Translation guide
The English word "troublesome" describes something that causes trouble, difficulty, or annoyance. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on whether you're talking about a burdensome task, a problematic situation, or a difficult person.
Describing something that is a hassle, bothersome, or takes extra effort.
The most common and versatile word for 'troublesome' in the sense of being a hassle or bother. Can be used for tasks, situations, or people.
This procedure is really troublesome.
I put off troublesome tasks.
Implies something is troublesome because it's complicated, messy, or hard to deal with. Often used for problems or difficult people.
A troublesome problem has arisen.
He is a troublesome customer.
Literally 'takes time and effort'. Used when something is troublesome because it requires a lot of work or steps.
This dish is troublesome to make.
Feeling of being annoyed or bothered by something troublesome. More emotional and subjective than 面倒.
Simplify troublesome procedures.
Describing a person or their actions that create problems for others.
Focuses on the trouble or annoyance caused to others. Often used in the phrase 迷惑をかける (to cause trouble).
His behavior is troublesome.
Idiom meaning 'to be at a loss how to deal with someone/something troublesome'. Used for difficult people or situations.
I'm having a troublesome time with his pranks.
Literally 'troubled', but often used attributively to mean 'troublesome' or 'problematic'.
Describing something that is troublesome because it is inconvenient or poorly timed.
Means 'inconvenient' or 'unfavorable'. Used when something is troublesome because it doesn't suit one's schedule or interests.
Tomorrow is troublesome (for me).
More formal than 都合が悪い, meaning 'inconvenience' or 'trouble'. Often used in business contexts.
面倒 is the most common word for 'troublesome' and focuses on the hassle or bother. 厄介 implies a more complex, messy problem that is hard to solve. Use 面倒 for everyday annoyances and 厄介 for serious difficulties.
While 面倒な人 is possible, it can sound like 'a person who is a hassle'. To describe someone who causes trouble for others, 迷惑な人 or 困った人 is often more natural. 厄介な人 is also used for difficult individuals.
I got a troublesome phone call.
It's become a troublesome situation.
不都合が生じた。
A troublesome issue has arisen.