Translation guide
The act of stopping someone or something temporarily, or breaking the continuity of an action or event.
To cut into a conversation or speech, often to say something or ask a question.
Literally 'to block the conversation'. A common and natural way to say 'interrupt' when someone is speaking.
彼が話しているのを遮ってしまった。
I accidentally interrupted him while he was talking.
To pause or halt an ongoing action, event, or flow, often temporarily.
Referring to the act or instance of interrupting, often in formal or technical contexts.
中断 is a general noun/verb for pausing or suspending something, like a meeting or broadcast. 遮る is specifically for cutting off someone's speech. 割り込む implies butting into a conversation or line, often with a slightly negative nuance.
English 'interruption' covers many situations, but Japanese uses different words depending on context. Using 中断 for interrupting a person speaking can sound unnatural; use 遮る or 口を挟む instead.
Means 'to cut in' or 'to butt in'. Used for interrupting a conversation, often with a nuance of pushing in.
会話に割り込まないでください。
Please don't interrupt the conversation.
Literally 'to insert one's mouth'. A common expression for interjecting a comment or question.
ちょっと口を挟んでもいいですか。
May I interrupt for a moment?
Means 'to suspend' or 'to break off'. More formal and often used for planned events or processes, but can apply to speech.
会議を中断して、緊急の連絡を伝えた。
We interrupted the meeting to deliver an urgent message.
Noun meaning 'interruption' or 'suspension'. Used for breaks in broadcasts, work, services, etc.
工事のため、電気が一時中断された。
The electricity was temporarily interrupted due to construction.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be interrupted' or 'to break off'. Used for continuous things like sound, signal, or conversation.
インターネット接続が途切れた。
The internet connection was interrupted.
Means 'to obstruct' or 'to hinder'. Used when something prevents an activity from continuing smoothly.
騒音が睡眠を妨げた。
The noise interrupted my sleep.
The most direct noun for 'interruption'. Used in schedules, services, etc.
サービスに中断が発生しました。
An interruption in service has occurred.
Means 'obstruction' or 'interference'. Often used for deliberate disruptions, like in radio signals or events.
通信の妨害があった。
There was an interruption in communication.