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.
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.
He got caught up in some strange trouble.
Means 'to end up in a troublesome situation'. Emphasizes the hassle or annoyance.
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.
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.
I was late and got scolded by my boss.
Literally 'do something that will get you scolded'. Used when warning someone.
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.
He got into trouble with the police for shoplifting.
Means 'to be caught' or 'arrested'. Very common for getting caught by police.
Literally 'to touch the law', meaning to break the law or get into legal trouble. More formal.
If you do that, you'll be breaking the law.
To get into financial difficulties or debt.
To find oneself in a predicament, pickle, or difficult spot.
Means 'to end up in a troubling situation'. Very natural and common.
At this rate, we'll be in trouble.
Uses the loanword ピンチ (pinch) meaning a crisis or tight spot. Somewhat casual.
He got into a pinch but was saved.
Literally 'to be forced into a predicament'. More dramatic and formal.
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.
スピード違反で捕まった。
I got caught for speeding.
I lost my job and am in financial trouble.