Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hindrance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hindrance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
差し支え
さしつかえ (sashitsukae)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
差し障り
さしさわり (sashisawari)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hindrance" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 差し支え and 差し障り.
In Japanese, 差し支え (さしつかえ (sashitsukae)) is typically associated with "hindrance, impediment, inconvenience" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to an obstacle, problem, or inconvenience. Often used in polite expressions like 「差し支えなければ」.
On the other hand, 差し障り (さしさわり (sashisawari)) maps to "hindrance, obstacle, inconvenience, objection, trouble" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to something that causes problems, difficulties, inconvenience, or an objection. It is often used in negative forms such as 「差し障りがない. A literal translation of "hindrance" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "差し支え"
何か差し支えがありますか？
Is there any problem/inconvenience?
Bilingual Context for "差し障り"
もし差し障りがなければ、明日お伺いしてもよろしいでしょうか。
If it's not an inconvenience, may I visit you tomorrow?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "何か ＿＿＿ がありますか？" (Meaning: "Is there any problem/inconvenience?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "差し支え" fits here because it means "hindrance, impediment, inconvenience" in the context of: "Is there any problem/inconvenience?". "差し障り" represents "hindrance, obstacle, inconvenience, objection, trouble".