Translation guide
The English verb 'disturb' covers a range of meanings from interrupting someone's peace to upsetting emotional balance or moving objects. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the intended meaning.
To bother someone who is resting, sleeping, or wants to be left alone.
General verb for disturbing, interrupting, or getting in the way. Very common and natural.
Don't disturb him while he's sleeping.
Sorry to disturb you.
More formal/literary. To hinder or obstruct someone's peace or activity.
The noise disturbed my sleep.
Polite request not to disturb the quiet. Often used in signs or announcements.
Please do not disturb others in the library.
To cause worry, anxiety, or emotional turmoil.
To cause a disruption in work, a meeting, or a natural flow.
To physically disturb an object, often in a negative sense (e.g., tamper with).
To move something from its place. Neutral but can imply disturbance.
Don't disturb the things on the desk.
To touch or tamper with something, often carelessly. Casual.
To touch. Often used in negative requests.
To cause a public nuisance or break the law regarding quiet.
English 'disturb' is often translated as 邪魔する, but this can sound too strong or intrusive in some contexts. For emotional disturbance, use 動揺させる or 不安にさせる instead. For physical disturbance, 動かす or いじる may be more natural.
邪魔する is the everyday word for disturbing someone's peace or activity. 妨げる is more formal and often used for abstract hindrance (e.g., 睡眠を妨げる). In casual speech, 邪魔する is preferred.
His words disturbed me.
The movie disturbed my mind.
He disturbed my work.
リズムを乱さないで。
Don't disturb the rhythm.
私のパソコンをいじらないで。
Don't disturb my computer.
Please do not disturb the exhibits.
Making loud noise at night disturbs the neighbors.