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.
彼はいつも大きな音で音楽をかけて、近所に迷惑をかけている。
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.
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.
Causative form of 悩む (to worry). Means 'to cause someone worry/trouble'. Used when something bothers someone mentally or emotionally.
その問題が彼を悩ませている。
That problem is bothering him.
Literally 'to obstruct/interrupt'. Used when someone bothers you by interrupting your activity or peace.
仕事中に邪魔をしないでください。
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.
わざわざ来てくれてありがとう。
Thank you for bothering to come.
Literally 'to spend time and effort'. Used when someone takes the trouble to do something, often in apologies or expressions of gratitude.
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.
A: 手伝おうか？ B: いいよ、大丈夫。
A: Want me to help? B: Don't bother, I'm fine.
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'.
お邪魔します。ちょっとお聞きしたいことがあります。
Sorry to bother you. I have a quick question.
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.
彼はいつも私を悩ませる。
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.
大きな音は迷惑だ。
Loud noise is a bother (to others).
煙は気になりますか？
Does the smoke bother you?
彼の言い方が気に障った。
The way he said it bothered me.
お手間をかけてすみません。
Sorry to bother you (with this trouble).
Means 'to cause trouble/bother'. Often used when apologizing for making someone go to trouble.
ご面倒をおかけして申し訳ありません。
I'm sorry to have bothered you.
彼の態度が気になる。
His attitude bothers me.
Means 'to worry'. Use when something bothers you to the point of causing anxiety.
彼女の健康が心配だ。
Her health bothers me (I'm worried about it).
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.
気にしないで、自分でやるから。
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.
わざわざ迎えに来なくていいよ。
You don't have to bother picking me up.
General 'excuse me' or 'sorry'. Used to get someone's attention or apologize for bothering them.
すみません、駅はどこですか？
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.
恐れ入りますが、少々お待ちいただけますか。
I'm sorry to bother you, but could you wait a moment?
Don't bother me while I'm talking.
Don't bother me while I'm talking.