Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Troublesome" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "troublesome", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
わずらわしい
わずらわしい (wazurawashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
厄介
やっかい (yakkai)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "troublesome" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between わずらわしい and 厄介.
In Japanese, わずらわしい (わずらわしい (wazurawashii)) is typically associated with "troublesome, annoying, bothersome, complicated" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that causes trouble, takes too much effort, or is bothersome due to its complexity or inconvenience. Often evokes a feeling of irritation..
On the other hand, 厄介 (やっかい (yakkai)) maps to "troublesome, burdensome" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "troublesome" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "わずらわしい"
手続きが複雑で、本当にわずらわしい。
The procedures are complicated and truly bothersome.
Bilingual Context for "厄介"
私は厄介に興味があります。
I am interested in troublesome, burdensome.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "手続きが複雑で、本当に ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "The procedures are complicated and truly bothersome.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "わずらわしい" fits here because it means "troublesome, annoying, bothersome, complicated" in the context of: "The procedures are complicated and truly bothersome.". "厄介" represents "troublesome, burdensome".