Translation guide
The English verb 'interrupt' covers a range of situations from breaking into a conversation to temporarily stopping an action. Japanese uses different words and strategies depending on whether you are interrupting speech, an activity, or a process, and the level of politeness required.
To break into a conversation or cut someone off while they are talking.
The most direct and common verb for interrupting speech. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
I interrupted his story to ask a question.
Excuse me, I'll just interrupt you for a moment.
Literally 'to insert one's mouth in the middle of a story'. A common, slightly casual way to describe interrupting.
Sorry for interrupting you in the middle of your story.
Means to cut in or butt in, often with a nuance of rudeness or force. Used for interrupting conversations or cutting in line.
Please don't interrupt the conversation.
In Japanese, it's important to soften interruptions with set phrases. Common ones include 「失礼します」(しつれいします) 'Excuse me', 「ちょっとよろしいでしょうか」 'May I have a moment?', or 「お話し中すみません」(おはなしちゅうすみません) 'Sorry to interrupt while you're talking'.
Sorry to interrupt, but may I have a moment?
To temporarily stop an ongoing action, event, or flow.
A formal verb meaning to suspend or interrupt something temporarily. Used for meetings, work, broadcasts, etc.
Let's interrupt the meeting and take a break.
The broadcast was interrupted.
Means to obstruct or hinder. Often used when something interrupts progress or concentration.
Common verb meaning to disturb or get in the way. Can be used for interrupting someone's activity or peace.
Don't interrupt my studying.
To block or obscure a view.
To cut off electricity, communication, or flow.
遮る (さえぎる) is for interrupting speech or blocking something physically. 中断する (ちゅうだんする) is for suspending an ongoing activity or process, often formally. 邪魔する (じゃまする) is for disturbing or getting in the way, and is more casual.
The loanword インタラプト exists but is mainly used in technical computing contexts (e.g., hardware interrupts). It is not used for everyday conversation interruptions.
The noise interrupted my work.
The trees are interrupting the view.