Translation guide
The English word "hindrance" refers to something that makes it difficult to do something or slows progress. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on whether you are talking about a physical obstacle, an abstract impediment, a person being a nuisance, or a formal barrier. The most useful everyday word is 邪魔 (じゃま), which covers many situations from physical blocking to being a bother. For more formal or abstract contexts, 障害 (しょうがい) is used. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by the specific nuance of "hindrance" you want to convey.
Something physically blocking movement or taking up space, making it hard to proceed.
The most common word for a physical hindrance or something that is in the way. Can also refer to a person being a nuisance. Often used with する (to hinder) or になる (to be a hindrance).
This box is in the way.
A physical obstacle or barrier, often used in more formal or technical contexts like roadblocks or hurdles in sports.
An impediment or obstruction, often used in abstract or formal contexts, but can refer to physical hindrance as well. Less common in casual speech.
Something non-physical that slows or prevents progress, such as a problem, rule, or condition.
Someone whose presence or actions make things difficult or annoying.
A person who is a hindrance or nuisance, often implying they are unwanted or in the way. Can be used jokingly or seriously.
An official rule, regulation, or condition that prevents something from happening.
邪魔 (じゃま) is the most common and versatile, used for physical obstructions and nuisances in daily life. 障害 (しょうがい) is broader and more formal, covering abstract obstacles and disabilities. 妨げ (さまたげ) specifically means an impediment to an action or process, and is often used in written or formal contexts.
Please move the things that are in the way.
Lack of experience is a hindrance to getting the job.
The car is blocking the way and I can't pass.
There is an obstacle on the road.
その木が通行の妨げになっている。
That tree is an obstruction to traffic.
A broad term for an obstacle, barrier, or hindrance in abstract senses (e.g., to success, communication, progress). Also used for disabilities.
The language barrier is a major hindrance.
Lack of funds is an obstacle to the plan.
Specifically an impediment or hindrance to an action or process. Often used in the pattern 〜の妨げとなる.
The noise is a hindrance to studying.
An obstacle or hindrance that causes trouble or inconvenience, often used in formal situations like business or official procedures.
It hinders business operations.
Literally 'shackles', used metaphorically for something that ties you down or hinders freedom of action. Stronger and more literary.
Past failures are a hindrance (holding me back).
He's always treated as a hindrance in meetings.
Literally 'baggage', used figuratively for a person who is a burden or hindrance. Often used in the phrase お荷物になる (to be a burden).
If I go, I'll just be a hindrance.
A person who is a hindrance because they slow you down or are incompetent. Often used in the phrase 足手まといになる.
A beginner might be a hindrance.
A barrier or obstacle, often used in formal contexts like trade barriers, social barriers, etc.
Remove trade barriers.
A restriction or constraint that acts as a hindrance. Often used in business or technical contexts.
Time constraints are a major hindrance.
彼の病気が昇進の障害となった。
His illness became an obstacle to promotion.
Noise is a hindrance to sleep.
妨害 (ぼうがい) means intentional interference or obstruction, often with a negative or hostile connotation (e.g., sabotage, jamming). It is not a general word for hindrance. Use 邪魔 or 障害 instead unless you mean deliberate interference.
His interference delayed the work.
Please don't be a hindrance.