Translation guide
How to express being bothered, annoyed, or troubled by something in Japanese. The best choice depends on the degree of annoyance and formality.
Expressing that something bothers you, causes annoyance, or is a nuisance.
A versatile verb meaning 'to be troubled' or 'to be in a fix'. It can be used when something bothers you or causes difficulty.
毎日遅くまで仕事があって困っています。
I'm bothered because I have work until late every day.
彼がいつも遅刻するので困る。
It bothers me that he's always late.
Literally 'to be on one's mind'. Used when something bothers you or you can't stop thinking about it, often in a worrying or curious sense.
彼の言ったことが気になる。
What he said bothers me.
隣の部屋の音が気になって眠れない。
The noise from the next room bothers me and I can't sleep.
Means 'to be worried' or 'to be troubled' by a problem. Stronger than 困る, implying deeper distress.
将来のことで悩んでいる。
I'm bothered by my future.
An adjective meaning 'troublesome' or 'bothersome'. Often used for tasks or situations that are a hassle.
この手続きは煩わしい。
This procedure is bothersome.
Expressing that you can't be bothered to do something, or it's too much trouble.
A very common casual phrase meaning 'too much trouble' or 'can't be bothered'. Often used when you feel lazy or unmotivated.
料理するのが面倒くさい。
I can't be bothered to cook.
今日は外に出るのが面倒くさい。
I can't be bothered to go out today.
A more formal or written word meaning 'too much trouble' or 'bothersome'. Similar to 面倒くさい but less casual.
A slightly more neutral way to say something is a hassle or bother. Can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
この書類を書くのは面倒だ。
Filling out these documents is a bother.
Expressing that another person's behavior or existence annoys you.
A noun/na-adjective meaning 'nuisance' or 'annoyance'. Often used when someone's actions cause trouble or bother others.
彼の大きな声が迷惑だ。
His loud voice bothers me.
迷惑をかけないでください。
Please don't bother me.
Slang for 'annoying' or 'bothersome'. Very casual and can be rude. Used mainly by younger people.
Means 'hindrance' or 'obstacle'. Can be used when someone is in the way or bothering you by interfering.
邪魔しないで。
Don't bother me.
困る is for practical trouble or inconvenience. 気になる is for something that nags at your mind, often curiosity or mild worry. 悩む is for deeper, ongoing worry or distress.
お金がなくて困っている。
I'm bothered because I have no money.
彼女の態度が気になる。
Her attitude bothers me.
人間関係で悩んでいる。
I'm troubled by relationships.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'be bothered'. Avoid trying to use a passive form of a verb like 悩ませる, as it sounds unnatural. Instead, use the expressions listed above depending on the nuance.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'be bothered'. Avoid trying to use a passive form of a verb like 悩ませる, as it sounds unnatural. Instead, use the expressions listed above depending on the nuance.
掃除が億劫だ。
Cleaning is a bother.
That person really bothers me.