Translation guide
The English phrase "interfere with" covers a range of meanings from physically obstructing something to meddling in someone's affairs. This guide breaks down the most common and natural Japanese expressions for each nuance.
To express that something is preventing a process, activity, or function from working properly or proceeding smoothly.
The most general and common verb for 'to obstruct, hinder, or interfere with'. Can be used for both physical and abstract interference.
騒音が睡眠を妨げた。
The noise interfered with my sleep.
彼の不注意がプロジェクトの進行を妨げた。
His carelessness interfered with the progress of the project.
Very common in spoken Japanese. Means 'to disturb, to get in the way of, to interfere with'. Often used for people or things that are a nuisance.
テレビの音が勉強の邪魔をする。
The TV sound interferes with my studying.
彼の長話が仕事の邪魔をした。
His long talk interfered with my work.
A formal expression meaning 'to cause a hindrance or obstacle'. Often used in business or official contexts.
この問題は業務に支障をきたしている。
This problem is interfering with business operations.
A technical or formal term meaning 'to obstruct, to impede, to inhibit'. Often used in scientific, economic, or technical contexts.
この化学物質は植物の成長を阻害する。
This chemical interferes with plant growth.
To express that someone is involving themselves in another person's business or private matters in an unwelcome way.
The standard word for 'to interfere, to meddle, to intervene'. Can be used for personal matters or international relations.
親が子供の人生に干渉しすぎる。
Parents interfere too much in their children's lives.
内政に干渉するな。
Don't interfere in internal affairs.
Literally 'to put one's mouth out', meaning to butt in or give unsolicited advice. More casual than 干渉する.
私のやり方に口出ししないで。
Don't interfere with the way I do things.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to meddle out of kindness (but often unwelcome)'. Implies interfering in a well-meaning but nosy way.
彼女はいつも人のことにお節介を焼く。
She always interferes in other people's business.
To express that a physical object or person is blocking a path, view, or movement.
Means 'to block, to obstruct, to cut off'. Used for blocking light, sound, view, or a path.
その建物が景色を遮っている。
That building interferes with the view.
彼は手で光を遮った。
He blocked the light with his hand.
Means 'to be in the way, to be an obstruction'. Often used for objects or people that are physically blocking something.
この荷物が邪魔になって通れない。
This luggage is interfering with the passage.
To express that something is causing a malfunction or disruption in a technical system, signal, or device.
Means 'to jam, to disrupt, to interfere with' (e.g., radio waves, communications). Also used for obstructing an event or activity.
敵が通信を妨害した。
The enemy interfered with communications.
電波妨害でテレビが映らない。
The TV doesn't work because of signal interference.
Specifically means 'to interfere with radio signals' (crosstalk, interference). Technical term.
他の放送局と混信している。
It's interfering with another station's signal.
妨げる (samatageru) is more formal and often used for abstract or serious hindrances (progress, sleep, function). 邪魔する (jama suru) is more casual and commonly used for everyday nuisances or physical obstructions. 邪魔する can also mean 'to disturb' a person directly (e.g., 邪魔してごめん = Sorry for disturbing you).
Do not translate 'interfere with' literally as 干渉する in all cases. 干渉する is specifically for meddling in affairs. For physical obstruction, use 妨げる or 邪魔する. For signal jamming, use 妨害する.
騒音が集中力を妨げている。
The noise is interfering with my concentration.
私の私生活に干渉しないで。
Don't interfere in my personal life.
倒木が交通の邪魔になっている。
The fallen tree is interfering with traffic.