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いらいらする

B1 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

いらいらする

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips いらいらする in 30 Seconds

Explanation いらいらする in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'いらいらする' (iraira suru). Think of it as the Japanese word for 'annoyed' or 'irritated'. It is used when something bothers you or makes you lose your patience. For example, if you are waiting for a bus and it is very late, you might feel 'iraira'. In Japanese, we often use the form 'いらいらします' (iraira shimasu) for polite speech or 'いらいらする' (iraira suru) for casual speech. A very important thing to remember is the particle 'に' (ni). We use it to show what is making us annoyed. For example, 'Traffic にいらいらします'. It is a very useful word because everyone feels a little annoyed sometimes! You can use it to talk about your feelings in simple sentences. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet; just remember that 'iraira' sounds like something prickly or itchy, which is how irritation feels. It is one of the many 'sound-effect' words in Japanese that describe feelings. When you see someone tapping their foot or looking unhappy while waiting, they are 'iraira shite iru'. Try using it when you have to wait a long time for your food at a restaurant. It's a natural way to express a common human emotion. Remember, it's not just about being 'angry' (which is 'okoru'), but about that restless feeling you get when you are waiting or when things are slow.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'いらいらする' (iraira suru) in more varied sentence structures. You should understand that it is a 'suru-verb', meaning you can change it to 'いらいらしている' (iraira shite iru) to describe a state that is happening right now. This is very common. For example, 'Tanaka-san wa iraira shite imasu' means 'Mr. Tanaka is (currently) irritated'. You can also use the past tense 'いらいらした' (iraira shita) to say you were irritated before. Another useful pattern is using '〜て' (te) to connect it to other actions. 'Iraira shite, jugyou ni shuuchuu dekimasen' (I'm irritated and can't concentrate on class). You should also learn that this word is often used with 'nakanaka' (not easily/not quite). 'Nakanaka basu ga konai node, iraira shimasu' (The bus isn't coming easily, so I'm getting irritated). At this level, you might also see it written in Katakana as 'イライラ', which is very common in manga or informal texts to give it more emphasis. It's important to distinguish it from 'okoru' (to get angry). 'Iraira' is the feeling inside you, while 'okoru' is often the action of showing that anger. If you are waiting for a friend who is late, you are 'iraira', but if you yell at them when they arrive, you are 'okoru'. Understanding this difference helps you sound more natural. Try to notice how people's body language changes when they are 'iraira'—they might sigh frequently or look at their watch repeatedly.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'いらいらする' (iraira suru) in complex sentences and understanding its nuances compared to other similar words. You should be able to use the causative form 'いらいらさせる' (iraira saseru) to mean 'to make someone irritated'. For example, 'Kare no taido wa watashi o iraira saseru' (His attitude makes me irritated). You should also be aware of the adverbial use 'いらいらと' (iraira to), which describes how an action is performed. 'Kare wa iraira to pen o tataite ita' (He was tapping his pen irritably). At this level, it's important to understand the 'gitaigo' (mimetic) nature of the word. The repetition of 'ira' suggests a repetitive, prickly annoyance. You can use it to describe not just people, but situations that are inherently frustrating. You should also start to recognize related words like 'mukamuka suru' (to feel sick with anger/nausea) and 'karikari suru' (to be edgy/frazzled). 'Iraira' is the most general and common of these. In B1 level conversations, you can use 'iraira' to explain your motivations or feelings in more detail. For example, 'Saikin shigoto ga isogashikute, tsuis iraira shite shimaimasu' (Lately work has been busy, so I unintentionally end up getting irritated). The use of '〜てしまう' (te shimau) here adds the nuance that the irritation is something you regret or can't help. This level of nuance is key for B1 learners to express their internal emotional landscape accurately.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which 'いらいらする' (iraira suru) is used. You should know that while it is a common word, it expresses a loss of 'gaman' (endurance/patience), which is a significant concept in Japanese culture. Admitting to being 'iraira' can sometimes be seen as a lack of self-control, so you should be aware of when it's appropriate to use it (with friends, close colleagues) and when to use more formal or indirect language (in business settings with clients). You should also be able to use the word in the context of 'stress management' or psychological descriptions. For instance, 'Sutoresu ga tamaru to, sasai na koto ni mo iraira shite shimau mono da' (When stress builds up, it's natural to get irritated even at trivial things). You should also be familiar with the noun form 'iraira' used in compounds or as a standalone state. Furthermore, you should be able to distinguish 'iraira' from more literary or formal terms like 'shousoukan' (a sense of impatience). In B2 level writing, you might use 'iraira' to add descriptive color to a narrative, while using more formal terms in the analysis. You should also understand the use of 'iraira' in social commentary, such as describing the 'iraira' of a society that is too focused on efficiency. At this level, you are expected to use the word with perfect grammatical accuracy, including the causative, passive, and various conditional forms, while also being sensitive to the emotional weight it carries in a conversation.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'いらいらする' (iraira suru) and its synonyms with precision and stylistic flair. You should understand the subtle differences between 'iraira', 'karikari', 'mukamuka', 'pikipiki', and 'mutto'. For instance, 'pikipiki' suggests a visible tension in one's nerves, while 'mutto' is a sudden, silent flare-up of anger. You should be able to choose the exact word that fits the psychological profile of a character or the specific atmosphere of a situation. In your own speech and writing, you can use 'iraira' to explore complex emotional themes. For example, discussing the 'existential iraira' one might feel when faced with bureaucratic inefficiency or the slow pace of social change. You should also be able to analyze the use of 'iraira' in Japanese literature and media, identifying how it contributes to character development or plot tension. At this level, you should also be aware of the historical development of the word and its relationship to other 'ira' related words in the Japanese lexicon. You can use the word in sophisticated grammatical structures, such as 'Iraira saserareru no wa gomen da' (I've had enough of being made to feel irritated). Your understanding should extend to the prosody of the word—how the intonation and speed of saying 'iraira' can change its impact. You are no longer just learning a word; you are mastering a tool for nuanced emotional expression that reflects a deep understanding of the Japanese psyche and the intricacies of human interaction.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'いらいらする' (iraira suru) and can use it in any context, from highly informal slang to sophisticated literary analysis. You understand the word not just as a vocabulary item, but as a thread in the rich tapestry of Japanese emotional vocabulary. You can use it to engage in deep cultural critiques, such as discussing how the 'iraira' of the urban environment is reflected in modern Japanese art or cinema. You are aware of the most subtle connotations, such as how 'iraira' might be used ironically or sarcastically in certain social circles. Your use of the word is perfectly calibrated to the social hierarchy and the specific 'ba' (setting) of the communication. You can effortlessly switch between 'iraira' and its more formal counterparts like 'shousou' or 'fukai' depending on the desired register. Furthermore, you can identify and use regional variations or archaic forms if necessary, though 'iraira' itself is quite standard. In creative writing, you can use the 'ira' sound to create a certain phonetic atmosphere, playing with the onomatopoeic qualities of the language. You are also capable of explaining the nuances of this word to others, perhaps even to native speakers who might not have consciously considered the difference between 'iraira' and 'karikari'. At this stage, the word is a natural part of your expressive repertoire, used with the same ease and precision as a native speaker, reflecting a profound integration of the Japanese language and its underlying cultural logic.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

いらいらする in 30 Seconds

Iraira suru is the primary Japanese term for feeling irritated, annoyed, or losing one's patience in daily situations.
As a mimetic word (gitaigo), it evokes a prickly, restless sensation of internal frustration rather than an external outburst.
It is grammatically flexible, used as a suru-verb, an adverb (iraira to), or a noun, often with the particle 'ni'.
Essential for expressing emotions in contexts like traffic jams, slow service, or interpersonal friction in Japanese culture.

The Japanese term いらいらする (iraira suru) is a quintessential example of Japanese onomatopoeia, specifically categorized as gitaigo (mimetic words that describe states or conditions). At its core, it describes the internal psychological state of being irritated, annoyed, or losing one's patience. Unlike a sudden outburst of anger, which might be described using words like 怒る (okoru), いらいらする focuses on the simmering, prickly feeling of frustration that builds up when something isn't going as planned or when one is forced to wait unnecessarily.

Core Concept: The word evokes the sensation of small, sharp thorns or heat prickling the skin. It is the mental equivalent of having a 'short fuse' or feeling 'on edge'.
Etymology Note: The 'ira' part is thought to be related to 'iraira', meaning thorns or splinters, suggesting a state where one's nerves are being poked by small annoyances.

渋滞のせいで、とてもいらいらする。 (I'm getting so irritated because of the traffic jam.)

People use this word in a variety of daily contexts. It is common in professional settings when projects are delayed, in personal relationships when communication breaks down, and in solitary moments of frustration with technology or physical discomfort. It captures the 'restlessness' of irritation. You might feel いらいら when a webpage takes too long to load, when someone is tapping their pen during a quiet exam, or when you are stuck behind a slow walker on a busy street. It is a highly relatable emotion that bridges the gap between mild annoyance and the threshold of actual anger.

彼の態度にいらいらする。 (His attitude makes me irritated.)

The versatility of this word allows it to be used as a verb (iraira suru), an adverb (iraira to), or even as a noun-like state (iraira). In modern Japanese, it's also frequently shortened in casual speech or combined with other words to describe 'stress' in a broad sense. For English speakers, think of it as the 'static' in your mood when things aren't smooth.

Situational Usage: Used when waiting for a late friend, dealing with a slow computer, or hearing repetitive noises.

注文した料理がなかなか来なくて、いらいらしてきた。 (The food I ordered isn't coming, and I've started to get irritated.)

騒音のせいで仕事に集中できず、いらいらしてしまう。 (I can't concentrate on work because of the noise, and I end up getting irritated.)

Physical Sensation: It often accompanies physical signs like tapping fingers, sighing, or a tight chest.

そんなにいらいらするなよ。 (Don't get so irritated.)

In summary, いらいらする is the default Japanese expression for that itchy, restless annoyance that everyone feels from time to time. It is expressive, common, and essential for describing one's emotional state in daily life.

Using いらいらする correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a suru-verb. It can be conjugated like any other suru-verb (e.g., iraira shite iru, iraira shita, iraira saseru). The most common structure involves identifying the cause of the irritation using the particle に (ni).

The 'Ni' Particle: The cause of the irritation is marked by 'ni'. [Cause] + に + いらいらする.

遅いインターネットにいらいらする。 (I get irritated at the slow internet.)

When you want to describe a state that is currently happening, the 〜ている (~te iru) form is used. This is perhaps the most frequent way you will hear the word in conversation, as people often comment on their current mood or the mood of others.

部長は朝からいらいらしている。 (The manager has been irritated since this morning.)

彼はいつも私をいらいらさせる。 (He always makes me irritated.)

Another important construction is using いらいら as an adverb. In this case, it is often followed by と (to) and a verb that describes an action done while irritated, such as waiting or walking.

Adverbial Use: いらいら(と) + Action Verb. This describes the manner in which an action is performed.

彼はいらいらとペンを叩いている。 (He is tapping his pen irritably.)

For more complex sentences, you can use the conditional forms like 〜と (~to) or 〜たら (~tara) to explain what triggers your irritation. This is useful for expressing personal boundaries or pet peeves.

返事が遅いと、ついいらいらしてしまう。 (If the reply is late, I unintentionally end up getting irritated.)

In summary, whether you are the one feeling the irritation, observing it in others, or describing an action done in an irritated manner, the word adapts to the grammar of suru-verbs perfectly. Mastery of this word involves not just the definition, but the ability to place it correctly within these various syntactic frames.

Summary Table: 1. Source: [Noun] + ni + iraira suru. 2. State: iraira shite iru. 3. Adverb: iraira to [Verb]. 4. Causative: [Person] + o + iraira saseru.

そんなにいらいらしなくてもいいじゃないか。 (You don't have to be so irritated, do you?)

You will encounter いらいらする in almost every corner of Japanese life, from the quiet murmurs of a Tokyo commuter train to the high-pressure environment of a modern office. It is a word that captures the friction of living in a densely populated, high-speed society. One of the most common places to hear it is in the context of public transport. Japan's trains are famous for their punctuality, so when there is a delay (enshuu), you will often hear passengers sighing and muttering about how iraira suru the situation is.

Public Spaces: Stations, banks, and hospitals are prime locations for 'iraira'. People waiting in long queues often exhibit signs of this emotion.

レジが混んでいて、みんないらいらしているようだ。 (The checkout is crowded, and everyone seems to be getting irritated.)

In the workplace, the word is used to describe the stress of deadlines and interpersonal conflicts. While employees rarely say 'I'm irritated' directly to their boss, they will certainly say it to their colleagues during a lunch break or over drinks at an izakaya. It serves as a way to vent (guchi o kobosu) and build solidarity with coworkers who are likely feeling the same way.

仕事が多すぎて、最近ずっといらいらしている。 (I have too much work, so I've been irritated all the time lately.)

You will also see this word frequently in media. In Anime and Manga, characters who are easily annoyed (the 'tsundere' or 'hot-headed' types) will often have the word イライラ (written in katakana for emphasis) floating around their heads as a visual sound effect. It is a shorthand for their current mood. Similarly, in TV dramas, it's a key word for building tension between characters in a romantic or professional conflict.

Media & Pop Culture: Commonly used as a sound effect in manga to show a character's internal frustration.

漫画のキャラがいらいらして、壁を叩いている。 (The manga character is irritated and is hitting the wall.)

Finally, いらいらする is a staple of parenting talk. Japanese parents, like parents everywhere, often describe the feeling of being 'at their wits' end' when their children are being particularly difficult. It is a socially acceptable way to express the normal stresses of family life.

子供が言うことを聞かなくて、ついいらいらしてしまった。 (The kids wouldn't listen, so I ended up getting irritated.)

In all these contexts, the word serves as a mirror to the daily frictions of life. Learning to recognize it will help you better understand the emotional atmosphere of the people around you in Japan.

While いらいらする is a common word, English speakers often fall into a few specific traps when using it. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with 怒る (okoru - to be angry). While they are related, they describe different stages of emotion. 怒る is the outward expression of anger—yelling, scolding, or having a clear 'mad' face. いらいらする, on the other hand, is the internal feeling of being annoyed or losing patience. You can be いらいら without being 怒る, and vice versa.

Iraira vs. Okoru: Iraira = Internal annoyance/impatience. Okoru = External anger/scolding.

❌ 彼は怒っているから、いらいらしている。 (Incorrect if used to mean 'He is yelling'.)

Another common error is using the wrong particle to indicate the cause of irritation. Many learners instinctively want to use を (o) because they think of 'irritating someone' as a direct action. However, in the standard form 'I am irritated at [X]', the particle に (ni) is required. You only use を with the causative form いらいらさせる (iraira saseru).

❌ 騒音をいらいらする。 -> ✅ 騒音にいらいらする。

A third mistake is failing to distinguish between いらいらする and other similar mimetic words like むかむかする (mukamuka suru). While いらいら is about impatience and annoyance, むかむか often implies a feeling of nausea or a 'sick to one's stomach' kind of anger. Using いらいら when you actually feel like you want to throw up from disgust or anger would be unnatural.

Mimetic Distinctions: Iraira = Impatience. Mukamuka = Sickening anger/nausea. Mutto = Sudden, silent offense.

失礼なことを言われて、むかむかする。 (I feel sick with anger at being told something rude.)

Lastly, be careful with the level of formality. いらいらする is perfectly fine in daily conversation, but in very formal business writing or when speaking to a high-ranking official, it might sound too emotional or 'raw'. In those cases, more formal expressions like 不快に感じる (fukai ni kanjiru - to feel unpleasant) or 困惑する (konwaku suru - to be perplexed/troubled) are often preferred to maintain a professional distance.

お客様をいらいらさせてはいけない。 (We must not make the customers irritated.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing it with external anger, using the wrong particle, choosing the wrong mimetic word, or using it in overly formal contexts—you will be able to use いらいらする with the nuance and accuracy of a native speaker.

Japanese is incredibly rich in words for emotions, especially mimetic words (gitaigo). While いらいらする is the most versatile term for irritation, several alternatives can provide more specific nuance depending on the situation. Understanding these differences will elevate your Japanese from functional to expressive.

1. むかむかする (Mukamuka suru): Focuses on a feeling of rising anger or nausea. It's the 'stomach-turning' kind of irritation often caused by someone's rude behavior.
2. ぴりぴりする (Piripiri suru): Describes a tense, electrical atmosphere. It's like 'walking on eggshells'. Used when everyone in a room is on edge, often before a big meeting or after a mistake.

試験の前で、教室がぴりぴりしている。 (The classroom is tense before the exam.)

If you want to describe a more persistent, long-term state of being stressed or 'frazzled', you might use カリカリする (Karikari suru). This word often implies a sharp, edgy irritability, like someone who is overworked and snaps at small things. It's similar to いらいら, but with a sharper, more 'brittle' nuance.

3. カリカリする (Karikari suru): Describes a state of being extremely edgy or touchy. Often used for someone who is 'fuming' internally over small details.

そんなにカリカリするなよ、落ち着いて。 (Don't be so edgy; calm down.)

For a more formal alternative, especially in writing, you can use 焦燥感 (shousoukan), which means 'a sense of impatience or irritation'. This is a noun and is used in academic or professional reports to describe a psychological state without the informal 'pop' of mimetic words.

4. 焦燥感 (Shousoukan): A formal noun meaning 'impatience' or 'fretfulness'. Used in psychological or literary contexts.

締め切りが近づき、強い焦燥感に駆られた。 (As the deadline approached, I was driven by a strong sense of impatience.)

Lastly, もどかしい (modokashii) is a great adjective to know. It describes the specific irritation of wanting to do something but not being able to do it as well or as quickly as you'd like. It's the 'frustration of inability'. While いらいら is more about the feeling itself, もどかしい focuses on the gap between your desire and the reality.

自分の気持ちをうまく伝えられなくて、もどかしい。 (I feel frustrated because I can't express my feelings well.)

By knowing these alternatives, you can choose the exact 'flavor' of irritation you want to express, making your communication more precise and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'ira' is also found in 'irairagusa' (stinging nettle), which perfectly captures the 'prickly' and 'stinging' origin of the emotion.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /i.ɾa.i.ɾa su.ɾu/

US /i.ɾa.i.ɾa su.ɾu/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'Iraira' generally has a flat or slightly falling pitch, while 'suru' follows standard verb pitch patterns.

Rhymes With

Kira-kira (sparkling) Gira-gira (glaring) Hira-hira (fluttering) Yura-yura (swaying) Bura-bura (strolling) Sara-sara (smoothly) Para-para (pattering) Kura-kura (dizzy)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (retroflex). It should be a flap.
Stressing the 'ra' syllables too heavily.
Making the 'i' sounds too long.
Pronouncing 'u' in 'suru' too clearly; it is often whispered or shortened.
Failing to repeat the 'ira' part clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read as it is usually in Hiragana or Katakana.

Writing 1/5

Simple Hiragana/Katakana characters.

Speaking 2/5

Requires correct flap 'r' sounds and understanding the 'suru' conjugation.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound that is easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

する (suru) 怒る (okoru) 待つ (matsu) 遅い (osoi) うるさい (urusai)

Learn Next

むかむかする (mukamuka suru) カリカリする (karikari suru) ぴりぴりする (piripiri suru) ストレス (sutoresu) 我慢 (gaman)

Advanced

焦燥感 (shousoukan) 苛立つ (iradatsu) 憤り (ikidouri) 癇癪 (kanshaku) 不機嫌 (fukigen)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs conjugation

いらいらする、いらいらした、いらいらしている

Causative form (~saseru)

私をいらいらさせる。

Te-form for reasons

いらいらして、寝られなかった。

Adverbial use of mimetics with 'to'

いらいらと待つ。

Conditional ~tara/~to

遅いといらいらする。

Examples by Level

バスが来なくて、いらいらします。

The bus isn't coming, so I'm getting irritated.

Uses the polite present form 'shimasu'.

いらいらしないでください。

Please don't get irritated.

Negative request form '~nai de kudasai'.

私は今、少しいらいらしています。

I am a little irritated right now.

Uses '~te imasu' to describe a current state.

長い列にいらいらします。

I get irritated at the long line.

Uses the particle 'ni' to show the cause.

彼はいつもいらいらしている。

He is always irritated.

Casual form 'shite iru' for a habitual state.

お腹が空くと、いらいらします。

When I get hungry, I get irritated.

Uses the conditional '~to' (when/if).

うるさい音にいらいらしました。

I got irritated at the noisy sound.

Past tense 'shimashita'.

いらいらするのは良くないです。

Getting irritated is not good.

Uses 'no wa' to turn the verb into a noun phrase.

なかなか宿題が終わらなくて、いらいらする。

My homework just won't end, and I'm getting irritated.

Uses 'nakanaka ~nai' (not easily).

パソコンが遅いので、いらいらしてしまいます。

The computer is slow, so I end up getting irritated.

Uses '~te shimau' to show an involuntary action.

昨日は仕事でとてもいらいらした。

I was very irritated at work yesterday.

Past tense 'shita' used for a specific event.

いらいらしている時は、お茶を飲みます。

When I'm irritated, I drink tea.

Uses 'toki' (when) with the '~te iru' form.

彼の話し方にいらいらすることがあります。

There are times when I get irritated by the way he talks.

Uses 'koto ga aru' (there are times when...).

そんなにいらいらしないで、落ち着いてください。

Don't be so irritated; please calm down.

Connects '~nai de' with another request.

渋滞にいらいらするのは時間の無駄だ。

Getting irritated at traffic is a waste of time.

Noun phrase followed by 'da' (is).

妹がいらいらしていたので、話しかけませんでした。

My sister was irritated, so I didn't talk to her.

Uses 'node' (because) to show cause and effect.

期待していた返事が来なくて、いらいらが募る。

The expected reply didn't come, and my irritation is growing.

Uses 'tsunoru' (to grow/intensify) with the noun 'iraira'.

彼は私をいらいらさせる天才だ。

He is a genius at making me irritated.

Uses the causative form 'saseru'.

いらいらとペンを叩く音が部屋に響いている。

The sound of irritably tapping a pen is echoing in the room.

Uses the adverbial 'iraira to'.

そんなにカリカリしないで、もっと楽に考えようよ。

Don't be so edgy; let's think more easily.

Uses 'karikari', a synonym for a sharper kind of 'iraira'.

些細なことでいらいらしてしまうのは、疲れている証拠だ。

Getting irritated over trivial things is proof that you're tired.

Uses 'shouko da' (is proof).

いらいらを抑えるために、深呼吸をした。

I took a deep breath to suppress my irritation.

Uses 'tame ni' (in order to) with 'osaeru' (suppress).

彼女の不誠実な態度に、猛烈にいらいらした。

I was intensely irritated by her insincere attitude.

Uses the adverb 'mouretsu ni' (intensely).

いらいらしても状況は変わらないと分かっているのだが。

I know that getting irritated won't change the situation, but...

Uses '~te mo' (even if) and '~no da ga' (but/however).

周囲の無責任な言動に、いらいらを隠せなかった。

I couldn't hide my irritation at the irresponsible words and actions of those around me.

Uses 'kakusenai' (cannot hide).

都会の喧騒の中にいると、どうしてもいらいらしてくる。

When I'm in the hustle and bustle of the city, I inevitably start to get irritated.

Uses '~te kuru' to show a beginning or approaching state.

いらいらを他人にぶつけるのは、大人のすることではない。

Venting your irritation on others is not what an adult does.

Uses 'butsukeru' (to hit/vent) and 'no de wa nai' (is not).

仕事が予定通りに進まず、焦燥感といらいらが入り混じる。

Work isn't progressing as planned, and impatience and irritation are mixed together.

Uses 'hairimajiru' (to be mixed together).

いらいらした口調で答えてしまったことを後悔している。

I regret answering in an irritated tone.

Uses 'kuchou' (tone of voice) and 'koukai shite iru' (regret).

現代社会は、人々をいらいらさせる要素に満ちている。

Modern society is full of factors that make people irritated.

Uses 'youso' (elements/factors) and 'michite iru' (to be full of).

感情をコントロールできず、いらいらに支配されてしまった。

I couldn't control my emotions and was dominated by irritation.

Uses 'shihai sareru' (to be dominated/controlled).

いらいらしている時は、客観的な判断ができなくなる。

When you're irritated, you become unable to make objective judgments.

Uses 'kyakkanteki na handan' (objective judgment).

官僚的な手続きの煩雑さに、静かなるいらいらを感じた。

I felt a quiet irritation at the complexity of the bureaucratic procedures.

Uses 'hanzatsusa' (complexity) and 'shizukanaru' (quiet).

彼の慇懃無礼な態度には、いらいらを通り越して呆れてしまう。

His politely rude attitude goes beyond irritation; I'm just exasperated.

Uses 'ingin burei' (politely rude) and 'toorikoshite' (go beyond).

沈黙の中に、言いようのないいらいらが漂っていた。

In the silence, an indescribable irritation was drifting.

Uses 'iiyou no nai' (indescribable) and 'tadayou' (to drift).

いらいらをエネルギーに変えて、一気に仕事を片付けた。

I turned my irritation into energy and finished the work all at once.

Uses 'energy ni kaete' (turning into energy).

この小説は、読者のいらいらを誘うような筆致で書かれている。

This novel is written in a style that invites the reader's irritation.

Uses 'sasou' (to invite/provoke) and 'hitchi' (writing style).

いらいらという感情の裏側には、往々にして不安が隠れている。

Behind the emotion of irritation, anxiety is often hidden.

Uses 'uragawa' (the other side/behind) and 'ouou ni shite' (often).

絶え間ない騒音がいらいらを増幅させ、ついに限界に達した。

The constant noise amplified my irritation, and I finally reached my limit.

Uses 'zufuku saseru' (to amplify) and 'genkai ni tassuru' (reach the limit).

いらいらを解消するための、彼なりの儀式があるようだ。

It seems he has his own ritual for getting rid of irritation.

Uses 'kaishou suru' (to resolve/get rid of) and 'gishiki' (ritual).

現代人の抱えるいらいらは、文明の進歩が生んだ歪みかもしれない。

The irritation held by modern people might be a distortion created by the progress of civilization.

Uses 'hakaeru' (to hold/carry) and 'hizumi' (distortion).

その音楽は、不協和音によって聴衆にいらいらをもたらす意図があった。

The music was intended to bring irritation to the audience through dissonance.

Uses 'fukyou waon' (dissonance) and 'moto rasu' (to bring about).

いらいらを昇華させ、芸術作品として結実させた。

He sublimated his irritation and brought it to fruition as a work of art.

Uses 'shouka saseru' (to sublimate) and 'ketsujitsu saseru' (bring to fruition).

彼は、自身のいらいらを冷徹な論理で包み隠していた。

He concealed his own irritation with cold, piercing logic.

Uses 'reitetsu na ronri' (cold logic) and 'tsutsumi kakusu' (to conceal).

社会全体のいらいらが臨界点を超え、暴動へと発展した。

The irritation of society as a whole exceeded the critical point and developed into a riot.

Uses 'rinkaiten' (critical point) and 'hatten suru' (to develop into).

いらいらという微細な振動が、静謐な空間を侵食していく。

The minute vibration of irritation erodes the tranquil space.

Uses 'bisai na shindou' (minute vibration) and 'shinshoku suru' (to erode).

彼は、いらいらを飼い慣らす術を心得ている熟練の交渉人だ。

He is a skilled negotiator who knows how to domesticate (tame) irritation.

Uses 'kainarasu' (to tame) and 'sube o kokoroete iru' (know the way/art).

いらいらは、理想と現実の乖離から生じる不可避な副産物である。

Irritation is an inevitable byproduct arising from the gap between ideal and reality.

Uses 'kairi' (gap/divergence) and 'fukahi na fukusanbutsu' (inevitable byproduct).

Common Collocations

いらいらが募る

いらいらを抑える

いらいらをぶつける

いらいらを解消する

猛烈にいらいらする

慢性的にいらいらする

いらいらが爆発する

いらいらさせる態度

つい、いらいらしてしまう

いらいらが顔に出る

Common Phrases

いらいらするなあ！

— How irritating! (A common exclamation of frustration.)

このパソコン、遅くていらいらするなあ！

そんなにいらいらしないで。

— Don't get so irritated. (Used to calm someone down.)

まだ時間はありますから、そんなにいらいらしないで。

いらいらが止まらない。

— I can't stop being irritated. (Expresses a persistent state of annoyance.)

さっきからいらいらが止まらないんだ。

見ていていらいらする。

— It's irritating just to watch. (Used when someone else's slow or clumsy actions annoy you.)

彼の仕事は遅くて、見ていていらいらする。

いらいらさせてごめん。

— Sorry for making you irritated. (An apology for causing frustration.)

返信が遅れて、いらいらさせてごめん。

いらいらの原因

— The cause of irritation. (Used to identify what is bothering someone.)

いらいらの原因は何ですか？

いらいら解消法

— Ways to get rid of irritation. (Common in self-help or wellness contexts.)

私なりのいらいら解消法を教えます。

いらいら気味

— A bit irritated; having a tendency to be irritated. (Describes a slight state.)

最近、寝不足でいらいら気味だ。

いらいらMAX

— Irritation at its maximum. (Slang/Informal way to say extremely annoyed.)

もう、いらいらMAXだよ！

いらいら防止

— Prevention of irritation. (Used for tips or products to keep calm.)

いらいら防止にこのサプリを飲んでいます。

Often Confused With

いらいらする vs 怒る (okoru)

Okoru is external anger/yelling; Iraira is internal annoyance/impatience.

いらいらする vs むかむか (mukamuka)

Mukamuka is sickening anger or nausea; Iraira is prickly impatience.

いらいらする vs 焦る (aseru)

Aseru is feeling rushed or panicked; Iraira is feeling annoyed by the delay.

Idioms & Expressions

"癇に障る (かんにさわる)"

— To get on one's nerves. Very close to iraira but more about being rubbed the wrong way.

彼の話し方は癇に障る。

Neutral

"癪に障る (しゃくにさわる)"

— To be aggravating or annoying. Often used when someone does something better than you.

負けたのが癪に障る。

Neutral

"業を煮やす (ごうをにやす)"

— To lose one's temper out of impatience. A more formal/literary idiom.

なかなか進まない交渉に業を煮やした。

Literary

"痺れを切らす (しびれをきらす)"

— To lose patience from waiting too long. Specifically about waiting.

待ち合わせに来ない彼に痺れを切らした。

Neutral

"虫の居所が悪い (むしのいどころがわるい)"

— To be in a bad mood; to be cross. Explains why someone is easily 'iraira'.

今日は虫の居所が悪いようだ。

Idiomatic

"八つ当たりする (やつあたりする)"

— To take one's anger out on others. The action that often follows 'iraira'.

いらいらして、弟に八つ当たりしてしまった。

Neutral

"腹が立つ (はらがたつ)"

— To get angry. A more direct way to express rising anger.

彼の嘘には本当に腹が立つ。

Neutral

"堪忍袋の緒が切れる (かんにんぶくろのおがきれる)"

— To lose one's patience completely; to snap. 'The string of the patience-bag broke.'

ついにかんにん袋の緒が切れた。

Idiomatic

"頭に来る (あたまにくる)"

— To get mad; to be highly annoyed. Very common in daily speech.

あんなことを言われて、頭に来た。

Informal

"気が気でない (きがきでない)"

— To be extremely anxious or uneasy, which can lead to 'iraira'.

結果が心配で、気が気でない。

Literary

Easily Confused

いらいらする vs 苛立つ (iradatsu)

Both mean to be irritated.

Iradatsu is more formal and literary. Iraira suru is the standard conversational term.

彼は苛立っているようだった。 (Formal) / 彼はいらいらしている。 (Standard)

いらいらする vs カリカリする

Both describe annoyance.

Karikari implies being edgy or 'fuming' over small things, like someone who is overworked. Iraira is more general.

締め切り前でカリカリしている。

いらいらする vs ぴりぴりする

Both describe tension.

Piripiri is about a tense atmosphere ('walking on eggshells'). Iraira is about a personal feeling of annoyance.

家の中がぴりぴりしている。

いらいらする vs むかむかする

Both are negative emotions.

Mukamuka includes a physical feeling of nausea or deep disgust. Iraira is purely about impatience/annoyance.

彼の態度にむかむかする。

いらいらする vs もどかしい

Both involve frustration.

Modokashii is specifically the frustration of not being able to do something. Iraira is more about being annoyed by the situation.

言葉が出なくて、もどかしい。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] にいらいらします。

渋滞にいらいらします。

[Noun] が [Adjective] なので、いらいらする。

返事が遅いので、いらいらする。

いらいらして、[Action] できない。

いらいらして、勉強できない。

[Person] をいらいらさせる。

彼女をいらいらさせる。

いらいらすると、つい [Negative Action] てしまう。

いらいらすると、つい叫んでしまう。

いらいらを [Verb] ことで解消する。

いらいらを歌うことで解消する。

いらいらが [Verb-Noun] につながる。

いらいらが集中力の欠如につながる。

いらいらという [Noun] が [Verb]。

いらいらという微細な感情が静寂を乱す。

Word Family

Nouns

いらいら (The state of irritation itself)

Verbs

いらいらする (To get irritated)

いらいらさせる (To make someone irritated)

苛立つ (iradatsu - to be irritated, more formal)

Adjectives

いらいらした (Irritated - past participle as adjective)

苛立たしい (iradatashii - irritating/fretful)

ストレス (Stress)

我慢 (Gaman - endurance)

怒り (Ikari - anger)

不満 (Fuman - dissatisfaction)

焦り (Aseri - impatience)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'o' instead of 'ni' for the cause. → 渋滞にいらいらする。
The target of the irritation is marked by 'ni'. Using 'o' would mean you are doing something to the traffic.
Confusing 'iraira' with 'okoru'. → 彼は怒っている (He is yelling) vs 彼はいいらいらしている (He is annoyed).
'Okoru' is the action of being angry. 'Iraira' is the internal feeling of annoyance.
Using 'iraira' for a physical itch. → 背中がかゆい (My back is itchy).
'Iraira' is only for mental irritation, not physical skin itching.
Using it to a superior about their own actions. → 少々困っております (I am a little troubled).
Telling a boss 'You make me iraira' is very rude. Use more indirect, humble language.
Forgetting the 'suru' in the verb form. → いらいらする。
'Iraira' is a mimetic noun/adverb. To use it as 'to be irritated', you must add 'suru'.

Tips

Use the 'Ni' Particle

Always remember that the cause of your irritation takes the 'ni' particle. 'Traffic NI iraira suru'. Don't use 'o' unless you are making someone else irritated.

Internal vs External

Use 'iraira' for the feeling inside. If you start yelling, switch to 'okoru' (to get angry). 'Iraira' is the fuse, 'okoru' is the explosion.

Softening the Blow

If you need to tell a boss about a problem, avoid 'iraira'. Use 'shinpai desu' (I'm worried) or 'komatte imasu' (I'm troubled) to sound more professional.

Short Version 'Ira-tsuku'

In very casual settings with friends, you might hear 'ira-tsuku'. It's a bit rougher and more direct than 'iraira suru'.

Katakana for Emphasis

When reading manga or blogs, look for イライラ in Katakana. It's used to make the feeling pop off the page like a sound effect.

Adding '~te shimau'

Saying 'iraira shite shimau' makes you sound more humble, as if you are apologizing for not being able to control your irritation.

Listen for 'Nakanaka'

'Iraira' is often paired with 'nakanaka ... nai' (doesn't happen easily). For example, 'The food doesn't come easily, so I'm irritated'.

The Nettle Connection

Think of 'irairagusa' (stinging nettle). 'Iraira' is the mental version of being stung by a nettle.

Adverbial Use

Use 'iraira to' before a verb to describe an action done irritably, like 'iraira to matsu' (waiting irritably).

Common Pairs

'Iraira' is often found in articles about 'kaishou' (resolution) or 'boushi' (prevention). It's a key word for mental health talk.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are covered in 'Ira' (thorns). Each time you have to wait or someone is slow, a thorn pokes you. 'Ira-ira' is the sound of those thorns poking your patience.

Visual Association

Visualize a cartoon character with a prickly cactus for a head, tapping their foot rapidly while looking at a slow-moving clock.

Word Web

Irritation Impatience Annoyance Traffic Jams Slow Internet Waiting Prickly Restless

Challenge

Try to identify three things that make you 'iraira suru' today and say them out loud in Japanese: '[Thing] ni iraira suru!'

Word Origin

Derived from the onomatopoeic root 'ira', which has historically been associated with thorns, splinters, or prickly sensations. The repetition 'ira-ira' emphasizes the persistent and repetitive nature of the annoyance.

Original meaning: To feel as if one is being poked by small thorns or to be in a state of prickly restlessness.

Japanese (Gitaigo - Mimetic)

Cultural Context

Avoid telling someone superior 'Iraira shimasu' as it sounds like you are blaming them or lack self-control. Use softer terms like 'komatte imasu' (I am troubled).

English speakers might say 'I'm so annoyed' or 'This is driving me crazy'. 'Iraira suru' is the direct equivalent but feels more like a physical sensation in Japanese.

Commonly seen as a visual effect (floating text) in manga like 'One Piece' or 'Naruto' when a character is annoyed. The 'Ira-Ira Bar' was a famous segment on a Japanese variety show where contestants had to navigate a metal loop without touching a wire. Many J-Pop songs use 'iraira' to describe the frustrations of love or modern life.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traffic Jams

渋滞にいらいらする。
全然動かなくていらいらする。
いらいらしても仕方ない。
いらいらが止まらない。

Slow Technology

ネットが遅くていらいらする。
読み込みが遅いといらいらする。
パソコンがいらいらさせる。
画面が固まって、いらいらする。

Waiting for People

彼が遅刻していらいらした。
待ち合わせでいらいらする。
なかなか来なくていらいらする。
待たされるのはいらいらする。

Noisy Environments

工事の音にいらいらする。
隣の人がうるさくていらいらする。
騒音にいらいらして集中できない。
静かにしてほしくていらいらする。

Work Stress

仕事が山積みでいらいらする。
上司の指示にいらいらする。
締め切り前はいらいらする。
職場の人間関係にいらいらする。

Conversation Starters

"最近、何かでいらいらしたことはありますか？ (Have you been irritated by anything lately?)"

"どうすればいらいらを解消できると思いますか？ (How do you think one can get rid of irritation?)"

"どんな時に一番いらいらしますか？ (When do you get the most irritated?)"

"いらいらしている時は、どうやってリラックスしますか？ (How do you relax when you are irritated?)"

"いらいらした時、つい八つ当たりしてしまいますか？ (Do you unintentionally vent your irritation on others when you're annoyed?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、いらいらした瞬間を一つ書いてください。なぜそう感じましたか？ (Write about one moment you felt irritated today. Why did you feel that way?)

あなたの『いらいら解消法』について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about your 'irritation relief methods'.)

いらいらという感情は、人間にとって必要だと思いますか？ (Do you think the emotion of irritation is necessary for humans?)

もし全くいらいらしない世界があったら、どんな世界だと思いますか？ (If there were a world without any irritation, what kind of world do you think it would be?)

過去に、いらいらして失敗した経験があれば書いてください。 (Write about an experience where you failed because you were irritated.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is not a swear word or rude. It is a standard way to describe the feeling of irritation. However, telling someone 'You are iraira' might be taken as a criticism of their self-control.

No, for physical itching, use 'kayui'. 'Iraira' is for psychological irritation, although it comes from a root meaning prickly.

'Iraira suru' is the general action/verb, while 'iraira shite iru' describes the ongoing state of being irritated right now.

No, it is often written in Katakana (イライラ) to give it more emphasis or to make it stand out as a sound-effect-like word.

No, it is almost exclusively negative, describing a lack of patience or annoyance.

Use the causative form: 'Watashi ga [Person] o iraira saseru'.

'Iradatsu' (苛立つ) or 'fukai ni kanjiru' (不快に感じる) are more formal alternatives.

It is a symptom of stress. People often say 'Sutoresu de iraira suru' (I'm irritated because of stress).

Yes, you can say '[Pet Peeve] ni wa itsumo iraira suru' (I always get irritated by [Pet Peeve]).

Yes, 'iraira' can be used as a noun, like in 'iraira ga tamaru' (irritation builds up).