Translation guide
The English verb 'intervene' covers several related ideas: stepping into a situation to change its course, mediating between parties, or occurring as an interruption. This guide organizes the core meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To become involved in a situation in order to improve it or prevent something bad from happening.
The most direct equivalent for 'intervene' in the sense of stepping into a situation, often with authority or force. Can be used in personal, social, or political contexts.
The police intervened in the violent incident.
Some argue that the government should not intervene in the market.
Specifically means to mediate or arbitrate between parties in a dispute. Use when the intervention is about resolving conflict.
The boss intervened in the argument between the two.
Literally 'put one's mouth in,' meaning to butt in or interfere, often unsolicited. More casual and can carry a negative nuance of meddling.
Can sound negative, implying unwanted interference.
He always intervenes in other people's problems.
Means to interfere or meddle, often in a way that is unwelcome. Stronger negative connotation than 介入する. Used for intervention that is seen as intrusive.
It's not good for parents to intervene too much in their children's lives.
To happen in a way that interrupts something else, or to come between two events or periods.
Means to exist or occur between two things, often used for abstract or physical intervening factors.
A deep gulf intervenes between the two.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to occur in between.' Useful for describing events that interrupt a sequence.
An earthquake intervened during the meeting.
Literally 'to cut in,' used for physically or metaphorically interrupting a line, conversation, or process. Implies a forceful or sudden intervention.
To act as a go-between to help resolve a dispute or facilitate communication.
The standard term for mediating or acting as an intermediary, especially in formal or business contexts.
The lawyer intervened in the negotiations.
As above, specifically for arbitration or mediation in disputes. Overlaps with 仲介する but often implies a more active role in resolving conflict.
A friend intervened in the fight and mediated.
Literally 'to go between,' a common, slightly informal way to say you intervened to mediate or help.
He intervened and settled the matter.
介入する is neutral or positive, implying necessary involvement. 干渉する is negative, implying unwanted meddling. Use 介入する for official or helpful intervention, and 干渉する for intrusive interference.
The doctor intervenes in the treatment. (neutral/positive)
The neighbor intervenes in my life. (negative, meddling)
English 'intervene' is often used in contexts where Japanese would use more specific verbs like 助ける (help), 止める (stop), or 話し合う (discuss). Consider whether a simpler, more natural verb fits the situation before using 介入する.
話に割り込まないでください。
Please don't intervene in the conversation.