Translation guide
How to express the idea of interrupting or joining a conversation or situation without being invited, in Japanese.
To cut into an ongoing conversation, often rudely or without permission.
Literally 'to cut into a conversation'. This is the most direct and common way to say 'butt in' when someone interrupts a discussion.
彼はいつも人の話に割り込む。
He always butts into other people's conversations.
Literally 'to insert one's mouth'. A common, slightly softer way to say 'butt in' or 'chime in', often used when someone adds a comment without being asked.
To involve oneself in someone else's business or affairs uninvited.
Means to meddle or butt in with unnecessary help or advice. 'お節介' implies being nosy or overly helpful.
彼はいつもお節介を焼く。
He's always butting in with unwanted help.
To push into a queue or line ahead of others.
English 'butt in' is highly idiomatic. Direct translations like 'お尻を入れる' are nonsensical in Japanese. Always use the expressions above depending on context.
割り込む is stronger and often implies rudely breaking into a conversation or line. 口を挟む is softer, more like 'chiming in' with a comment, though it can still be unwelcome.
Please don't butt in during the meeting.
Literally 'to put out one's mouth from the side'. Implies butting in from the sidelines, often with an unwanted opinion.
横から口を出さないで。
Don't butt in from the sidelines.
Literally 'to break the back of a conversation'. Means to interrupt someone's flow, often rudely, and is a bit more figurative.
彼女が話の腰を折った。
She butted in and broke the flow of the conversation.
Literally 'to stick one's neck into'. A vivid expression for butting into matters that don't concern you.
人の問題に首を突っ込まないで。
Don't butt into other people's problems.
A more formal term for 'interfere' or 'meddle'. Suitable for written or formal contexts.
彼は私の私生活に干渉した。
He butted into my private life.
Literally 'to put out an unnecessary mouth'. An older or more literary way to say butting in with unsolicited remarks.
差し出口は無用だ。
No butting in, please. (Literary)
The same verb as for conversation, but used for physical lines. Very common.
列に割り込まないでください。
Please don't butt in line.
Literally 'to enter from the side'. A casual, common way to say 'cut in line'.
あの人、横入りしたよ。
That person just butted in line.