Translation guide
The English word "trouble" covers a wide range of situations, from minor inconveniences to serious problems. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the specific meaning: difficulty, worry, malfunction, conflict, or effort. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
A situation that causes problems or makes things difficult.
The most general word for a problem or issue. Can be used in many contexts.
Is there any trouble?
There's a big problem with that plan.
Loanword from English, often used for unexpected trouble, especially mechanical or technical issues, or interpersonal conflict.
I was delayed due to machine trouble.
I often have trouble with him.
Formal word for difficulty or hardship. Often used in written or official contexts.
We overcame many troubles.
Emotional trouble, anxiety, or personal concerns.
When a machine, system, or body part isn't working properly.
Trouble between people, such as arguments, fights, or legal issues.
Quarrel, dispute, or trouble between people. Common in everyday speech.
I had trouble with my neighbor.
Conflict, strife, or dispute. Can be used for larger-scale troubles.
Also used for interpersonal conflict, as in 'trouble with someone'.
Taking the trouble to do something, or causing someone trouble.
To take time and effort; to go to the trouble of doing something.
Sorry to put you to the trouble of coming all this way.
To cause trouble or inconvenience to someone. Very common in apologies.
To have a hard time; to go through trouble and hardship.
He went through a lot of trouble when he was young.
Health problems or ailments.
The English word "trouble" is very broad. Using a single Japanese word like トラブル for all situations can sound unnatural. Choose the word that matches the specific type of trouble.
The car broke down. (Not 車がトラブルした。)
問題 (mondai) is a general problem or issue, often abstract. トラブル (toraburu) is more concrete and often implies unexpected trouble, like a malfunction or a fight. Use 問題 for questions or issues to be solved, and トラブル for incidents or conflicts.
I'm having trouble with my computer.
Natural Japanese often avoids a direct noun for 'trouble' and describes the state instead.
Don't worry, it's no trouble.
A common way to say 'no trouble' when someone thanks you or apologizes.
I have constant money troubles.
子供の将来が心配だ。
I'm worried about my child's future. (lit. My child's future is a trouble.)
アプリに不具合が発生した。
A trouble occurred with the app.
領土をめぐる争いが続いている。
The trouble over territory continues.
彼とはよくトラブルになる。
I often have trouble with him.
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
睡眠障害に悩んでいる。
I suffer from sleeping trouble.