Translation guide
The English word 'disturbing' describes something that causes worry, upset, or discomfort. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you mean emotionally upsetting, creepy/unsettling, or causing worry/concern.
Describing something that deeply troubles or shocks you emotionally, such as news, images, or stories.
Means 'shocking' or 'disturbing' in the sense of something that hits you emotionally. Commonly used for news, events, or content that is upsetting.
そのニュースは衝撃的だった。
The news was disturbing.
彼の話は衝撃的で、しばらく忘れられなかった。
His story was so disturbing that I couldn't forget it for a while.
Literally 'heart hurts', used when something is emotionally painful or distressing to witness or hear about.
その映像を見ると心が痛む。
It's disturbing to watch that footage.
Very casual and strong, meaning 'disgusting' or 'makes me sick'. Used for something morally repulsive or deeply upsetting.
Rough slang; not appropriate in polite conversation.
あの事件の詳細は胸くそ悪い。
The details of that incident are disturbing.
Describing something that gives you an eerie, uncomfortable feeling, like a strange person or a horror scene.
Means 'eerie', 'uncanny', or 'creepy'. Used for things that feel unsettling or sinister.
その人形は不気味だ。
That doll is disturbing.
不気味な静けさが漂っていた。
There was a disturbing silence.
Casual way to say 'creepy' or 'gross'. Often used for things that give you the creeps.
Describing a situation, trend, or behavior that makes you feel anxious or uneasy about the future.
Means 'makes one feel anxious/uneasy'. A straightforward way to say something is disturbing because it causes worry.
彼の行動は私を不安にさせる。
His behavior is disturbing.
その報告書の内容は不安にさせるものだった。
The contents of the report were disturbing.
Formal term meaning 'worrisome' or 'concerning', often used in news or official statements.
憂慮すべき事態だ。
It's a disturbing situation.
Means 'worrisome' or 'on one's mind'. Softer than 不安, used when something nags at you.
彼の健康状態が気がかりだ。
His health condition is disturbing.
The English word 'disturbing' covers a wide range of negative feelings. There is no single Japanese word that fits all contexts. Using a direct translation like 邪魔する (to disturb/interrupt) would be incorrect for emotional disturbance.
衝撃的 is for emotionally shocking content (news, stories). 不気味 is for creepy, eerie feelings (horror, strange atmospheres). Choose based on whether the disturbance is from shock or creepiness.
あの映画、気味悪かった。
That movie was disturbing.
A slightly more literary or emphatic version of 気味悪い, meaning vaguely creepy or unsettling.
薄気味悪い笑みを浮かべていた。
He had a disturbing smile on his face.