How to say "upset" in Japanese

• 覆すくつがえすJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'upset' as overturning: capsizing a boat, tipping something over, or figuratively overturning an established theory, plan, or government. Think of a decisive, forceful reversal rather than hurt feelings.
• 番狂わせばんくるわせCommon
  no-adjectiveA noun for an upset: an unexpected result in which the favorite loses to an underdog. This is the word for surprising outcomes in matches, tournaments, and other contests.
  初日しょにちから番狂ばんくるわせが多おおかった。↗

  There were many upsets right from the first day.
• 大荒れおおあれCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveAlso covers the surprise-result sense of 'upset', overlapping with 番狂わせ; the underlying image of wildness or storminess lends the upset a tone of turmoil.
• そらすJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'upset' in the sense of displeasing someone: to annoy, offend, or irritate a person rather than to make them sad or worried. It is usually written in kana alone.
• 揺さぶるゆさぶるJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'upset' as shaking up: to disturb, shock, or destabilize, as a scandal might shake the political world. Suited to turmoil and unrest, not to capsizing or contest results.
  強つよい円えんが経済けいざいを揺ゆさぶっている。↗

  A strong yen is shaking the economy.

Choose 「覆す」 for overturning or capsizing, 「番狂わせ」 or 「大荒れ」 for an upset result, 「そらす」 for displeasing or offending someone, and 「揺さぶる」 for shaking up or disturbing people or institutions.

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

• 覆すくつがえすto overturn
• 番狂わせばんくるわせunexpected result
• アップセットupset (in a contest)
• かき乱すかきみだすto disturb
• どぎまぎflurried
• 大金星だいきんぼしsurprise victory
• 狂わせるくるわせるto drive mad
• 心中穏やかでないしんちゅうおだやかでないuneasy
• 悵然ちょうぜんdisappointed
• どきまぎflurried
• 大荒れおおあれupset
• そらすto displease
• 揺さぶるゆさぶるto shake (e.g. the political world)
• ひっくり返すひっくりかえすto overturn (e.g. a decision)
• 引っ掻き回すひっかきまわすto throw into confusion