Translation guide
The English word 'burden' can refer to a heavy load, a duty, or an emotional weight. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is with the noun 負担 (ふたん), which covers physical, financial, and mental burdens. Other expressions exist for specific nuances, such as a heavy load (重荷), a troublesome obligation (迷惑), or a burden on others (迷惑をかける). This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on the type of burden you want to describe.
To express that something is a burden in a broad sense—something that weighs on you, requires effort, or causes strain.
This responsibility is a burden. · I don't want to be a burden. · The cost is a heavy burden.
The most common and versatile word for 'burden'. It can be used for physical loads, financial costs, mental stress, or responsibilities. Often used with する to mean 'to bear a burden' or 'to be burdened'.
That work is a big burden for him.
Literally 'heavy load', this word emphasizes the weight of a burden, often used for emotional or psychological burdens that feel oppressive. More literary or dramatic than 負担.
Means 'luggage' or 'load', but can metaphorically mean a burden, especially in the sense of something you have to carry or deal with. Often used in the phrase 荷物になる (to become a burden).
To express that you are inconveniencing someone or making them go out of their way for you. This is a very common concept in Japanese culture.
I don't want to be a burden on you. · Sorry for being a burden. · Am I being a burden?
To describe a feeling of being weighed down emotionally, such as by guilt, worry, or sadness.
Guilt is a heavy burden. · She carries an emotional burden. · The burden of grief.
A common phrase meaning 'a heavy burden on one's heart/mind'. It emphasizes the emotional weight.
To express the action of imposing a burden on someone.
I don't want to burden you. · She burdened him with her problems. · Don't burden yourself with unnecessary worries.
The most direct way to say 'to burden someone' in the sense of imposing a load, cost, or responsibility.
負担 (futan) is a general burden (cost, effort, stress), while 迷惑 (meiwaku) specifically means trouble or annoyance caused to others. Use 負担 when talking about something that weighs on you, and 迷惑 when you are inconveniencing someone else.
This work is a big burden (on me).
I don't want to be a burden to my family.
The financial burden is too heavy.
I feel a mental burden.
その秘密は彼女の心の重荷になっている。
That secret has become a heavy burden on her heart.
The debt is a heavy burden.
子供の世話が荷物になることもある。
Taking care of children can sometimes be a burden.
I'm sorry for being a burden (causing you trouble).
I don't want to be a burden, so I'll do it myself.
Means 'to make someone take time/trouble'. It's a polite way to acknowledge that you are imposing on someone's time or effort.
I'm sorry to have put you to so much trouble.
Literally 'to become a hindrance to hands and feet', meaning to be a burden because you slow someone down or get in the way. Often used when someone feels they are holding others back.
If I go, I might just be a burden (get in the way).
Past mistakes have become a heavy burden on my mind.
A more formal or clinical term for 'mental/emotional burden'. Often used in contexts of stress or psychological strain.
Caregiving can become a huge emotional burden.
Means 'suffering' or 'anguish'. It can be used to describe a burden in the sense of something that causes ongoing pain or distress.
That memory is a great burden (source of suffering) for him.
I don't want to burden him too much.
Used when the burden is about causing trouble or inconvenience. Very common in daily conversation.
Sorry for always burdening you (causing you trouble).
Literally 'to make someone carry a heavy load'. A more dramatic way to say you are burdening someone with something difficult.
It's cruel to burden him with such responsibility.
遅刻して迷惑をかけた。
I was late and caused trouble (burdened others).
English often uses 'burden' as a verb (e.g., 'I don't want to burden you'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use phrases like 迷惑をかける or 負担をかける rather than trying to find a single verb equivalent. Saying 負担する is possible but less common for the act of imposing a burden; it often means 'to bear the burden (oneself)'.
In Japanese culture, avoiding being a burden (迷惑をかけない) is a strong social norm. Phrases like 迷惑をかけてすみません (Sorry for being a burden) are used frequently, even for small favors. Understanding this concept is key to polite interaction.
The financial burden is too much.
She felt the burden of responsibility.