Translation guide
The English verb 'meddle' means to interfere in something that is not your concern, often in an unwelcome or annoying way. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various expressions convey interference, depending on the nuance: unwanted involvement, sticking one's nose into others' affairs, or tampering with things. This guide covers the most natural ways to express these ideas.
To get involved in someone else's business or personal matters without being asked, often causing annoyance.
Literally 'to thrust one's neck into', this is a very common and natural way to say 'meddle' or 'stick one's nose into'. It implies unwanted involvement in someone else's affairs.
He's always meddling in other people's problems.
Don't meddle in things that don't concern you.
A more formal term meaning 'to interfere' or 'to meddle'. It can be used in both personal and official contexts, but it's less colloquial than 首を突っ込む.
Parents meddle too much in their children's lives.
You shouldn't meddle in other people's private affairs.
Literally 'to burn meddlesomeness', this means to offer unsolicited help or advice, often with a nuance of being a busybody. It's slightly softer than 'meddle' and can sometimes be well-intentioned.
She's always meddling and giving me unsolicited advice about my love life.
Literally 'to put out one's mouth', meaning to butt in or give unwanted opinions. It's often used when someone offers unsolicited advice or criticism.
That person meddles in everything.
This means to meddle or tamper with something, often in a playful or mischievous way, but can also imply unwanted interference. It's more casual and can be used for physical meddling as well.
He meddled with my work.
To touch or change something that belongs to someone else, often in a way that is unwanted or damaging.
A versatile verb meaning 'to touch', 'to fiddle with', or 'to tamper with'. It can be used for physical objects or abstract things like settings or plans, and often carries a negative connotation of meddling.
It looks like someone meddled with my computer.
Simply means 'to touch', but in context can imply meddling, especially when used with a negative command. It's less specific than いじる but very common.
Literally 'to put out one's hand', it can mean to meddle or tamper with something, often with a nuance of trying to get involved in something one shouldn't. It can also mean to start a fight or make a pass at someone, so context is important.
To interfere in the political matters of another country or organization, often used in news or formal contexts.
A formal term meaning 'to intervene' or 'to meddle', often used in political, military, or diplomatic contexts. It implies a more serious level of interference.
Large countries meddle in the internal affairs of small countries.
As above, but also commonly used in political contexts for 'interference'.
Meddle in a foreign country's election.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'meddle' in all contexts. Using a dictionary form like 干渉する in casual speech can sound stiff. Choose the expression that matches the nuance: 首を突っ込む for personal meddling, いじる for tampering, and 介入する for formal intervention.
首を突っ込む is colloquial and vivid, implying sticking one's nose where it doesn't belong. 干渉する is more neutral and can be used in serious or formal contexts. In everyday conversation, 首を突っ込む is more natural for 'meddling'.
He's always meddling (colloquial).
He always interferes (more formal).
Stop meddling in my life!
She meddled with the documents.
Don't meddle in things that don't concern you.
Don't meddle with the settings without asking.
Don't meddle with my things.
彼は会社の金に手を出した。
He meddled with the company's money (embezzled).