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.
何か問題がありますか？
Is there any trouble?
その計画には大きな問題がある。
There's a big problem with that plan.
Loanword from English, often used for unexpected trouble, especially mechanical or technical issues, or interpersonal conflict.
機械のトラブルで遅れた。
I was delayed due to machine trouble.
彼とはよくトラブルになる。
I often have trouble with him.
Formal word for difficulty or hardship. Often used in written or official contexts.
多くの困難を乗り越えた。
We overcame many troubles.
Emotional trouble, anxiety, or personal concerns.
Refers to personal worries or troubles that cause emotional distress.
彼女は悩みを打ち明けた。
She confided her troubles.
お金の悩みが絶えない。
I have constant money troubles.
Worry or concern. Often used for troubles that cause anxiety.
When a machine, system, or body part isn't working properly.
Breakdown or malfunction of machines, vehicles, or equipment.
車が故障した。
The car broke down. (lit. The car had trouble.)
エアコンが故障している。
The air conditioner is out of order.
Defect, glitch, or malfunction, often used for software or technical issues.
Trouble between people, such as arguments, fights, or legal issues.
Quarrel, dispute, or trouble between people. Common in everyday speech.
隣人と揉め事を起こした。
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.
わざわざ来てくれて、手間をかけさせてすみません。
Sorry to put you to the trouble of coming all this way.
To cause trouble or inconvenience to someone. Very common in apologies.
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
To have a hard time; to go through trouble and hardship.
彼は若い頃ずいぶん苦労した。
He went through a lot of trouble when he was young.
Health problems or ailments.
Illness or sickness. The most common word for health trouble.
心臓の病気で入院した。
He was hospitalized for heart trouble.
Disorder or impairment. Used for chronic or specific medical conditions.
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.
車が故障した。
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.
パソコンの調子が悪い。
I'm having trouble with my computer.
Natural Japanese often avoids a direct noun for 'trouble' and describes the state instead.
気にしないで、大丈夫です。
Don't worry, it's no trouble.
A common way to say 'no trouble' when someone thanks you or apologizes.
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.
睡眠障害に悩んでいる。
I suffer from sleeping trouble.