Translation guide
How to express being bothered, annoyed, or troubled by something in Japanese. The best choice depends on the degree of annoyance and formality.
Expressing that something bothers you, causes annoyance, or is a nuisance.
A versatile verb meaning 'to be troubled' or 'to be in a fix'. It can be used when something bothers you or causes difficulty.
I'm bothered because I have work until late every day.
It bothers me that he's always late.
Literally 'to be on one's mind'. Used when something bothers you or you can't stop thinking about it, often in a worrying or curious sense.
What he said bothers me.
The noise from the next room bothers me and I can't sleep.
Means 'to be worried' or 'to be troubled' by a problem. Stronger than 困る, implying deeper distress.
I'm bothered by my future.
An adjective meaning 'troublesome' or 'bothersome'. Often used for tasks or situations that are a hassle.
This procedure is bothersome.
Expressing that you can't be bothered to do something, or it's too much trouble.
A very common casual phrase meaning 'too much trouble' or 'can't be bothered'. Often used when you feel lazy or unmotivated.
I can't be bothered to cook.
A more formal or written word meaning 'too much trouble' or 'bothersome'. Similar to 面倒くさい but less casual.
A slightly more neutral way to say something is a hassle or bother. Can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
Filling out these documents is a bother.
Expressing that another person's behavior or existence annoys you.
A noun/na-adjective meaning 'nuisance' or 'annoyance'. Often used when someone's actions cause trouble or bother others.
His loud voice bothers me.
Slang for 'annoying' or 'bothersome'. Very casual and can be rude. Used mainly by younger people.
Means 'hindrance' or 'obstacle'. Can be used when someone is in the way or bothering you by interfering.
困る is for practical trouble or inconvenience. 気になる is for something that nags at your mind, often curiosity or mild worry. 悩む is for deeper, ongoing worry or distress.
I'm bothered because I have no money.
Her attitude bothers me.
I'm troubled by relationships.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'be bothered'. Avoid trying to use a passive form of a verb like 悩ませる, as it sounds unnatural. Instead, use the expressions listed above depending on the nuance.
I can't be bothered to go out today.
掃除が億劫だ。
Cleaning is a bother.
Please don't bother me.
That person really bothers me.
Don't bother me.