Translation guide
The English word "hamper" has two main meanings: a verb meaning to hinder or obstruct, and a noun meaning a basket or container. This guide focuses on the verb meaning, which is more common and useful for learners.
hamper (noun, basket)
General word for basket; specify type if needed.
To express that something makes progress, movement, or an activity difficult or impossible.
The most direct and common translation for 'hamper' as a verb. It means to obstruct, hinder, or interfere with something. Can be used in various contexts.
The bad weather hampered the rescue efforts.
His carelessness is hampering the progress of the project.
Similar to 妨げる but often implies a stronger, more forceful obstruction, like blocking a path or preventing something from happening. Slightly more literary.
The high wall hampered the intruders.
Means to disturb, interrupt, or get in the way. More casual and often used for personal interference rather than abstract hindrance.
His long talk hampered my work.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to pull someone's leg', i.e., to hinder someone's progress or success, often through one's own incompetence or deliberate obstruction. Informal.
He is hampering the team.
To refer to a basket, especially one used for laundry, picnics, or storage.
General word for basket. Can be used for laundry baskets, picnic baskets, etc. Often combined with other words to specify type.
Please put the laundry in the hamper.
Loanword from English 'basket'. Commonly used for picnic baskets or gift baskets. Less common for laundry hampers.
Specifically a laundry basket or hamper. More precise than just かご.
In British English, 'hamper' can refer to a gift basket of food. In Japanese, this is usually ギフトバスケット or simply バスケット. Avoid using かご alone for a gift hamper without context.
Let's bring the picnic hamper.
The laundry hamper is full.