Translation guide
The English word "encumbrance" refers to a burden, hindrance, or something that weighs you down. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on whether it's a physical burden, a mental/emotional burden, a person who is a burden, or a legal/financial encumbrance. Direct translations exist but are often formal or literary; in everyday speech, simpler words like 荷物 (nimotsu, luggage) or 迷惑 (meiwaku, trouble) are used metaphorically.
Express that something is a burden, obstacle, or something that gets in the way.
Literally 'luggage' or 'baggage', but commonly used metaphorically to mean a burden or encumbrance. Very natural in casual and spoken Japanese.
This baggage is too heavy.
He is a burden to me.
Means 'burden' in a broad sense: financial, mental, physical. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
That expense will be a big burden.
Taking care of him is a mental burden.
Means 'hindrance' or 'obstacle'. Often used when someone or something gets in the way. Can be used as a noun or a な-adjective.
That box is in the way.
Please don't be a hindrance.
Literally 'tied hands and feet', meaning a person who is a hindrance or burden, especially in a group activity. Somewhat old-fashioned or dramatic.
He'll just be a burden.
Describe someone who relies on you and causes trouble or inconvenience.
Polite form of 荷物, often used sarcastically or euphemistically to refer to a person who is a burden.
He's a burden to the company.
Means 'troublesome person' or 'burden'. Often used for someone who causes trouble or is a nuisance.
Means 'dependent' in a legal or financial sense, such as a family member you support. Not inherently negative.
Refer to a legal claim, lien, or restriction on property.
Specifically means 'mortgage' or 'lien'. The standard legal term for a financial encumbrance on real estate.
There is a mortgage on this house.
Means 'security interest' or 'lien'. A broader legal term for any encumbrance securing a debt.
Means 'with a burden' or 'encumbered'. Used in legal contexts to describe property subject to an obligation.
gift with encumbrance
Express a feeling of being weighed down by worry, guilt, or responsibility.
Literally 'heavy load on the heart'. A common expression for an emotional burden or something that weighs on your mind.
That secret was a burden on his mind.
Means 'mental burden' or 'psychological strain'. More formal and often used in discussions of stress or mental health.
The English word "encumbrance" is relatively formal. In Japanese, directly translating it as 障害 (しょうがい, obstacle) or 負担 (ふたん, burden) can sound unnatural in casual conversation. Use 荷物 (にもつ) or 邪魔 (じゃま) for everyday situations.
荷物 (にもつ) is more concrete and often implies a physical or tangible burden, though it's used metaphorically for people. 負担 (ふたん) is more abstract and can refer to financial, mental, or physical strain. 負担 is slightly more formal.
He is a burden on his family.
How many dependents do you have?
その土地には担保権が付いている。
There is a lien on that land.
Caregiving becomes a huge mental burden.