Translation guide
The English word 'upset' covers a wide range of negative emotional states, from mild annoyance to deep distress. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on the specific feeling and situation.
Expressing that someone is emotionally shaken, sad, or distressed, often due to a specific event.
Literally 'feeling down/depressed'. A common way to say you're feeling upset or low in spirits.
He's upset because he failed the exam.
Means 'sad'. Use when the upset feeling is primarily sadness.
I got upset when I heard the news.
Means 'to be shaken up' or 'disturbed'. Often used for emotional shock or agitation.
She was upset by the news of the accident.
Means 'to be shocked'. Use when the upset is a sudden, strong emotional impact.
I was upset by what he said.
Expressing that someone is angry, irritated, or annoyed.
The standard word for 'angry'. Use when the upset is clearly anger.
He's upset about my mistake.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to get angry' or 'to be irritated'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
Means 'to be irritated' or 'frustrated'. Describes a state of ongoing annoyance.
I got upset because of the traffic jam.
Slang for 'to be pissed off' or 'disgusted'. Strong and informal.
Can sound crude; avoid in polite settings.
Referring to an upset stomach or indigestion.
A polite, general way to say 'my stomach is upset' or 'I have an upset stomach'.
I've had an upset stomach since yesterday.
Refers to a heavy, upset feeling in the stomach after eating too much or something rich.
Means 'nausea'. Use when the upset stomach involves feeling like vomiting.
Describing an action that disturbs a state, plan, or balance.
Means 'to disturb' or 'disrupt'. Used for upsetting balance, order, rhythm, etc.
His one remark upset the atmosphere.
Means 'to overturn' or 'upset' a decision, plan, or expectation.
Means 'to throw off' or 'derange'. Often used for upsetting plans or schedules.
Physically knocking something over or causing it to tip.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'upset'. Using a dictionary translation like 動揺 (どうよう) for everyday sadness or anger can sound unnatural. Always choose the word that matches the specific emotion or situation.
怒っている (おこっている) is the general term for 'angry'. 腹が立つ (はらがたつ) is more about a personal feeling of irritation and is very common in speech. 腹が立つ is often used for ongoing annoyance, while 怒っている can be a temporary state.
彼の態度には腹が立つ。
His attitude upsets me.
あいつの顔を見るとむかつく。
Just seeing his face upsets me.
脂っこいものを食べて胃もたれがする。
I ate greasy food and now my stomach is upset.
吐き気がして気分が悪い。
I feel nauseous and upset.
The court upset the ruling.
雨で予定が狂った。
The rain upset our plans.
The strong wind upset the signboard.