Translation guide
The state of being busy or having a lot to do. In Japanese, this is often expressed through adjectives, verbs, or set phrases rather than a single abstract noun.
Describing that one is busy or has a lot to do in a neutral or everyday context.
The most common adjective meaning 'busy'. Used for people and schedules.
今週はとても忙しい。
I'm very busy this week.
Noun form of 忙しい, meaning 'busyness' as an abstract concept. Less common in daily speech.
最近の忙しさは異常だ。
The busyness lately is abnormal.
A more formal noun meaning 'being very busy'. Often used in written or business contexts.
多忙のため返信が遅れました。
I was late in replying due to busyness.
Emphasizing that one is occupied with work, errands, or specific activities.
Literally 'work is busy', a natural way to say you are busy with work.
最近仕事が忙しくて、趣味の時間がない。
Lately I've been so busy with work that I have no time for hobbies.
Means 'I have things to do / errands'. Implies busyness without directly saying 'busy'.
明日は用事があって行けません。
I have things to do tomorrow so I can't go.
Conveying a sense of being overwhelmingly busy or rushed.
Adjective meaning 'hectic, hurried, busy'. Describes a rushed atmosphere or schedule.
年末は何かと慌ただしい。
The end of the year is always hectic for some reason.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'so busy my head is spinning'.
今日は目が回るほど忙しかった。
I was so busy today I didn't know which way was up.
Describing a person who is always busy or a period of sustained busyness.
Common phrase meaning 'busy days', often used to describe one's daily life.
忙しい日々が続いている。
The busy days continue.
Adjective meaning 'restlessly busy, always on the go'. Often used for people or lifestyles.
彼はせわしない人だ。
He's a busy, restless person.
English speakers often try to use the noun 'busyness' directly, but in Japanese the adjective 忙しい or specific phrases are much more natural. Using 忙しさ can sound abstract or literary.
In Japanese, 忙しい is typically used for people or periods of time, not for inanimate objects. For example, 'a busy street' is にぎやかな通り, not 忙しい通り.
Literally 'can't free my hands', meaning you are too busy with a task to do something 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.
Colloquial noun/suru-verb meaning 'being rushed off one's feet, frantic busyness'.
客が多くて店はてんてこ舞いだった。
The shop was frantic with so many customers.