急躁 (jí zào) is an adjective describing a state of impatience or irritability—feeling restless, easily frustrated, and unable to wait calmly. The first character 急 means 'urgent' or 'anxious', conveying a sense of haste and emotional pressure; the second character 躁 means 'agitated' or 'restless', often implying physical or verbal outbursts. Together, they form a compound that emphasizes both the mental urgency and the emotional volatility of the state.

This word is commonly used to describe people’s temperaments or temporary emotional reactions—especially in stressful situations like waiting in long lines, dealing with delays, or facing repeated setbacks. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of self-control or composure, and is frequently contrasted with calmness (沉着 chénzhuó) or patience (耐心 nàixīn). While it can describe habitual behavior, it more often refers to situational reactivity rather than deep-seated personality traits.