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Proverb / Kotowaza

怒り心頭に発する

ReadingいかりしんとうにはっするRomajiikari shintou ni hassuru

To be filled with uncontrollable, intense rage.

Anger wells up from the depths of one's heart

Quick Answer

To be filled with uncontrollable, intense rage.

Literal Image
Anger wells up from the depths of one's heart
How to Use It
Used to describe a moment of extreme indignation or the point where someone's patience finally breaks due to mistreatment.

Meaning

Describes a state where intense anger wells up from deep within one's heart and reaches a point where it can no longer be suppressed. It is used when a person is extremely offended or incensed by a situation or another person's behavior.

Literal Image

Anger wells up from the depths of one's heart

How to Use It

Used to describe a moment of extreme indignation or the point where someone's patience finally breaks due to mistreatment.

Tone

Serious and strong; indicates a high level of emotional intensity.

Examples

01

度重なる失礼な態度に、ついに怒り心頭に発する。

Finally, intense anger welled up due to their repeated rudeness.

02

不当な扱いに、被害者たちは怒り心頭に発して抗議した。

The victims protested, filled with uncontrollable rage at their unfair treatment.

03

彼の身勝手な振る舞いを見て、怒り心頭に発した。

I was overcome with intense anger after seeing his selfish behavior.

Learning Notes

Key Vocabulary

Estimated LevelN2Confidence: High
Estimate, not an official JLPT list

Contains intermediate kanji and the formal verb form 'hassuru,' though the overall meaning is straightforward for those familiar with the individual words.

怒り

いかり / ikari

anger; rage

心頭

しんとう / shintou

one's heart; the depths of the mind

発する

はっする / hassuru

to arise; to emanate; to break out

Usage Profile

NeutralCritical

Usage note: This is a very strong expression of anger; ensure the situation warrants such a high level of indignation.

Misread Risk

While the literal reading 'to reach the head' is sometimes used as a pun or mistaken interpretation, the correct meaning refers to anger rising from within the heart/mind.

Search As

怒り心頭に発するいかりしんとうにはっするikari shintou ni hassuruikarishintounihassuruikari-shinto-ni-hassuru

Kanji in This Proverb

Related Proverbs

Similar腹が煮え繰り返る
Similar堪忍袋の緒が切れる

Origin

The term 'shintou' (心頭) refers to the inside of the heart or the chest. The phrase describes a state where anger rises violently from deep within one's being.

Index

Topics, Situations, and Tags

01

Topics

Human NatureConflict and Harmony
02

Situations

Describe Human Nature
03

Tags

⚔️Life & General Wisdom👥Social Dynamics

Source Note

Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.

Published
2026-01-23
Updated
2026-05-08
Source 1: tomomi965.comSource 2: tomomi965.comAbout Data SourcesReport a Correction

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