Translation guide
The English word 'disturbance' covers a range of situations from minor interruptions to serious public disorder. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the type and context of the disturbance.
To refer to something that breaks concentration, silence, or a calm state, such as noise or an interruption.
Common word for an interruption or hindrance. Often used when someone or something disturbs you while you are working, resting, etc.
お邪魔します。
Sorry to disturb you. (said when entering a room)
静かにしてください。邪魔です。
Please be quiet. You're disturbing me.
More formal, implies obstruction or interference, often used in legal or technical contexts (e.g., noise disturbance, interference with business).
騒音妨害で通報された。
They were reported for noise disturbance.
An obstruction or hindrance; often used in the phrase ～の妨げになる (to be a hindrance to ~).
大きな音が勉強の妨げになる。
Loud noises are a disturbance to my studies.
To describe a situation where public order is disrupted, such as a riot, brawl, or unruly behavior.
Refers to a disturbance, uproar, or commotion, often involving a group of people. Can be used for riots, scandals, or public turmoil.
昨夜、駅前で騒動があった。
There was a disturbance in front of the station last night.
Specifically a brawl or physical fight involving multiple people.
A more general term for a commotion, fuss, or uproar. Can range from a noisy party to a public disturbance.
To refer to a state of emotional upset, agitation, or mental unrest.
Emotional disturbance, agitation, or unrest. Often used when someone is visibly shaken or upset.
彼女はその知らせに動揺した。
She was disturbed by the news.
Literally 'disturbance of the heart/mind', a more literary or psychological term for mental disturbance.
心の乱れが体調に影響する。
Mental disturbance affects physical health.
To describe a disruption in a natural state, such as sleep patterns or atmospheric conditions.
General term for disorder or disturbance in a system or pattern. Used for sleep, rhythm, weather, etc.
睡眠の乱れは健康に悪い。
Sleep disturbance is bad for your health.
大気の乱れが飛行機に影響した。
Atmospheric disturbance affected the flight.
Often used in medical/technical contexts for disorders (e.g., sleep disorder). More clinical than 乱れ.
邪魔 is the most common and casual, used for everyday interruptions. 妨害 is more formal and implies deliberate obstruction, often used in legal contexts. 妨げ is similar to 邪魔 but slightly more literary and often used in set phrases like ～の妨げになる.
テレビの音が邪魔だ。
The TV noise is disturbing.
公務執行妨害で逮捕された。
He was arrested for obstruction of official duties.
The loanword ディスターバンス is rarely used in natural Japanese and sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate native Japanese word based on context.
酒場で乱闘が起きた。
A disturbance (brawl) broke out at the bar.
There's some kind of disturbance going on outside.
睡眠障害に悩んでいる。
I suffer from a sleep disturbance/disorder.