Translation guide
The English word "interference" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. This guide breaks them down by meaning: unwanted involvement, physical obstruction (especially in sports), signal disruption, and legal/procedural intervention.
Expressing that someone is interfering in a situation where they are not wanted, often in personal matters.
General term for interference, meddling, or intervention. Often used in the phrase 干渉する (to interfere). Can be used for both personal and political contexts.
He's always interfering in my work.
Excessive parental interference hinders a child's independence.
Literally 'to put one's mouth out', meaning to butt in or meddle verbally. More casual than 干渉.
This is my problem, so don't interfere.
Noun or na-adjective meaning meddling, nosiness, or unwanted help. Often used to describe a person's character.
I'm really bothered by her interference.
Describing a situation where one person or object physically blocks or hinders another, especially in sports like soccer or American football.
General term for obstruction, hindrance, or interference. Used in sports (e.g., 妨害行為) and other physical contexts.
Interfering with an opponent in soccer results in a foul.
Common phrase meaning to get in the way, obstruct, or disturb. Can be used for physical or non-physical interference.
That box is interfering with the passage.
Referring to electromagnetic interference that disrupts signals.
Technical term for radio interference or crosstalk. Used in broadcasting and telecommunications.
There's interference on the radio, making it hard to hear.
Also used for wave interference in physics (e.g., 電波干渉). More general than 混信.
Formal interference by an authority or third party in a legal or official matter.
Intervention or stepping in, often by a government, organization, or third party. Implies a more formal or official action.
The government's market interference was criticized.
Can also be used in legal/political contexts, but 介入 is more specific to active intervention.
干渉 is the most general term for interference, covering meddling, signal interference, and political intervention. 介入 specifically means active intervention or stepping in, often by an authority. 妨害 focuses on obstruction or hindrance, often physical. Choose based on the nuance you need.
English often uses 'interfere with' for a wide range of situations. In Japanese, it's more natural to use specific verbs like 邪魔をする (get in the way), 妨げる (hinder), or 支障をきたす (cause a hindrance) depending on context. Directly translating 'interfere with' as 干渉する can sound unnatural in many cases.
電子レンジがWi-Fiに干渉することがある。
Microwave ovens can sometimes interfere with Wi-Fi.
内政干渉は国際法に違反する。
Interference in internal affairs violates international law.