Translation guide
To feel hurt, angry, or upset because of something someone said or did. In Japanese, this is often expressed with verbs like 怒る (okoru), 腹が立つ (hara ga tatsu), or 気を悪くする (ki o waruku suru), depending on the nuance.
Expressing that someone felt hurt or angry due to a remark or action.
A common, polite way to say 'take offense' or 'feel hurt'. Literally 'make one's feelings bad'. Suitable for most situations.
彼はその冗談で気を悪くした。
He took offense at that joke.
気を悪くしないでください。
Please don't take offense.
Literally 'stomach stands up', meaning to get angry or offended. More visceral and direct than 気を悪くする. Common in everyday speech.
彼の態度には本当に腹が立った。
I really took offense at his attitude.
General verb for 'get angry'. Can imply taking offense, but broader. Often used when the reaction is visible.
彼女はその言葉に怒った。
She took offense at those words.
To be offended or annoyed, often with a sullen or pouty reaction. Describes a momentary feeling.
彼は批判されてむっとした。
He took offense when criticized.
Formal expression meaning 'to hurt someone's feelings' or 'offend'. Often used in written or formal contexts.
その発言は多くの人の気分を害した。
The remark offended many people.
Reacting negatively to something that was said.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to be offended/irritated by something'. カチン represents a sharp mental snap.
あの言い方にカチンときた。
I took offense at the way he said that.
To be hurt (emotionally) by something. Emphasizes emotional pain rather than anger.
彼の言葉に傷ついた。
I was hurt by his words. (took offense)
Describing a person who tends to take offense quickly.
Literally 'short-tempered', meaning quick to anger or take offense.
彼は気が短いから、気をつけて。
He takes offense easily, so be careful.
Do not translate 'take offense' literally as 攻撃を取る or similar. It is an idiomatic expression. Use the phrases above.
気を悪くする is more about feeling hurt or upset, while 腹が立つ is closer to anger. 気を悪くする is safer in polite contexts.
気を悪くしたけど、怒らなかった。
I took offense but didn't get angry.
Sensitive, high-strung; easily upset or offended. Often used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼女は神経質で、小さなことでも気にする。
She's sensitive and takes offense at little things.