いらいら

• Reading: いらいら
• Romaji: iraira
• Pronunciation: /i.ɾa.i.ɾa/

Meaning

Irritation; getting nervous. A state of growing frustration or impatience.

An onomatopoeic expression that functions as an adverb (いらいらと) or suru verb (いらいらする). Describes a building sense of frustration, restlessness, or annoyance. Distinct from 怒る (active anger) — いらいら is simmering irritation. Often written in hiragana or katakana (イライラ).

Examples

1. 電車が遅れていらいらしている。 The train is delayed and I'm getting irritated.
2. 隣の人がうるさくて、だんだんいらいらしてきた。 The person next to me was noisy, and I gradually started getting frustrated.
3. いらいらしても何も解決しないよ。 Getting irritated won't solve anything, you know.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, emotions, stress

Tone: emotional

Origin & History

A Japanese onomatopoeia (擬態語) imitating the prickly, restless sensation of irritation. The repetition of いら intensifies the feeling of growing agitation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal