Translation guide
The English word "hindrance" refers to something that makes it difficult to do something or slows progress. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on whether you are talking about a physical obstacle, an abstract impediment, a person being a nuisance, or a formal barrier. The most useful everyday word is 邪魔 (じゃま), which covers many situations from physical blocking to being a bother. For more formal or abstract contexts, 障害 (しょうがい) is used. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by the specific nuance of "hindrance" you want to convey.
Something physically blocking movement or taking up space, making it hard to proceed.
The most common word for a physical hindrance or something that is in the way. Can also refer to a person being a nuisance. Often used with する (to hinder) or になる (to be a hindrance).
この箱が邪魔だ。
This box is in the way.
車が邪魔で通れない。
The car is blocking the way and I can't pass.
A physical obstacle or barrier, often used in more formal or technical contexts like roadblocks or hurdles in sports.
An impediment or obstruction, often used in abstract or formal contexts, but can refer to physical hindrance as well. Less common in casual speech.
Something non-physical that slows or prevents progress, such as a problem, rule, or condition.
A broad term for an obstacle, barrier, or hindrance in abstract senses (e.g., to success, communication, progress). Also used for disabilities.
言葉の壁が大きな障害だ。
The language barrier is a major hindrance.
資金不足が計画の障害になっている。
Lack of funds is an obstacle to the plan.
Specifically an impediment or hindrance to an action or process. Often used in the pattern 〜の妨げとなる.
An obstacle or hindrance that causes trouble or inconvenience, often used in formal situations like business or official procedures.
Literally 'shackles', used metaphorically for something that ties you down or hinders freedom of action. Stronger and more literary.
Someone whose presence or actions make things difficult or annoying.
A person who is a hindrance or nuisance, often implying they are unwanted or in the way. Can be used jokingly or seriously.
彼は会議でいつも邪魔者扱いされる。
He's always treated as a hindrance in meetings.
Literally 'baggage', used figuratively for a person who is a burden or hindrance. Often used in the phrase お荷物になる (to be a burden).
A person who is a hindrance because they slow you down or are incompetent. Often used in the phrase 足手まといになる.
An official rule, regulation, or condition that prevents something from happening.
A barrier or obstacle, often used in formal contexts like trade barriers, social barriers, etc.
貿易障壁を取り除く。
Remove trade barriers.
A restriction or constraint that acts as a hindrance. Often used in business or technical contexts.
邪魔 (じゃま) is the most common and versatile, used for physical obstructions and nuisances in daily life. 障害 (しょうがい) is broader and more formal, covering abstract obstacles and disabilities. 妨げ (さまたげ) specifically means an impediment to an action or process, and is often used in written or formal contexts.
邪魔な物をどけてください。
Please move the things that are in the way.
彼の病気が昇進の障害となった。
His illness became an obstacle to promotion.
騒音が睡眠の妨げになる。
Noise is a hindrance to sleep.
妨害 (ぼうがい) means intentional interference or obstruction, often with a negative or hostile connotation (e.g., sabotage, jamming). It is not a general word for hindrance. Use 邪魔 or 障害 instead unless you mean deliberate interference.
彼の妨害で仕事が遅れた。
His interference delayed the work.
経験不足が就職の妨げになる。
Lack of experience is a hindrance to getting the job.
邪魔しないでください。
Please don't be a hindrance.
道路に障害物がある。
There is an obstacle on the road.
その木が通行の妨げになっている。
That tree is an obstruction to traffic.
騒音が勉強の妨げになる。
The noise is a hindrance to studying.
It hinders business operations.
過去の失敗が足かせになっている。
Past failures are a hindrance (holding me back).
If I go, I'll just be a hindrance.
初心者は足手まといになるかもしれない。
A beginner might be a hindrance.
時間の制約が大きな妨げだ。
Time constraints are a major hindrance.