Translation guide
Describes something or someone that causes mild irritation or bother. Japanese has many nuanced words depending on the source of annoyance, intensity, and context.
Describing a situation, sound, or thing that is bothersome or irritating.
Most common word for 'annoying' in the sense of noisy, bothersome, or persistent. Can be used for people, sounds, or situations.
The next room is annoying (noisy).
Describes something that causes trouble or inconvenience to others. Often used in public contexts or when someone's actions are bothersome.
Describes something troublesome, complicated, or mentally burdensome. More formal/literary.
Describing a person or their actions that irritate you.
Slangy, very common among younger people. Short for うざったい. Means irritating, annoying, or a pain.
Expressing that something is slightly annoying or irritating in a subtle way.
Describes the feeling of being irritated or annoyed. Often used for things that make you feel impatient or stressed.
Traffic jams are annoying (irritating).
Describing a recurring behavior or characteristic that is bothersome.
うるさい is the standard word for 'annoying' and can be used in most situations, but it also means 'noisy'. うざい is slang and very direct, so avoid using it in formal settings or with superiors.
You must not say 'uzai' to your boss.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'annoying'. Choose based on the source of annoyance: noise (うるさい), persistence (しつこい), hassle (面倒くさい), or irritation (イライラする). Using the wrong word can sound unnatural.
His way of speaking is annoying.
電車の中で大声で話すのは迷惑だ。
Talking loudly on the train is annoying (a nuisance).
I get annoying spam emails every day.
Expresses that something is bothersome or too much effort. Often used for tasks or situations that feel like a hassle.
This procedure is annoying (a hassle).
Cooking every day is annoying.
I want to simplify these annoying procedures.
That guy is so annoying.
It's annoying that he asks the same thing every day.
Describes someone or something persistent, nagging, or not giving up. Often used for people who won't leave you alone.
His way of inviting me is annoying (persistent).
I'm bothered by an annoying salesman.
Describes something gloomy, oppressive, or annoying in a heavy way. Can refer to weather, mood, or a person's presence.
His attitude is annoying (oppressive).
Original form of うざい, slightly less slangy but still casual. Means irritating or troublesome.
This job is annoying.
I get annoyed by the way he talks.
Literally 'touches a nerve'. Means something rubs you the wrong way or is offensive/annoying.
His jokes are annoying (get on my nerves).
Slang for feeling pissed off or annoyed. Stronger than イライラする, often used when angry.
I was annoyed by that clerk's attitude.
Can be used for habits that are persistently annoying.
His habit of being late is annoying.
Literally 'harmful to the eyes'. Describes something visually annoying or an eyesore.
That sign is annoying (an eyesore).
The constant noise from the construction site is annoying.
うるさい for noise.
This weather is annoying (gloomy).