Translation guide
Describes a person who causes problems, disrupts harmony, or creates conflict. Japanese expressions range from mild (mischievous person) to strong (delinquent, source of disaster). The best choice depends on severity, intent, and context.
A person who often causes minor problems, disrupts the peace, or is a nuisance, but not necessarily with malicious intent.
Literally 'problem child'. Used for someone who consistently causes trouble, often in a school or workplace setting. Can be used for adults too, implying immaturity.
彼はクラスの問題児だ。
He's the troublemaker of the class.
Loanword from English. Commonly used in casual conversation and media. Carries a similar nuance to the English word.
あの人は職場のトラブルメーカーだ。
That person is a troublemaker at work.
A person who is a burden or causes trouble for others. Implies that dealing with them is troublesome or inconvenient.
彼は親戚中の厄介者だ。
He's the troublemaker of the whole family.
Someone who causes minor trouble in a playful or mischievous way, often a child or someone with a cheeky personality.
A mischievous child. Conveys affection or mild exasperation. Not used for serious trouble.
うちの息子はいたずらっ子で、よく私を困らせる。
My son is a little troublemaker; he often drives me crazy.
A more formal or literary term for a mischievous person. Can be used for adults who play pranks.
A person who engages in antisocial behavior, breaks rules, or causes significant disruption, often in a school or social context.
A delinquent, often associated with youth subcultures. Implies a pattern of bad behavior, not just occasional trouble.
彼は高校時代、不良だった。
He was a troublemaker (delinquent) in high school.
A rough or violent person. Emphasizes physical aggression or unruly behavior.
A person who stirs up trouble, causes disputes, or creates discord among others.
Literally 'a spark' or 'source of fire'. Metaphorically, a person who causes conflict or trouble. Often used in phrases like 火種になる (to become a troublemaker).
彼の発言がチームの火種になった。
His remarks made him a troublemaker in the team.
Someone whose presence or actions create difficulties, often unintentionally, making them a burden.
Literally 'baggage'. A person who is a burden or hindrance. Often used in team or group contexts.
彼はチームのお荷物だ。
He's a troublemaker (burden) to the team.
A person who hinders or slows down others. Implies being a drag on the group.
Direct translations like '問題を作る人' are unnatural. Use the expressions above depending on the nuance.
問題児 is more native and often used for chronic troublemakers in structured environments (school, work). トラブルメーカー is a casual loanword and can be used in any context, but may sound less serious.
He's always been known as a troublemaker (prankster).
Somebody stop that troublemaker (violent guy).
Also fits here when emphasizing the role of causing disputes.
彼女はいつも人間関係のトラブルメーカーだ。
She's always a troublemaker in relationships.
そんな足手まといは置いていこう。
Let's leave that troublemaker (hindrance) behind.