八つ当たり

• Reading: やつあたり
• Romaji: yatsuatari
• Kanji breakdown: 八 (yatsu) — eight; 当 (a) — hit, strike, apply
• Pronunciation: /ja.tsɯ.a.ta.ɾi/

Meaning

Taking out one's anger on someone; venting frustration on an unrelated person or thing.

A noun and suru-verb (自動詞) describing the act of directing anger or frustration at someone or something that is not the actual cause. A very common everyday expression. The 八つ (yatsu, eight) suggests lashing out in all eight directions — blindly and indiscriminately. Often used self-critically when reflecting on one's own behaviour.

Examples

1. 仕事のストレスで家族に八つ当たりしてしまった。 I ended up taking out my work stress on my family.
2. 八つ当たりされて迷惑だった。 It was really annoying to have someone's frustration taken out on me.
3. イライラしても八つ当たりはよくない。 Even when you're irritated, venting your frustration on others isn't okay.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, family, interpersonal

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Japanese: 八つ (yatsu, eight) + 当たり (atari, hitting/striking). Literally 'striking in eight directions' — lashing out blindly at everything around you.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal