Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'being busy' depends on the context and level of politeness. The most common and versatile word is 忙しい (isogashii), but there are other expressions for being occupied, having a full schedule, or being busy with specific tasks.
To say you are busy in a general sense, such as having a lot of work or things to do.
The standard adjective for 'busy'. Can be used in most situations.
I'm very busy this week.
I'm so busy with work that I have no time for hobbies.
Polite form of 忙しい. Use in formal settings or with strangers.
I've been very busy lately.
Literally 'keeping busy'. Implies you are actively engaged in tasks.
He is always busy.
To express that you are occupied with something specific or have no time to spare.
Literally 'can't let go of hands'. Means you are too busy with a task to do anything else.
I'm tied up right now, so I'll call you later.
Similar to 手が離せない, meaning your hands are full (literally or figuratively).
My hands are full and I can't open the door.
Literally 'have no time'. A direct way to say you are too busy.
To indicate being busy doing something in particular.
Pattern meaning 'to be chased by ~', used for being overwhelmed with tasks. Common with 仕事 (work), 勉強 (study), etc.
I'm swamped with work every day.
Pattern to specify what you are busy with. で marks the cause or activity.
I'm busy preparing for the move.
Less common pattern, used with nouns like 仕事 (work) or 勉強 (study).
He is busy with work.
To express that your calendar or schedule is packed.
Literally 'schedule is packed'. Commonly used for a busy schedule.
My schedule is packed next week, so I don't have time to meet.
Casual way to say your schedule is full. Uses the loanword スケジュール.
My schedule is full this week, so I can't rest.
Polite expressions for being busy, often used in business settings.
To describe a place or time period as busy, crowded, or hectic.
In Japanese culture, directly saying you are too busy to do something can sometimes sound like an excuse or a refusal. It's often better to use softer expressions like ちょっと都合が悪い (it's a bit inconvenient) or スケジュールが合わない (our schedules don't match) when declining invitations.
Adding そう (seems) to 忙しい creates 忙しそう (looks busy). This is useful for describing others without assuming their state.
He looks busy.
I was so busy today that I skipped lunch.
Literally 'to be worked to death'. Strong expression for being extremely busy, often used in business.
I feel like I'm going to be worked to death this month.
Means 'hectic' or 'rushed'. Describes a busy, hurried atmosphere or period.
The end of the year is hectic.