Japanese word

迷惑

Pronunciation

Romajimeiwaku

Meaning

  • nountrouble

Example

母に迷惑をかけません。haha ni mei waku o ka ke ma se n

I do not cause trouble for my mother.

Illustration for 迷惑 (trouble)

More examples

図書館では、ほかの人に迷惑をかけないように静かに話します。to sho kan de wa ho ka no hito ni mei waku o ka ke na i yō ni shizu ka ni hana shi ma su

In the library, I speak quietly so that I do not bother other people.

Core concept

Refers to the social trouble that results when someone's behavior makes another person uncomfortable or inconvenienced.

Common phrases

  • 迷惑をかけるmei waku o ka ke ru

    cause trouble

  • 迷惑になるmei waku ni na ru

    be a nuisance

Similar words

面倒mendō: A troublesome task or situation that requires extra time or effort.
厄介yakkai: A difficult person or situation that is hard to deal with.

Definition in Japanese

他人に不便や不快を感じさせ、困らせること。また、そのために生じる負担。ta nin ni fu ben ya fu kai o kan ji sa se koma ra se ru ko to ma ta so no ta me ni shō ji ru fu tan

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 迷惑 (meiwaku) uses 迷 (mei, "to lose one's way") and 惑 (waku, "to be confused") to form a term for confusion or trouble caused to others.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 迷惑 (meiwaku) often describes the unwanted effect of someone's actions on other people, so it is common when discussing noise, delays, or extra work.

Other meanings

  • bothernoun
  • inconveniencenoun

Related words

  • 迷惑がるmeiwakugarufeel botheredverb
  • 迷惑さmeiwakusainconveniencenoun

Word lists with this word