Translation guide
The English word "bother" covers a range of meanings from mild annoyance to taking the trouble to do something. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Expressing that someone or something is causing mild annoyance or irritation.
Literally 'to cause trouble/annoyance'. A common and natural way to say someone or something bothers you by causing inconvenience or disturbance.
He always plays loud music and bothers the neighbors.
Means 'noisy' or 'annoying'. Often used when someone or something is bothersome in a persistent, irritating way. Can be used for people, sounds, or situations.
Causative form of 悩む (to worry). Means 'to cause someone worry/trouble'. Used when something bothers someone mentally or emotionally.
That problem is bothering him.
Literally 'to obstruct/interrupt'. Used when someone bothers you by interrupting your activity or peace.
Please don't bother me while I'm working.
Means 'to get on one's nerves' or 'to offend'. Used when something bothers you in a way that touches a nerve.
Expressing that someone makes an effort or goes out of their way to do something, often in polite requests or statements.
Means 'to go out of one's way to do something'. Used when someone does something they didn't have to do, often implying appreciation or that it was a bother for them.
Thank you for bothering to come.
Expressing that something is on your mind or causing you concern.
Means 'to be on one's mind' or 'to be concerned about'. Used when something bothers you in a lingering, curious, or worried way.
Telling someone not to make an effort because it's unnecessary or not worth it.
Casual way to say 'it's fine' or 'don't bother'. Very common in everyday speech.
Polite phrases used when interrupting or asking for someone's time.
Standard polite phrase when entering someone's space or interrupting. Literally 'I'm disturbing you'.
The English verb 'bother' has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as botheru (ボザーる) or similar is not Japanese. Always choose a phrase based on the specific meaning.
He always bothers me.
迷惑 (meiwaku) is about causing trouble or annoyance to others, often in a social context. 邪魔 (jama) is about physically or directly interrupting someone's activity. Use 迷惑 for general bother, 邪魔 for interruption.
Does the smoke bother you?
その広告がうるさくて、集中できない。
That ad is so bothersome I can't concentrate.
彼の言い方が気に障った。
The way he said it bothered me.
Literally 'to spend time and effort'. Used when someone takes the trouble to do something, often in apologies or expressions of gratitude.
Sorry to bother you (with this trouble).
Means 'to cause trouble/bother'. Often used when apologizing for making someone go to trouble.
I'm sorry to have bothered you.
His attitude bothers me.
Means 'to worry'. Use when something bothers you to the point of causing anxiety.
Her health bothers me (I'm worried about it).
A: Want me to help? B: Don't bother, I'm fine.
Means 'don't worry about it' or 'never mind'. Used to tell someone not to let something bother them or not to go to trouble.
Don't bother, I'll do it myself.
Means 'you don't have to go out of your way to...'. Directly tells someone not to bother doing something.
You don't have to bother picking me up.
Sorry to bother you. I have a quick question.
General 'excuse me' or 'sorry'. Used to get someone's attention or apologize for bothering them.
Sorry to bother you, where is the station?
Very polite and formal. Used in business or customer service to preface a request that may bother someone.
I'm sorry to bother you, but could you wait a moment?
Loud noise is a bother (to others).
Don't bother me while I'm talking.
He didn't even bother to call.
Expresses lack of effort