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.
For animals (especially dogs) to make a sudden biting motion, often without actually biting.
To respond with a sudden sharp movement or action, like grabbing something or turning one's head.
To react quickly; can be used for snapping into action or responding sharply.
彼はその申し出に素早く反応した。
He snapped at the offer.
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.
彼にスナップした。
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.
To yell or shout at someone in anger. Stronger than 'snap at' but commonly used for sudden angry outbursts.
彼は突然私に怒鳴った。
He suddenly snapped at me.
Slang for losing one's temper suddenly; to snap. Often implies a buildup of frustration.
ちょっとしたことでキレた。
He snapped at the slightest thing.
To speak curtly or brusquely, often in a way that feels like snapping at someone.
彼女はつっけんどんに「知らない」と言った。
She snapped, 'I don't know,' curtly.
Literally 'to say as if biting', a vivid metaphor for snapping at someone verbally.
彼は噛みつくように「うるさい」と言った。
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.
上司に怒られて、家族に八つ当たりした。
After being scolded by my boss, I snapped at my family.
To bite at; to snap at. The most direct equivalent for an animal's sudden bite attempt.
犬が私に噛みつこうとした。
The dog tried to snap at me.
Onomatopoeic expression for a sudden biting or snapping action, often used for dogs or playful bites.
子犬が指にガブッとした。
The puppy snapped at my finger.
Simply 'to bite'. Can be used for snapping if context implies suddenness, but less specific.
その犬は突然噛んだ。
The dog suddenly snapped (bit).
To jump at; to seize eagerly. Often used for snapping up an opportunity.
彼女はそのチャンスに飛びついた。
She snapped at the chance.