How to say "provoking" in Japanese

• 憎いにくいJLPT N2approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers 'provoking' in the sense of hateful or detestable, something that vexes you. It carries stronger dislike or resentment than mere annoyance, so it suits an object you genuinely resent rather than a minor irritation.
  かわいさ余あまって憎にくさ百ひゃく倍ばい。↗

  The greatest hate springs from the greatest love.
• 腹立たしいはらだたしいCommon
  i-adjectiveCovers 'provoking' as irritating or maddening, something that makes you angry or upset. This is the natural word when the feeling is exasperation at an annoying situation or behavior.
  彼かれは腹立はらだたしげに彼女かのじょを見みた。↗

  He looked at her angrily.

For 'provoking' in the sense of something that rouses anger or irritation, 「腹立たしい」 is the direct choice; 「憎い」 covers hateful, detestable feelings and only sometimes overlaps.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 憎いにくいhateful
• 腹立たしいはらだたしいirritating
• 小憎らしいこにくらしいprovoking
• 面憎いつらにくいprovoking
• 忌々しいいまいましいannoying