Translation guide
The English word "encumbrance" refers to a burden, hindrance, or something that weighs you down. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on whether it's a physical burden, a mental/emotional burden, a person who is a burden, or a legal/financial encumbrance. Direct translations exist but are often formal or literary; in everyday speech, simpler words like 荷物 (nimotsu, luggage) or 迷惑 (meiwaku, trouble) are used metaphorically.
Express that something is a burden, obstacle, or something that gets in the way.
Literally 'luggage' or 'baggage', but commonly used metaphorically to mean a burden or encumbrance. Very natural in casual and spoken Japanese.
この荷物は重すぎる。
This baggage is too heavy.
彼は私にとって荷物だ。
He is a burden to me.
Means 'burden' in a broad sense: financial, mental, physical. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
その費用は大きな負担になる。
That expense will be a big burden.
彼の世話は精神的に負担だ。
Taking care of him is a mental burden.
Means 'hindrance' or 'obstacle'. Often used when someone or something gets in the way. Can be used as a noun or a な-adjective.
その箱が邪魔だ。
That box is in the way.
邪魔しないでください。
Please don't be a hindrance.
Literally 'tied hands and feet', meaning a person who is a hindrance or burden, especially in a group activity. Somewhat old-fashioned or dramatic.
彼は足手まといになるだけだ。
He'll just be a burden.
Describe someone who relies on you and causes trouble or inconvenience.
Polite form of 荷物, often used sarcastically or euphemistically to refer to a person who is a burden.
彼は会社のお荷物だ。
He's a burden to the company.
Means 'troublesome person' or 'burden'. Often used for someone who causes trouble or is a nuisance.
Means 'dependent' in a legal or financial sense, such as a family member you support. Not inherently negative.
Refer to a legal claim, lien, or restriction on property.
Specifically means 'mortgage' or 'lien'. The standard legal term for a financial encumbrance on real estate.
この家には抵当権が設定されている。
There is a mortgage on this house.
Means 'security interest' or 'lien'. A broader legal term for any encumbrance securing a debt.
Means 'with a burden' or 'encumbered'. Used in legal contexts to describe property subject to an obligation.
負担付き贈与
gift with encumbrance
Express a feeling of being weighed down by worry, guilt, or responsibility.
Literally 'heavy load on the heart'. A common expression for an emotional burden or something that weighs on your mind.
その秘密は彼の心の重荷だった。
That secret was a burden on his mind.
Means 'mental burden' or 'psychological strain'. More formal and often used in discussions of stress or mental health.
介護は大きな精神的負担になる。
Caregiving becomes a huge mental burden.
The English word "encumbrance" is relatively formal. In Japanese, directly translating it as 障害 (しょうがい, obstacle) or 負担 (ふたん, burden) can sound unnatural in casual conversation. Use 荷物 (にもつ) or 邪魔 (じゃま) for everyday situations.
荷物 (にもつ) is more concrete and often implies a physical or tangible burden, though it's used metaphorically for people. 負担 (ふたん) is more abstract and can refer to financial, mental, or physical strain. 負担 is slightly more formal.
He is a burden on his family.
扶養家族が何人いますか？
How many dependents do you have?
その土地には担保権が付いている。
There is a lien on that land.