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.
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
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.
睡眠障害に悩んでいる。
I suffer from sleeping trouble.