Translation guide
The English phrase "interfere with" covers a range of meanings from physically obstructing something to meddling in someone's affairs. This guide breaks down the most common and natural Japanese expressions for each nuance.
To express that something is preventing a process, activity, or function from working properly or proceeding smoothly.
The most general and common verb for 'to obstruct, hinder, or interfere with'. Can be used for both physical and abstract interference.
The noise interfered with my sleep.
His carelessness interfered with the progress of the project.
Very common in spoken Japanese. Means 'to disturb, to get in the way of, to interfere with'. Often used for people or things that are a nuisance.
The TV sound interferes with my studying.
His long talk interfered with my work.
A formal expression meaning 'to cause a hindrance or obstacle'. Often used in business or official contexts.
This problem is interfering with business operations.
A technical or formal term meaning 'to obstruct, to impede, to inhibit'. Often used in scientific, economic, or technical contexts.
This chemical interferes with plant growth.
To express that someone is involving themselves in another person's business or private matters in an unwelcome way.
The standard word for 'to interfere, to meddle, to intervene'. Can be used for personal matters or international relations.
Parents interfere too much in their children's lives.
Don't interfere in internal affairs.
Literally 'to put one's mouth out', meaning to butt in or give unsolicited advice. More casual than 干渉する.
Don't interfere with the way I do things.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to meddle out of kindness (but often unwelcome)'. Implies interfering in a well-meaning but nosy way.
To express that a physical object or person is blocking a path, view, or movement.
Means 'to block, to obstruct, to cut off'. Used for blocking light, sound, view, or a path.
That building interferes with the view.
Means 'to be in the way, to be an obstruction'. Often used for objects or people that are physically blocking something.
This luggage is interfering with the passage.
To express that something is causing a malfunction or disruption in a technical system, signal, or device.
Means 'to jam, to disrupt, to interfere with' (e.g., radio waves, communications). Also used for obstructing an event or activity.
The enemy interfered with communications.
The TV doesn't work because of signal interference.
Specifically means 'to interfere with radio signals' (crosstalk, interference). Technical term.
It's interfering with another station's signal.
妨げる (samatageru) is more formal and often used for abstract or serious hindrances (progress, sleep, function). 邪魔する (jama suru) is more casual and commonly used for everyday nuisances or physical obstructions. 邪魔する can also mean 'to disturb' a person directly (e.g., 邪魔してごめん = Sorry for disturbing you).
Do not translate 'interfere with' literally as 干渉する in all cases. 干渉する is specifically for meddling in affairs. For physical obstruction, use 妨げる or 邪魔する. For signal jamming, use 妨害する.
The noise is interfering with my concentration.
Don't interfere in my personal life.
The fallen tree is interfering with traffic.
She always interferes in other people's business.
He blocked the light with his hand.