Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'being busy' depends on the context and level of politeness. The most common and versatile word is 忙しい (isogashii), but there are other expressions for being occupied, having a full schedule, or being busy with specific tasks.
To say you are busy in a general sense, such as having a lot of work or things to do.
The standard adjective for 'busy'. Can be used in most situations.
今週はとても忙しい。
I'm very busy this week.
仕事が忙しくて、趣味の時間がない。
I'm so busy with work that I have no time for hobbies.
Polite form of 忙しい. Use in formal settings or with strangers.
最近、とても忙しいです。
I've been very busy lately.
Literally 'keeping busy'. Implies you are actively engaged in tasks.
彼はいつも忙しくしている。
He is always busy.
To express that you are occupied with something specific or have no time to spare.
Literally 'can't let go of hands'. Means you are too busy with a task to do anything else.
今、手が離せないので、後で電話します。
I'm tied up right now, so I'll call you later.
Similar to 手が離せない, meaning your hands are full (literally or figuratively).
手がふさがっていて、ドアを開けられない。
My hands are full and I can't open the door.
Literally 'have no time'. A direct way to say you are too busy.
今日は時間がなくて、昼食を抜いた。
I was so busy today that I skipped lunch.
To indicate being busy doing something in particular.
Pattern meaning 'to be chased by ~', used for being overwhelmed with tasks. Common with 仕事 (work), 勉強 (study), etc.
毎日仕事に追われている。
I'm swamped with work every day.
Pattern to specify what you are busy with. で marks the cause or activity.
引っ越しの準備で忙しい。
I'm busy preparing for the move.
Less common pattern, used with nouns like 仕事 (work) or 勉強 (study).
彼は仕事に忙しい。
He is busy with work.
To express that your calendar or schedule is packed.
Literally 'schedule is packed'. Commonly used for a busy schedule.
来週は予定が詰まっていて、会う時間がない。
My schedule is packed next week, so I don't have time to meet.
Casual way to say your schedule is full. Uses the loanword スケジュール.
今週はスケジュールがいっぱいで、休めない。
My schedule is full this week, so I can't rest.
Polite expressions for being busy, often used in business settings.
Formal noun meaning 'busyness'. Often used in phrases like 多忙な毎日 (busy days) or ご多忙中 (during your busy time).
ご多忙中恐れ入りますが、ご確認ください。
I apologize for bothering you during your busy time, but please check this.
To describe a place or time period as busy, crowded, or hectic.
Means 'lively' or 'bustling'. Used for places or events, not for personal busyness.
この通りはいつも賑やかだ。
This street is always busy and lively.
In Japanese culture, directly saying you are too busy to do something can sometimes sound like an excuse or a refusal. It's often better to use softer expressions like ちょっと都合が悪い (it's a bit inconvenient) or スケジュールが合わない (our schedules don't match) when declining invitations.
Adding そう (seems) to 忙しい creates 忙しそう (looks busy). This is useful for describing others without assuming their state.
彼は忙しそうだ。
He looks busy.
Literally 'to be worked to death'. Strong expression for being extremely busy, often used in business.
今月は忙殺されそうだ。
I feel like I'm going to be worked to death this month.
Means 'hectic' or 'rushed'. Describes a busy, hurried atmosphere or period.
年末は慌ただしい。
The end of the year is hectic.