Translation guide
The English phrase "deal with" covers many situations: handling problems, managing people, doing business, coping emotionally, and more. This guide breaks it down into practical meanings and gives natural Japanese expressions for each.
To take action to resolve an issue, complete a task, or manage a situation.
The most direct and common way to say 'deal with a problem or situation'. Implies taking concrete steps to handle it.
この問題に早急に対処する必要がある。
We need to deal with this problem immediately.
Often used for processing, handling paperwork, data, or routine tasks. Slightly more formal/technical than 対処する.
大量の書類を処理しなければならない。
I have to deal with a large amount of paperwork.
Implies tackling a problem or challenge with effort and commitment. Often used for serious or long-term issues.
環境問題に真剣に取り組むべきだ。
We should seriously deal with environmental issues.
To be in charge of handling people, tasks, or a department.
Used when you are assigned to handle a specific client, task, or area. Very common in business.
私がその顧客を担当しています。
I deal with that customer.
Means to handle, deal with, or treat something/someone. Can be used for objects, people, or abstract matters.
この店では高級品を扱っています。
This store deals with luxury goods.
Focuses on management, administration, or control. Often used for systems, schedules, or teams.
彼はプロジェクト全体を管理している。
He deals with the entire project.
To endure, accept, or emotionally handle something unpleasant.
Means to endure, bear, or withstand hardship, pain, or a difficult situation.
彼女は大きな悲しみに耐えている。
She is dealing with great sadness.
To come to terms with something, find a way to accept or compromise. Often used for emotional acceptance.
現実と折り合いをつけるしかない。
I just have to deal with reality.
To overcome, get over a difficulty. Implies successfully dealing with and moving past it.
To engage in commercial transactions or have a business relationship.
Specifically means to do business, trade, or have transactions with someone.
当社は海外の多くの企業と取引している。
Our company deals with many overseas businesses.
A somewhat literary or old-fashioned term for trading or dealing in goods. Not common in everyday speech.
彼は古書を商っている。
He deals in old books.
To reprimand, punish, or handle a person who has done wrong.
Means to punish or discipline someone. Formal and direct.
違反者は厳しく処罰される。
Violators will be dealt with severely.
Can mean to deal with a person (often implying punishment or even killing in extreme contexts), or to clean up a mess. Context-dependent.
裏切り者は始末しろ。
Deal with the traitor.
To discuss, include, or handle a subject in speech or writing.
Also used for dealing with a topic in a book, lecture, or conversation.
この本は幅広いテーマを扱っている。
This book deals with a wide range of themes.
Means to touch upon or briefly deal with a topic. Not as in-depth as 扱う.
The English 'deal with' is very broad. Directly translating it as ディールする or 扱う in every context will sound unnatural. Choose the Japanese expression that matches the specific meaning you intend.
対処する is for responding to problems or unexpected situations. 処理する is for processing or handling routine tasks, data, or paperwork. Use 対処する for emergencies and 処理する for administrative work.
困難を乗り越えて成長した。
I dealt with the hardship and grew from it.
I will deal with that issue later.