Translation guide
This English idiom describes a situation where there is a lot of fuss, excitement, or trouble over something that turns out to be unimportant. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent, but several expressions capture the idea of making a big deal out of nothing.
To express that someone is overreacting or making too much noise about a minor issue.
Literally 'to make a big fuss'. This is a natural, common way to say someone is overreacting or exaggerating the importance of something.
彼は小さなミスに大げさに騒いでいる。
He's making a big fuss over a small mistake.
Means 'to make a big commotion' or 'to raise a ruckus'. Often used when the reaction is disproportionate to the cause.
To describe an event or issue that seemed serious but was actually trivial.
Means 'a trivial matter' or 'something not worth bothering about'. It emphasizes the insignificance of the issue.
それは取るに足らないことだよ。
It's much ado about nothing.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'much ado about nothing'. Using a direct translation like '無についての多くの騒ぎ' would sound unnatural. Instead, use the phrases above depending on whether you want to describe the fuss or the triviality.
Don't make a big fuss over nothing.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to exaggerate greatly', literally 'to say a needle is a pole'. It's a bit formal and literary.
彼の話はいつも針小棒大だ。
His stories are always much ado about nothing.
A noun meaning 'much ado about nothing' or 'a storm in a teacup'. It's a direct translation of the concept but less commonly used in daily conversation.
結局、それは空騒ぎだった。
In the end, it was much ado about nothing.
A very common phrase meaning 'it's not a big deal'. Often used to downplay a situation.
心配しないで、大したことではないから。
Don't worry, it's much ado about nothing.
Means 'to fuss over trifles'. It describes the act of making a big deal out of small things.
彼は小事にこだわりすぎる。
He makes much ado about nothing.