Translation guide
To interfere or show unwanted curiosity in someone else's affairs. Japanese has several expressions ranging from casual to formal, often using body-part metaphors or verbs for meddling.
Express that someone is getting involved in matters that don't concern them, often with a negative connotation.
Focus on the act of investigating or searching through someone's private matters, often secretly.
Means to pry or inquire into details, often about personal matters. Can be used for persistent questioning.
彼女は私の過去を詮索した。
She poked her nose into my past.
首を突っ込む emphasizes physical or metaphorical involvement in a situation, while 口を出す focuses on giving unwanted opinions or advice. Use 首を突っ込む when someone gets involved in a matter, and 口を出す when they comment on it.
彼は私のビジネスに首を突っ込んだ。
He poked his nose into my business (got involved).
彼は私のビジネスに口を出した。
He poked his nose into my business (gave unwanted advice).
Do not translate 'poke one's nose into' literally as 鼻を突っ込む. While understandable, it is not a natural Japanese expression. Use 首を突っ込む or other options above.
Literally 'thrust one's neck into', this is a common and vivid way to say 'poke one's nose into'. Used for unwanted involvement.
彼はいつも人の問題に首を突っ込む。
He always pokes his nose into other people's problems.
Means to meddle or offer unsolicited help/advice. 'お節介' is a busybody. Slightly softer than 首を突っ込む, often used for well-meaning but unwanted interference.
母は私の恋愛にお節介を焼く。
My mother pokes her nose into my love life.
A formal verb meaning 'to interfere' or 'to meddle'. Suitable for serious contexts like politics or work.
他人のプライバシーに干渉するべきではない。
You shouldn't poke your nose into other people's privacy.
Literally 'put one's mouth out', meaning to butt in or give unwanted opinions. Often used when someone offers unsolicited advice.
彼は私の仕事にいちいち口を出す。
He pokes his nose into my work at every turn.
Similar to 首を突っ込む but less common. Implies inserting oneself into a situation.
あの人は何にでも首を入れる。
That person pokes their nose into everything.
Literally 'peep' or 'look into', but can metaphorically mean to pry into someone's affairs, especially when combined with context.
人の日記を覗くのはよくない。
It's not good to poke your nose into someone's diary.
Literally 'sniff around', this is a more vivid and slightly negative way to say snoop or pry. Often used for someone investigating persistently.
記者が芸能人のスキャンダルを嗅ぎ回っている。
Reporters are poking their noses into celebrities' scandals.