Translation guide
How to express 'snap at' in Japanese, covering both literal biting/snapping and figurative sharp verbal outbursts.
To suddenly say something in an irritated, impatient, or angry tone, often in response to a minor trigger.
To yell or shout at someone in anger. Stronger than 'snap at' but commonly used for sudden angry outbursts.
He suddenly snapped at me.
Slang for losing one's temper suddenly; to snap. Often implies a buildup of frustration.
He snapped at the slightest thing.
To speak curtly or brusquely, often in a way that feels like snapping at someone.
She snapped, 'I don't know,' curtly.
Literally 'to say as if biting', a vivid metaphor for snapping at someone verbally.
He snapped, 'Shut up,' bitingly.
To take out one's anger on someone else; to snap at someone who isn't the real cause of frustration.
After being scolded by my boss, I snapped at my family.
For animals (especially dogs) to make a sudden biting motion, often without actually biting.
To bite at; to snap at. The most direct equivalent for an animal's sudden bite attempt.
The dog tried to snap at me.
Onomatopoeic expression for a sudden biting or snapping action, often used for dogs or playful bites.
The puppy snapped at my finger.
Simply 'to bite'. Can be used for snapping if context implies suddenness, but less specific.
To respond with a sudden sharp movement or action, like grabbing something or turning one's head.
Directly translating 'snap at' as スナップする or パチンとする will not convey the meaning of speaking sharply. Use the provided phrases instead.
I snapped at him. (unnatural)
怒鳴る (donaru) is a general term for yelling in anger, while キレる (kireru) specifically implies a sudden loss of control, often from pent-up frustration. キレる is more colloquial.
He yelled (in anger).
He snapped (lost his temper).
The dog suddenly snapped (bit).
彼女はそのチャンスに飛びついた。
She snapped at the chance.