Translation guide
The English word "hamper" has two main meanings: a verb meaning to hinder or obstruct, and a noun meaning a basket or container. This guide focuses on the verb meaning, which is more common and useful for learners.
To express that something makes progress, movement, or an activity difficult or impossible.
The most direct and common translation for 'hamper' as a verb. It means to obstruct, hinder, or interfere with something. Can be used in various contexts.
悪天候が救助活動を妨げた。
The bad weather hampered the rescue efforts.
彼の不注意がプロジェクトの進行を妨げている。
His carelessness is hampering the progress of the project.
Similar to 妨げる but often implies a stronger, more forceful obstruction, like blocking a path or preventing something from happening. Slightly more literary.
高い壁が侵入者を阻んだ。
The high wall hampered the intruders.
Means to disturb, interrupt, or get in the way. More casual and often used for personal interference rather than abstract hindrance.
彼の長話が私の仕事を邪魔した。
His long talk hampered my work.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to pull someone's leg', i.e., to hinder someone's progress or success, often through one's own incompetence or deliberate obstruction. Informal.
彼はチームの足を引っ張っている。
He is hampering the team.
To refer to a basket, especially one used for laundry, picnics, or storage.
General word for basket. Can be used for laundry baskets, picnic baskets, etc. Often combined with other words to specify type.
洗濯物をかごに入れてください。
Please put the laundry in the hamper.
Loanword from English 'basket'. Commonly used for picnic baskets or gift baskets. Less common for laundry hampers.
Specifically a laundry basket or hamper. More precise than just かご.
In British English, 'hamper' can refer to a gift basket of food. In Japanese, this is usually ギフトバスケット or simply バスケット. Avoid using かご alone for a gift hamper without context.
ピクニックバスケットを持って行こう。
Let's bring the picnic hamper.
洗濯かごがいっぱいだ。
The laundry hamper is full.