Translation guide
How to express getting into trouble in Japanese, from minor mishaps to serious problems.
To get into trouble, face difficulties, or encounter problems in a broad sense.
Literally 'to cause a problem'. Used when someone's actions lead to trouble, often implying fault.
彼は学校で問題を起こした。
He got into trouble at school.
Means 'to get caught up in trouble', often through no fault of one's own. Uses the loanword トラブル.
彼は変なトラブルに巻き込まれた。
He got caught up in some strange trouble.
Means 'to end up in a troublesome situation'. Emphasizes the hassle or annoyance.
そんなことをすると面倒なことになるよ。
If you do that, you'll get into trouble.
To be reprimanded, scolded, or get into trouble with parents, teachers, bosses, etc.
Passive form of 怒る (to get angry). The most common way to say 'get scolded' or 'get in trouble' with someone.
宿題を忘れて先生に怒られた。
I forgot my homework and got in trouble with the teacher.
Passive of 叱る (to scold). Slightly more formal than 怒られる, often used for being reprimanded.
遅刻して上司に叱られた。
I was late and got scolded by my boss.
Literally 'do something that will get you scolded'. Used when warning someone.
怒られるようなことをするな。
Don't do things that will get you in trouble.
To get into trouble with the law, police, or face legal consequences.
Euphemistic phrase meaning 'to be in the care of the police', i.e., get arrested or in trouble with the law.
彼は万引きで警察の厄介になった。
He got into trouble with the police for shoplifting.
Means 'to be caught' or 'arrested'. Very common for getting caught by police.
スピード違反で捕まった。
I got caught for speeding.
Literally 'to touch the law', meaning to break the law or get into legal trouble. More formal.
そんなことをしたら法に触れる。
If you do that, you'll be breaking the law.
To get into financial difficulties or debt.
Means 'to be saddled with debt'. Common for getting into financial trouble.
彼は多額の借金を抱えている。
He is in serious debt.
General phrase for being in financial trouble or straits.
失業して金銭的に困っている。
I lost my job and am in financial trouble.
To find oneself in a predicament, pickle, or difficult spot.
Means 'to end up in a troubling situation'. Very natural and common.
このままだと困ったことになる。
At this rate, we'll be in trouble.
Uses the loanword ピンチ (pinch) meaning a crisis or tight spot. Somewhat casual.
彼はピンチに陥ったが、助かった。
He got into a pinch but was saved.
Literally 'to be forced into a predicament'. More dramatic and formal.
彼は窮地に立たされた。
He was put in a tight spot.
The phrase 'get into trouble' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. The translation depends heavily on the type of trouble. Using a generic phrase like トラブルに入る is unnatural.
Both mean 'to be scolded', but 怒られる implies the scolder is angry (emotional), while 叱られる implies a more reasoned reprimand, often for educational or disciplinary purposes. 怒られる is more common in daily speech.