Japanese word

差し支え

Pronunciation

Romajisashitsukae

Meaning

  • nounhindrance

Example

その音は勉強に差し支えがあります。so no oto wa ben kyō ni sa shi tsuka e ga a ri ma su

That noise is a hindrance to my studying.

Illustration for 差し支え (hindrance)

More examples

会議の時間を少し早めても、差し支えありませんか。kai gi no ji kan o suko shi haya me te mo sa shi tsuka e a ri ma se n ka

Would it be a problem if we moved the meeting a little earlier?

Core concept

Refers to anything that prevents a person, activity, or plan from proceeding smoothly.

Common phrases

  • 差し支えがあるsa shi tsuka e ga a ru

    be a hindrance

  • 差し支えがないsa shi tsuka e ga na i

    be no problem

  • 差し支えなければsa shi tsuka e na ke re ba

    if it is not inconvenient

Similar words

支障shishō: A problem that prevents an activity or plan from proceeding smoothly.
不都合futsugō: A problem or inconvenience that makes a situation unsuitable or difficult.
妨げsamatage: Something that blocks or slows the progress of an activity or plan.

Definition in Japanese

行動や計画の進行を妨げるもの。kō dō ya kei kaku no shin kō o samata ge ru mo no

Word origin

The noun 差し支え (sashitsukae, "hindrance") derives from 差し支える (sashitsukaeru, "to hinder or obstruct"), with the verb stem functioning as a noun.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 差し支えない (sashitsukaenai) often means that something is acceptable because it causes no problem or inconvenience.

Other meanings

  • inconveniencenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word