Translation guide
Describes something that cannot be controlled, restrained, or managed. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for emotions, physical actions, situations, and people.
Expressing that a feeling, desire, or impulse is so strong it cannot be held back.
Literally 'cannot be suppressed'. Used for emotions, laughter, tears, anger, etc. Very common and natural.
怒りが抑えられなかった。
I couldn't control my anger.
笑いが抑えられない。
I can't stop laughing.
Means 'doesn't stop'. Used for tears, laughter, or other continuous actions that you can't halt.
涙が止まらなかった。
The tears wouldn't stop.
Means 'impulsive'. Describes actions driven by uncontrollable urges. Often used in psychological contexts.
衝動的な行動を抑えられない。
I can't control my impulsive behavior.
Describing involuntary movements, shaking, or bodily functions.
Means 'cannot control'. Used for physical movements, machines, or situations. Slightly formal.
手の震えを制御できない。
I can't control the trembling in my hands.
Literally 'moves on its own'. Used for body parts that move involuntarily.
足が勝手に動いてしまう。
My legs move on their own.
Describing a situation that has become chaotic or cannot be managed.
Means 'beyond one's control' or 'too much to handle'. Used for situations, children, or problems.
この状況は手に負えない。
This situation is uncontrollable.
あの子は手に負えない。
That child is uncontrollable.
Means 'out of control' or 'irretrievable'. Used when a situation has spiraled beyond recovery.
事態は収拾がつかなくなった。
The situation became uncontrollable.
Literally 'runaway'. Used for vehicles, but also metaphorically for situations or people going out of control.
Describing someone who cannot be disciplined or managed.
Means 'unmanageable' or 'out of hand'. Often used for children or wild behavior.
彼は手がつけられないほど暴れた。
He became uncontrollably violent.
Means 'wild' or 'uninhibited'. Describes a free-spirited, sometimes uncontrollable person.
The English word 'uncontrollable' is often translated as 制御不能 (seigyo funō), but this sounds technical and is mainly used for machines or formal reports. For everyday situations, use the phrases above.
計画が暴走し始めた。
The plan started to go out of control.
彼女は奔放な性格だ。
She has an uncontrollable personality.