulate interest or curiosity. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
Express a feeling of wounded pride, annoyance, or resentment, often in reaction to a slight.
Express that something arouses curiosity, interest, or excitement.
The most direct and common translation for "pique one's interest." Literally "to stir up interest."
Do not try to translate "pique" as a single Japanese word. The meaning changes significantly between the two senses, and Japanese uses different expressions for each. Using a dictionary gloss like 立腹 for the curiosity sense would be incorrect.
When you want to say someone is offended, use 立腹 or 気分を害する. When you want to say something arouses interest, use 興味をそそる. These are not interchangeable.
A formal noun meaning anger or resentment, often used in the phrase "立腹する" (to get angry/offended). Suitable for describing a state of pique.
He was piqued by the remark.
Literally "to harm one's mood/feelings." A common way to say someone was offended or took something badly, capturing the sense of pique.
She was piqued by his joke.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning to be offended or to get huffy. Describes a sudden, visible reaction of pique.
He got piqued at the criticism.
A stronger noun meaning indignation or resentment. Used for more intense pique, often in formal contexts.
I was piqued by the decision.
Literally "to have one's pride wounded." Emphasizes the aspect of wounded pride in pique. More explicit and less common in casual speech.
He was piqued because his pride was hurt.
The story piqued my interest.
Literally "to stimulate curiosity." Slightly more formal than 興味をそそる, but equally natural.
The mystery piqued his curiosity.
A casual verb meaning to excite or arouse (interest, appetite, etc.). Often used in phrases like 興味をそそる or 食欲をそそる.
The movie trailer really piques your interest.
Literally "to attract attention/interest." A more general phrase, but can be used for piquing interest in some contexts.
The article piqued many people's interest.