Translation guide
Describes something that is difficult to handle, carry, or manage because of its size, shape, or complexity.
Describing an object that is large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped, making it hard to move or use.
Commonly used for objects that are bulky and take up space, making them hard to carry or store.
This suitcase is unwieldy and hard to carry.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'hard to carry around', often used for unwieldy items.
This desk is heavy and unwieldy.
Means 'hard to handle' and can apply to both physical objects and abstract things.
This tool is large and unwieldy.
Describing something abstract, like a system, organization, or process, that is too large or complex to manage effectively.
Literally 'cannot handle', used for situations or things that are out of control or too much to manage.
This project has become unwieldy.
Means 'cannot fully manage', often used for unwieldy systems or large amounts of data.
The data is too unwieldy to manage.
A formal term meaning 'complex and troublesome', often used for unwieldy procedures or paperwork.
Describing something that is not graceful or efficient in its movement or shape, often due to poor design.
かさばる focuses on bulkiness and taking up space, while 持ち運びにくい directly states difficulty in carrying. Use かさばる when the main issue is size/volume, and 持ち運びにくい when weight or shape is also a factor.
This futon is bulky (unwieldy because of volume).
This futon is heavy and unwieldy to carry.
不器用 (ぶきよう) means 'clumsy' but is used for people, not objects. For unwieldy objects, use 不格好 or 扱いにくい.
He is clumsy.
The package was too unwieldy to carry alone.
The company's bureaucracy has become unwieldy.
手続きが煩雑で時間がかかる。
The procedure is unwieldy and time-consuming.
His driving is awkward, making the car feel unwieldy.
This tool is unwieldy/awkwardly shaped.