Translation guide
The English verb "interfere" covers a range of meanings from meddling in affairs to causing disruption or obstruction. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To involve yourself in matters that do not concern you, often in an unwelcome way.
The most direct equivalent for 'interfere' in the sense of meddling. Often used with に to indicate what is being interfered with.
彼はいつも私の仕事に干渉してくる。
He's always interfering in my work.
Literally 'to put one's mouth out', meaning to butt in or give unsolicited advice. More casual than 干渉する.
余計なことに口出ししないで。
Don't interfere in things that aren't your business.
To meddle or be a busybody, often with a nuance of unwanted kindness. More colloquial.
彼女はいつもお節介を焼いて、私の恋愛に口を出す。
She's always meddling and interfering in my love life.
To prevent something from happening or developing properly.
To obstruct or hinder. Often used with を. Can be used for both physical and abstract interference.
騒音が勉強を妨げた。
The noise interfered with my studying.
To disturb or get in the way. Very common in daily conversation. Can be used for people or things.
テレビの音が邪魔で集中できない。
The TV noise is interfering with my concentration.
Formal term for hindering or impeding, often used in technical or business contexts.
新しい規制が経済成長を阻害している。
New regulations are interfering with economic growth.
To disturb a signal or wave, such as radio or electronic interference.
Also used for technical interference, like radio waves or signals. Same word as meddling, but context makes it clear.
この機械は他の電子機器に干渉する可能性がある。
This device may interfere with other electronic equipment.
Specifically for radio interference or crosstalk. Technical term.
ラジオが混信して聞き取りにくい。
The radio is getting interference and is hard to hear.
To step in or become involved, often to prevent something or to help.
To intervene, often in a conflict or problem. More formal than 干渉する and implies a more active role.
政府が市場に介入した。
The government interfered in the market.
Literally 'to put out one's hand', meaning to get involved or meddle. Can be negative or neutral depending on context.
彼はいつも人の問題に手を出す。
He always interferes in other people's problems.
干渉する implies unwanted involvement in affairs, while 邪魔する is about physically or directly obstructing an activity. 干渉する can be used for both personal meddling and technical interference, whereas 邪魔する is more about being a nuisance or obstacle.
Avoid directly translating 'interfere with' as 〜と干渉する. The correct particle is に: 〜に干渉する. For 'interfere with a plan', use 計画を妨げる (けいかくをさまたげる) or 計画の邪魔をする (けいかくのじゃまをする).