Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Trouble" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "trouble", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
迷惑
めいわく (meiwaku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
面倒
めんどう (mendou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "trouble" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 迷惑 and 面倒.
In Japanese, 迷惑 (めいわく (meiwaku)) is typically associated with "trouble; nuisance; annoyance" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used when someone causes inconvenience or trouble to others. Can be used as a noun or with する.
On the other hand, 面倒 (めんどう (mendou)) maps to "trouble; bother; difficulty; care; looking after" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「面倒な」は形容動詞として、「面倒を見る」は動詞句として使われる。状況や人に対する「手間がかかる」「厄介だ」という感情を表す。Used as an adjectival noun 「面倒な. A literal translation of "trouble" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "迷惑"
人に迷惑をかけてはいけません。
You should not cause trouble for others.
Bilingual Context for "面倒"
彼はいつも誰かの面倒を見ている。
He is always looking after someone.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人に ＿＿＿ をかけてはいけません。" (Meaning: "You should not cause trouble for others.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "迷惑" fits here because it means "trouble; nuisance; annoyance" in the context of: "You should not cause trouble for others.". "面倒" represents "trouble; bother; difficulty; care; looking after".