Translation guide
The English verb "hinder" means to make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that differ by nuance: physical obstruction, delaying progress, interfering with plans, or being a mental obstacle.
To physically get in the way of someone or something, preventing free movement or passage.
A general verb meaning to obstruct, hinder, or interfere with. Can be used for both physical and abstract hindrance.
工事が交通を妨げている。
The construction is hindering traffic.
彼の大きなリュックが通路を妨げていた。
His large backpack was obstructing the aisle.
Literally 'to be a hindrance' or 'to get in the way'. Very common in daily speech for physical or figurative obstruction.
その箱が邪魔で通れない。
That box is in the way; I can't get through.
ちょっと邪魔しないでくれる？
Could you not get in the way?
To block or intercept, often used for light, sound, or a path. More about cutting off than general hindrance.
カーテンが光を遮っている。
The curtain is blocking the light.
To cause something to take longer or not proceed as quickly as expected.
Transitive verb meaning to delay or postpone. Focuses on making something happen later.
悪天候が工事の進行を遅らせた。
Bad weather hindered the progress of the construction.
彼のミスがプロジェクトを遅らせている。
His mistakes are delaying the project.
Also used for delaying progress, especially when something actively obstructs.
To actively stop someone from doing something or to make it impossible.
To interfere, obstruct, or sabotage. Often used for deliberate interference in activities or events.
彼は私たちの計画を妨害しようとした。
He tried to hinder our plans.
妨害行為は許されない。
Obstructive acts will not be tolerated.
Commonly used for interfering with someone's activities or plans, often in a less formal sense.
仕事の邪魔をしないでください。
Please don't hinder my work.
To thwart, prevent, or stand in the way of. Often used for abstract obstacles or strong opposition.
To cause hesitation, doubt, or difficulty in thinking or deciding.
Can be used for mental hindrance, such as distractions or worries that impede concentration.
不安が判断を妨げることがある。
Anxiety can hinder judgment.
To distract or divert attention, thus hindering focus.
Literally 'to become a shackle', meaning to be a mental or emotional burden that holds one back.
過去の失敗が足かせになって、新しいことに挑戦できない。
Past failures hinder me from trying new things.
妨げる (samatageru) is more formal and often used in written or official contexts. 邪魔する (jama suru) is casual and common in everyday speech. 邪魔 can also be used as a noun (邪魔になる = to be a hindrance).
English 'hinder' covers many situations, but Japanese often uses more specific verbs. Translating 'hinder' directly as 妨げる in all cases can sound unnatural. Choose the verb that matches the type of hindrance.
騒音が勉強を妨げた。
The noise hindered my studying.
Idiom meaning 'to pull someone's leg', i.e., to hold someone back or be a drag on their efforts.
彼はチームの足を引っ張っている。
He is hindering the team.
Nothing can hinder his success.
スマホが勉強の邪魔になる。気を散らすから。
My smartphone hinders my studying. It distracts me.