Translation guide
The English phrase 'take offence' means to feel upset, insulted, or resentful because of something someone said or did. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that convey feeling hurt, angry, or slighted, often depending on the nuance and formality.
Expressing that someone felt hurt or insulted by someone's words or actions.
A common and polite way to say 'take offence'. Literally 'to harm one's feelings'. Suitable for formal and neutral contexts.
彼の冗談で気分を害した。
I took offence at his joke.
Means 'to get angry'. Often used when someone takes offence and shows anger. More direct than '気分を害する'.
彼はその言葉に怒った。
He took offence at those words.
Literally 'to raise one's belly', meaning to get angry or take offence. Slightly more casual than '怒る'.
彼女はその批判に腹を立てた。
She took offence at the criticism.
An onomatopoeic phrase meaning to be offended or get huffy, often for a brief moment. Casual.
彼の態度にムッとした。
I took offence at his attitude.
Literally 'to touch one's spirit', meaning to offend or rub the wrong way. Often used when something is irritating or offensive.
彼の言い方が気に障った。
The way he said it offended me.
Describing a person who tends to take offence easily.
An adjective meaning 'easily angered' or 'quick to take offence'. Used to describe a person's temperament.
彼は怒りっぽいから気をつけて。
He takes offence easily, so be careful.
Expressing that someone feels offended for another person's sake.
Literally 'to get angry on behalf of'. Used when someone takes offence for someone else.
友達の代わりに怒った。
I took offence on my friend's behalf.
The literal translation '攻撃を取る' (こうげきをとる) does not make sense in Japanese. Avoid direct translation.
攻撃を取る
take offence (literal, incorrect)
怒る is the most general 'get angry'. 腹を立てる is more visceral and slightly casual. 気分を害する is more formal and focuses on hurt feelings rather than anger.
Means 'sensitive' or 'nervous'. Can imply someone who takes offence at small things.
彼女は神経質で、ちょっとしたことでも気分を害する。
She is sensitive and takes offence at the slightest thing.