Translation guide
The English phrase 'the itch' refers to a strong desire or urge to do something, often restless or compulsive. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns for urges, verbs for feeling an itch to act, and set phrases describing restlessness.
Expressing a compelling need or craving to act, often for a specific activity.
A general noun meaning 'impulse' or 'urge'. Often used in the pattern 〜衝動に駆られる (to be driven by an urge to...).
彼は突然、旅に出たい衝動に駆られた。
He was suddenly seized by the itch to travel.
A noun meaning 'desire' or 'craving', often used for psychological or physical needs. More formal than 衝動.
創作欲求が抑えられない。
I can't suppress the itch to create.
A grammar pattern meaning 'dying to do something'. Attach to the verb stem (masu-form minus ます). Very natural for expressing an unbearable itch.
新しいゲームをやりたくてたまらない。
I've got the itch to play the new game.
Similar to 〜たくてたまらない, meaning 'can't help wanting to do'. Slightly more colloquial.
海に行きたくてしょうがない。
I've got the itch to go to the beach.
A more literal expression: 'can't suppress the feeling of wanting to...'. Used in writing or formal speech.
何か新しいことを始めたい気持ちが抑えられない。
I can't suppress the itch to start something new.
Describing a vague, itchy feeling of needing to do something, often physical.
An onomatopoeic adverb describing restlessness, fidgeting, or the itch to move. Often used with する.
何かしたくてそわそわしている。
I'm feeling the itch to do something and can't sit still.
Onomatopoeia for an itching sensation, also used metaphorically for the itch to do something. Often in the pattern 〜したくてむずむずする.
Means 'can't stay still', capturing the restless aspect of the itch.
春になると、じっとしていられない。
When spring comes, I get the itch to be active.
Referring specifically to the phenomenon of marital or relationship dissatisfaction after several years.
Direct translation of 'seven-year itch', literally 'the seventh year's cheating heart'. Widely understood.
彼は七年目の浮気心に悩んでいる。
He's struggling with the seven-year itch.
A noun meaning 'period of weariness' or 'staleness', often used for relationships. Not limited to seven years.
結婚して5年、倦怠期に入ったかもしれない。
After five years of marriage, we might have hit the itch.
The Japanese word かゆみ (itch) refers only to a physical skin sensation. Do not use it to express a desire or urge. Use the options above instead.
体を動かしたくてむずむずする。
I'm itching to move my body.