Ever had your patience snap in an instant?
Or felt a sharp wave of irritation rise out of nowhere?
That sudden flare of anger —
that’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Muka!” (むかっ) comes in.
What is “Muka!” (むかっ)?
“Muka!” is the sound of a sudden surge of irritation or anger.
It’s not slow-burning rage — it’s the burst that flares up before you can stop it.
Like a vein popping.
Or your blood pressure spiking for a second.
Nuance:
- Sharp
- Sudden
- Emotional
Used for:
- Someone saying something offensive
- An irritating noise or interruption
- Feeling heat rise to your face in anger
Pronunciation
moo-kah! (with an upward, irritated pitch)
Categories
Emotion / Reaction
What Does “Muka!” Look Like?
Let your eyes follow these irritating letters: “Muka!.”
How Do You Say It？
Now let’s say it together — press play and listen!
Example in Daily Life
Sudden surge of anger
He said that again —
and she felt a flare of anger rise in her chest —
muka!
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “She was triggered.”
- “Her anger flared.”
- “That hit a nerve.”
But in Japanese, “muka!” captures that exact moment —
the boiling point where emotion bursts upward.
Watch & Feel the ”Muka!” World
After being teased…
Try Using It!
When someone cuts in line.
When your phone dies during an important call.
When your friend says that thing again…
Say it with feeling:
Muka!
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