Translation guide
The English word "troublesome" describes something that causes trouble, difficulty, or annoyance. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on whether you're talking about a burdensome task, a problematic situation, or a difficult person.
Describing something that is a hassle, bothersome, or takes extra effort.
The most common and versatile word for 'troublesome' in the sense of being a hassle or bother. Can be used for tasks, situations, or people.
この手続きは本当に面倒だ。
This procedure is really troublesome.
面倒な仕事を後回しにする。
I put off troublesome tasks.
Implies something is troublesome because it's complicated, messy, or hard to deal with. Often used for problems or difficult people.
厄介な問題が起きた。
A troublesome problem has arisen.
彼は厄介な客だ。
He is a troublesome customer.
Literally 'takes time and effort'. Used when something is troublesome because it requires a lot of work or steps.
この料理は手間がかかる。
This dish is troublesome to make.
Feeling of being annoyed or bothered by something troublesome. More emotional and subjective than 面倒.
煩わしい手続きを簡略化する。
Simplify troublesome procedures.
Describing a person or their actions that create problems for others.
Focuses on the trouble or annoyance caused to others. Often used in the phrase 迷惑をかける (to cause trouble).
彼の行動は迷惑だ。
His behavior is troublesome.
迷惑な電話がかかってきた。
I got a troublesome phone call.
Idiom meaning 'to be at a loss how to deal with someone/something troublesome'. Used for difficult people or situations.
彼のいたずらには手を焼いている。
I'm having a troublesome time with his pranks.
Literally 'troubled', but often used attributively to mean 'troublesome' or 'problematic'.
困った人だ。
He's a troublesome person.
困った事態になった。
It's become a troublesome situation.
Describing something that is troublesome because it is inconvenient or poorly timed.
Means 'inconvenient' or 'unfavorable'. Used when something is troublesome because it doesn't suit one's schedule or interests.
明日は都合が悪い。
Tomorrow is troublesome (for me).
More formal than 都合が悪い, meaning 'inconvenience' or 'trouble'. Often used in business contexts.
不都合が生じた。
A troublesome issue has arisen.
面倒 is the most common word for 'troublesome' and focuses on the hassle or bother. 厄介 implies a more complex, messy problem that is hard to solve. Use 面倒 for everyday annoyances and 厄介 for serious difficulties.
While 面倒な人 is possible, it can sound like 'a person who is a hassle'. To describe someone who causes trouble for others, 迷惑な人 or 困った人 is often more natural. 厄介な人 is also used for difficult individuals.