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B1 adjective #3,000 most common 9 min read

迷惑な

meiwaku na Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 迷惑な in 30 Seconds

Explanation 迷惑な in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'meiwaku na' as a word for things that are 'bad' because they bother other people. In Japanese culture, being quiet and polite is very important. When someone is being too loud or doing something that makes others unhappy, we use this word. For example, if someone is playing loud music late at night, that is 'meiwaku.' You might see this word on signs in parks or trains. It's a 'na-adjective,' so you say 'meiwaku na' before a noun. Just remember: it's not just about you being angry; it's about someone breaking the rules of being a good neighbor. At this level, focus on simple examples like 'meiwaku na oto' (troublesome noise) or 'meiwaku na hito' (a troublesome person). It helps you understand what is considered 'polite' in Japan.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'meiwaku na' in more daily situations, especially regarding public manners. You'll notice it in phrases like 'meiwaku-mēru' (spam email). This is a great way to remember the word because everyone hates spam! You'll also learn that 'meiwaku' can be a noun. People often say 'meiwaku o kakeru' which means 'to cause trouble for someone.' For example, if you are late for a meeting, you are causing 'meiwaku' to your friends. In Japan, people apologize a lot for this. Even if it's a small thing, saying 'gomeiwaku o kakeshimashita' (I'm sorry for the trouble) makes you sound very polite and culturally aware. You are learning that this word is about the 'connection' between people and how one person's actions affect everyone else.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social nuance of 'meiwaku na.' It’s not just 'annoying'—it’s about 'social friction.' At this level, you can use it to describe more complex situations, like unsolicited advice or systemic inconveniences. You'll also encounter the concept of 'Arigatameiwaku' (an unwelcome favor). This is a key B1 concept because it shows the complexity of Japanese social obligations. You should be able to distinguish 'meiwaku' from 'jama' (physical obstacle) and 'mendō' (personal hassle). B1 learners should practice using 'meiwaku na' in sentences that describe social behavior, such as 'Smoking in non-smoking areas is meiwaku.' You are now moving beyond simple descriptions into discussing social norms and expectations in Japanese society.

At the B2 level, you can use 'meiwaku na' to discuss social issues, legal terms, and nuanced interpersonal dynamics. You will hear terms like 'Meiwaku-bōshi Jōrei' (Nuisance Prevention Ordinance) in the news, which covers everything from voyeurism to aggressive sales tactics. You should be able to use the word in formal business contexts, such as apologizing to a client for a shipping delay. At this level, you understand that 'meiwaku' is often used as a 'tatemae' (public face) word to describe something that is actually quite infuriating, but in a controlled, polite way. You can also use the verb 'meiwaku-garu' to describe someone else's reaction to a nuisance. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the hierarchy and the 'wa' (harmony) that the word 'meiwaku' seeks to protect.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and psychological depths of 'meiwaku.' You understand how the fear of being 'meiwaku' shapes Japanese architecture, urban planning, and even the legal system. You can discuss how the 'Meiwaku' concept relates to 'Giri' (obligation) and 'Ninjo' (human feeling). You might analyze literary texts or editorial pieces where 'meiwaku na' is used to critique modern society or individualistic behavior. You are comfortable using the word in high-level debates about public space and individual rights. You also recognize the subtle irony when 'meiwaku' is used sarcastically or in literary contexts to describe the 'burden' of love or deep friendship. Your command of the word includes its most formal variations and its most subtle social implications.

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'meiwaku na' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the historical evolution of the term from its Buddhist roots of 'delusion' to its modern sociological application. You can navigate the most delicate social situations where the word 'meiwaku' might be implied but never spoken, or where using the word itself would be too blunt. You can write academic papers or legal briefs involving 'meiwaku' as a standard for social liability. You understand how the word functions as a linguistic tool for social control and cohesion. You are also aware of the modern discourse in Japan regarding the 'Meiwaku culture' and how it might be evolving in a more globalized, individualistic era. You can use the word with perfect precision, matching the register and tone to any possible context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

迷惑な in 30 Seconds

Meiwaku na means annoying, troublesome, or a nuisance to others.
It is a Na-adjective used to describe social disruptions and bad manners.
It is a central concept in Japanese etiquette, emphasizing 'not bothering others.'
Commonly used for spam (meiwaku mēru) and public nuisance (meiwaku kōi).

The Japanese word 迷惑な (meiwaku na) is a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette and interpersonal relationships. At its core, it describes something that is annoying, troublesome, or inconvenient. However, in the context of Japanese culture, it carries a much heavier weight than its English counterparts. It refers specifically to the act of causing a burden to others or disrupting the social harmony (wa). When you call something 'meiwaku,' you are often highlighting the fact that a person's actions have crossed a boundary into someone else's space or peace of mind.

Core Nuance: Unlike 'annoying' which focuses on your personal irritation, 'meiwaku' focuses on the external disruption caused to the collective or another individual.

電車の中で大きな声で話すのは、非常に迷惑な行為です。(Talking loudly on the train is an extremely troublesome act.)

The word is composed of two kanji: 迷 (mei), meaning to go astray or be lost, and 惑 (waku), meaning to be deluded or perplexed. Historically, it referred to being spiritually lost, but in modern usage, it describes the 'confusion' or 'trouble' one person's actions create for others. It is an essential word for navigating public life in Japan, where 'meiwaku o kakenai' (don't cause trouble for others) is one of the first social rules taught to children. This concept governs everything from how people use cell phones in public to how trash is sorted.

Grammatical Type: It is a Na-adjective, meaning it requires 'na' before a noun (e.g., meiwaku na hito) and 'da/desu' when ending a sentence.

深夜の工事は住民にとって迷惑な話だ。(Construction late at night is a troublesome matter for the residents.)

You will encounter this word in various forms: as a noun (meiwaku), as a verb phrase (meiwaku o kakeru - to cause trouble), and as an adjective (meiwaku na). It covers a wide spectrum of intensity, from a minor inconvenience like a spam email (meiwaku mēru) to a major social transgression like public intoxication or illegal parking. Understanding 'meiwaku' is key to understanding the Japanese concept of 'Omoiyari' (consideration for others).

Social Context: It is frequently used in apologies to acknowledge the burden you've placed on someone else, even if that burden was necessary or accidental.

彼はいつも迷惑な質問ばかりする。(He is always asking nothing but annoying questions.)

Using 迷惑な correctly involves understanding its placement as a Na-adjective. Because it functions as a descriptor, it most commonly precedes nouns that represent behaviors, people, or situations that cause distress or inconvenience. It is rarely used to describe things that are just 'irritating' in a sensory way (like a scratchy wool sweater); rather, it describes things that disrupt your flow or require your energy to resolve.

Modifying Nouns: Structure: [迷惑な] + [Noun]. Common nouns include 'hito' (person), 'kōi' (act/behavior), 'denwa' (phone call), and 'shitsumon' (question).

迷惑な隣人のせいで、昨夜は眠れなかった。(I couldn't sleep last night because of my troublesome neighbor.)

When used as a predicate (at the end of a sentence), you drop the 'na' and add a copula like 'da' or 'desu'. This is used to state that a situation is troublesome. In polite Japanese, you might say 'Gomeiwaku desu' (It is an inconvenience), often using the honorific prefix 'go-' when referring to the inconvenience caused to others, especially superiors or customers.

Expressing Subjective Feeling: To say someone 'finds' something annoying, you can use the verb 'meiwaku-garu' (to act as if something is a nuisance).

そんなことをしたら、みんなに迷惑な奴だと思われるよ。(If you do that, everyone will think you're an annoying guy.)

In business settings, 'meiwaku na' is frequently used to describe systemic issues or unwanted solicitations. For example, 'meiwaku-mēru' is the standard term for spam. If you are declining an offer, you might say 'Meiwaku na hanashi dewa arimasen ga...' (It’s not that it’s a troublesome matter, but...) to soften the blow. This shows that the word is deeply embedded in the 'Honne/Tatemae' (private vs. public) dynamics of Japanese communication.

Comparison with 'Iyada': 'Iyada' is a personal dislike ('I don't like it'). 'Meiwaku na' is an objective assessment of trouble caused ('It is a nuisance').

彼の迷惑な冗談に、誰も笑わなかった。(Nobody laughed at his annoying joke.)

You will hear 迷惑な used in a wide variety of daily scenarios in Japan. One of the most common places is in public announcements. If a train is delayed, the conductor will inevitably apologize for the 'meiwaku' caused to passengers. This establishes a baseline of social responsibility. In residential areas, you might see signs that say 'Kinjo meiwaku' (neighborhood nuisance), warning people against making noise at night or feeding stray cats.

Public Transport: Announcements often use 'Gomeiwaku o o-kake shimasu' (We will cause you inconvenience) to apologize for delays or maintenance.

歩きスマホは周囲の人にとって非常に迷惑な行為です。(Using a smartphone while walking is a very troublesome act for those around you.)

In the digital world, 'meiwaku-mēru' (spam mail) is a term every Japanese internet user knows. Most email services have a folder specifically labeled 'Meiwaku Mēru' (Junk/Spam). Similarly, 'meiwaku-denwa' refers to telemarketing or scam calls. In these contexts, the word describes something that is unsolicited and wastes the recipient's time.

Workplace Etiquette: Asking for help in an office often begins with 'O-isogashii tokoro meiwaku o o-kake shimasu' (I am sorry to trouble you while you are busy).

会議中の私語は、他の参加者に迷惑な印象を与えます。(Chit-chat during a meeting gives a troublesome impression to other participants.)

Another interesting place you'll hear this is in 'Arigatameiwaku.' This is a unique Japanese concept where someone does you a favor that you didn't ask for and didn't want, but you still feel obligated to say 'thank you' (arigatō) because their intention was good. It’s the ultimate 'unwelcome favor.' This highlights how 'meiwaku' is tied to the burden of social obligation.

News & Legal: The 'Meiwaku-bōshi Jōrei' (Nuisance Prevention Ordinance) is a law used to prosecute behaviors like stalking or public indecency.

夜遅くに掃除機をかけるのは、迷惑なことだと気づかなかった。(I didn't realize that vacuuming late at night was a troublesome thing.)

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make with 迷惑な is using it to describe their own feelings of being annoyed. In English, we say 'I am annoyed.' In Japanese, you cannot simply say 'Watashi wa meiwaku desu' to mean 'I am feeling annoyed.' This actually sounds like you are saying 'I am a nuisance.' Instead, you should say 'Meiwaku ni omou' (I feel it is troublesome) or 'Komatte iru' (I am troubled).

Mistake #1: Wrong Subject: Incorrect: 私は迷惑です (I am annoying). Correct: 迷惑に感じています (I feel annoyed/troubled by this).

× 私はあなたの話が迷惑なです。(Incorrect grammar/usage for personal feeling.)

Another mistake is confusing 'meiwaku' with 'uzai' or 'urusai.' 'Uzai' is slang for 'annoying/pain in the neck' and is much more subjective and aggressive. 'Urusai' means 'noisy' or 'shut up.' 'Meiwaku' is more formal and focuses on the social burden. If a child is screaming, they are 'urusai' (noisy). If their parents don't stop them in a quiet restaurant, that is 'meiwaku' (a social nuisance).

Mistake #2: Confusing with 'Mendo': 'Mendo na' means 'bothersome/hassle' for YOU to do. 'Meiwaku na' means it bothers OTHERS.

宿題は面倒だが、迷惑なことではない。(Homework is a hassle, but it's not a nuisance to others.)

Learners also often forget the 'na' when modifying nouns. Since it is a Na-adjective, 'meiwaku hito' is incorrect; it must be 'meiwaku na hito.' Additionally, be careful with the prefix 'go-'. While 'gomeiwaku' is common in apologies, you shouldn't use 'go-' when talking about the trouble *you* are experiencing from someone else, as 'go-' is an honorific used to elevate the other person's actions or the trouble caused to them.

Mistake #3: Improper Honorifics: Don't say 'Gomeiwaku o received' when you are the victim. Just use 'meiwaku'.

彼は自分勝手で、本当に迷惑なやつだ。(He is selfish and a truly troublesome guy.)

Japanese has several words that overlap with 迷惑な, but each has its own specific flavor. Understanding these differences will help you sound more natural and precise. The most common alternatives are 'jama,' 'yakkai,' 'wazurawashii,' and 'mendō.'

Comparison: 邪魔な (Jama na): Meaning: In the way / Obstacle. Use this when something is physically blocking you or preventing you from concentrating. 'Meiwaku' is broader and more social.

荷物が邪魔で通れない。(The luggage is in the way and I can't pass.) vs 迷惑な荷物 (Troublesome luggage left in a public space).

'Yakkai na' (厄介な) means 'troublesome' or 'burdensome' in a way that requires a lot of effort to deal with. It is often used for difficult problems or complex human relationships. While 'meiwaku' focuses on the annoyance caused, 'yakkai' focuses on the difficulty of the task or situation itself.

Comparison: 煩わしい (Wazurawashii): Meaning: Annoying / Irksome / Complicated. This describes a feeling of being weighed down by petty details or repetitive tasks. It is more internal than 'meiwaku'.

煩わしい手続き (Tedious procedures) vs 迷惑な手続き (A procedure that inconveniences others).

Lastly, 'Mendō na' (面倒な) is the everyday word for 'bothersome' or 'too much work.' If you don't want to do your taxes, it's 'mendō.' If the tax office loses your papers and makes you come in three times, that's 'meiwaku.' 'Mendō' is about your lack of motivation; 'meiwaku' is about the external trouble being forced upon you. Choosing the right word shows your awareness of whether the problem is your own internal struggle or an external social friction.

Quick Reference: - Meiwaku: Social nuisance. - Jama: Physical obstacle. - Mendō: Personal hassle. - Yakkai: Difficult problem.

それは非常に迷惑な提案だった。(That was an extremely troublesome proposal.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, 'meiwaku' began to shift from a personal state of confusion to the 'trouble' caused to others. Now, it is one of the most 'Japanese' concepts in existence.

Pronunciation Guide

UK meɪ.wa.kɯ.na

US meɪ.wɑ.ku.nɑ

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'meiwaku', the pitch starts low on 'me', rises on 'i', and stays high for 'wa' and 'ku'.

Rhymes With

Seikaku na (accurate) Teikaku na (low price - rare) Keikaku na (planned - rare) Meikaku na (clear) Heikaku na Teikaku na Zeikaku na Reikaku na

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mei' as two distinct syllables 'me-i'. It's a long 'e' sound.
Rounding the lips too much on 'ku'.
Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese is flat).
Forgetting the 'na' when modifying a noun.
Using it for personal feelings of 'being annoyed' (Watashi wa meiwaku desu).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require practice to recognize quickly.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 惑 (waku) has many strokes and can be tricky to write.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you master the pitch.

Listening 2/5

Very frequently heard in public announcements and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

困る嫌な煩い静かな人

Learn Next

厄介な邪魔な面倒な申し訳ない遠慮

Advanced

ありがた迷惑迷惑千万迷惑至極攪乱枷

Grammar to Know

Na-adjective + Noun

迷惑な音 (meiwaku na oto)

Noun + を + かける

迷惑をかける (to cause trouble)

Verb stem + がる

迷惑がる (to show signs of being annoyed)

Honorific Prefix 'Go-'

ご迷惑 (polite form used for others' trouble)

Adjective + に + 感じる

迷惑に感じる (to feel it is troublesome)

Examples by Level

夜の大きな音は迷惑なことです。

Loud sounds at night are a troublesome thing.

Meiwaku na koto (troublesome thing) uses 'na' to connect to the noun 'koto'.

迷惑な人は好きじゃないです。

I don't like troublesome people.

Meiwaku na hito (troublesome person) is a common phrase.

それは迷惑な話ですね。

That is a troublesome story/matter, isn't it?

Meiwaku na hanashi is often used to empathize with someone's problem.

迷惑なメールを消します。

I delete spam (troublesome) emails.

Meiwaku mēru is the standard term for spam.

公園で騒ぐのは迷惑な行為です。

Making a racket in the park is a troublesome act.

Meiwaku na kōi (troublesome act) is a slightly formal way to say 'bad behavior'.

彼は迷惑な質問をしました。

He asked a troublesome question.

Meiwaku na shitsumon refers to a question that is inappropriate or poorly timed.

迷惑な場所で遊ばないでください。

Please don't play in troublesome places.

Meiwaku na basho refers to a place where playing would bother others.

あの犬は迷惑な声で鳴きます。

That dog barks in a troublesome voice.

Meiwaku na koe describes a sound that disrupts the peace.

電車での通話は迷惑な行為とされています。

Talking on the phone on the train is considered a troublesome act.

Uses 'to sarete iru' (is considered to be).

迷惑なセールスの電話がかかってきた。

I got a troublesome sales call.

Meiwaku na sērusu (troublesome sales) is a common complaint.

ご近所に迷惑な思いをさせてしまった。

I caused my neighbors to feel troubled.

Meiwaku na omoi (troublesome feeling) is a polite way to describe the effect on others.

歩きスマホは迷惑なだけでなく、危険です。

Using a smartphone while walking is not only troublesome but dangerous.

Meiwaku na dake de naku (not only troublesome).

迷惑な客が店で騒いでいる。

A troublesome customer is making a scene in the shop.

Meiwaku na kyaku is a 'difficult customer'.

そんな迷惑なことはやめてください。

Please stop doing such a troublesome thing.

Meiwaku na koto (troublesome thing).

夜遅くの掃除は迷惑な騒音になる。

Cleaning late at night becomes a troublesome noise.

Meiwaku na sōon (troublesome noise).

迷惑な冗談は誰も喜びません。

Nobody is happy with a troublesome joke.

Meiwaku na jōdan is a joke that goes too far.

ありがた迷惑な親切は、時として負担になる。

Unwelcome kindness can sometimes be a burden.

Arigatameiwaku is a specific compound noun/adjective.

公共の場での迷惑な振る舞いは慎むべきだ。

One should refrain from troublesome behavior in public places.

Meiwaku na furumai (troublesome behavior) is more formal than 'kōi'.

彼の迷惑な態度に、チーム全員が困惑している。

The whole team is perplexed by his troublesome attitude.

Meiwaku na taido (troublesome attitude).

知らない人からの迷惑なDMが届いた。

I received a troublesome DM from a stranger.

Meiwaku na DM is the modern version of 'meiwaku mēru'.

深夜の路上駐車は、近隣住民にとって迷惑な存在だ。

Street parking late at night is a troublesome existence for local residents.

Meiwaku na sonzai (troublesome existence/presence).

迷惑な話だが、明日も休日出勤になった。

It's a troublesome matter, but I have to work on my day off tomorrow too.

Used here to describe a situation forced upon the speaker.

彼はいつも迷惑なタイミングで電話をかけてくる。

He always calls at a troublesome timing.

Meiwaku na taimingu (troublesome timing).

迷惑な勧誘を断るのに苦労した。

I had a hard time turning down a troublesome solicitation.

Meiwaku na kan'yū (troublesome solicitation).

その法案は、中小企業にとって迷惑な規制を含んでいる。

The bill contains troublesome regulations for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Meiwaku na kisei (troublesome regulations).

執拗な追い回しは、迷惑なストーカー行為として罰せられる。

Persistent following is punished as troublesome stalking behavior.

Meiwaku na sutōkā kōi (troublesome stalking behavior) is a legal term.

自己中心的な考え方は、周囲に迷惑な影響を及ぼす。

Self-centered thinking exerts a troublesome influence on those around you.

Meiwaku na eikyō (troublesome influence).

不法投棄は、環境破壊につながる迷惑な犯罪だ。

Illegal dumping is a troublesome crime that leads to environmental destruction.

Meiwaku na hanzai (troublesome crime).

迷惑な広告が画面全体を覆って、記事が読めない。

Troublesome ads cover the whole screen, and I can't read the article.

Meiwaku na kōkoku (troublesome advertisements).

上司の迷惑な指示のせいで、プロジェクトが遅延した。

The project was delayed because of the boss's troublesome instructions.

Meiwaku na shiji (troublesome instructions).

それはあまりにも迷惑な要求だと言わざるを得ない。

I have to say that is an altogether too troublesome request.

Meiwaku na yōkyū (troublesome request/demand).

迷惑な隣人トラブルを解決するために、弁護士を雇った。

I hired a lawyer to resolve a troublesome neighbor dispute.

Meiwaku na rinjin toraburu (troublesome neighbor trouble).

過剰なコンプライアンスは、時に現場にとって迷惑な枷となる。

Excessive compliance sometimes becomes a troublesome shackle for those on the ground.

Meiwaku na kase (troublesome shackle/burden).

彼の振る舞いは、自由奔放を通り越して迷惑な域に達している。

His behavior has gone beyond being free-spirited and reached a troublesome level.

Meiwaku na iki (troublesome level/range).

SNSでの誹謗中傷は、社会全体に対する迷惑な挑戦だ。

Slander on social media is a troublesome challenge to society as a whole.

Meiwaku na chōsen (troublesome challenge).

政府のその場しのぎの政策は、国民にとって迷惑な極みだ。

The government's stopgap policies are the height of trouble for the citizens.

Meiwaku na kiwami (the height/extremity of trouble).

迷惑な先入観を捨てなければ、真実は見えてこない。

Unless you discard troublesome prejudices, you will not see the truth.

Meiwaku na sennyūkan (troublesome prejudice/preconception).

その伝統は、現代においては迷惑な遺物でしかないのかもしれない。

That tradition might be nothing more than a troublesome relic in the modern era.

Meiwaku na ibutsu (troublesome relic).

他人の期待に応えようとすることは、時に迷惑な呪縛となる。

Trying to meet others' expectations can sometimes become a troublesome spell/curse.

Meiwaku na jubaku (troublesome spell/binding).

迷惑な正義感ほど、扱いづらいものはない。

There is nothing harder to deal with than a troublesome sense of justice.

Meiwaku na seigikan (troublesome sense of justice).

この法解釈の変更は、実務家にとって極めて迷惑な攪乱要因である。

This change in legal interpretation is an extremely troublesome disruptive factor for practitioners.

Meiwaku na kakuran yōin (troublesome disruptive factor).

個人の自由と公共の福祉の相克は、常に迷惑なジレンマを生む。

The conflict between individual freedom and public welfare always creates a troublesome dilemma.

Meiwaku na jirenma (troublesome dilemma).

それは、知的好奇心を装った極めて迷惑なプライバシーの侵害だ。

That is an extremely troublesome invasion of privacy disguised as intellectual curiosity.

Meiwaku na shin'gai (troublesome invasion/infringement).

官僚主義的な手続きは、創造性を阻害する迷惑な障壁に他ならない。

Bureaucratic procedures are nothing but troublesome barriers that inhibit creativity.

Meiwaku na shōheki (troublesome barrier).

現代社会における『同調圧力』は、一種の迷惑な社会的コストである。

In modern society, 'peer pressure' is a kind of troublesome social cost.

Meiwaku na shakaiteki kosuto (troublesome social cost).

彼の沈黙は、雄弁な肯定よりも迷惑な拒絶として響いた。

His silence resonated more as a troublesome rejection than an eloquent affirmation.

Meiwaku na kyozetsu (troublesome rejection).

迷惑な善意が、結果として悲劇を招くこともある。

Troublesome good intentions can sometimes result in tragedy.

Meiwaku na zen'i (troublesome good intentions).

その学説は、既存のパラダイムに対する迷惑な攪乱でしかなかった。

That theory was nothing more than a troublesome disturbance to the existing paradigm.

Meiwaku na kakuran (troublesome disturbance).

Common Collocations

迷惑な行為

迷惑な電話

迷惑な客

迷惑な話

迷惑なメール

迷惑な顔

迷惑な存在

迷惑な騒音

迷惑な場所

迷惑な時期

Common Phrases

迷惑をかける

— To cause trouble or inconvenience to someone.

皆さんに迷惑をかけてすみません。

迷惑千万

— Extremely annoying or a huge nuisance.

彼の態度は迷惑千万だ。

ご迷惑をおかけします

— A standard formal apology: 'I am sorry for the inconvenience.'

工事中、ご迷惑をおかけします。

迷惑メール

— Spam email or junk mail.

迷惑メールフォルダを確認してください。

近所迷惑

— A nuisance to the neighborhood.

夜の騒音は近所迷惑だ。

迷惑行為

— Nuisance behavior or antisocial act.

迷惑行為はやめましょう。

迷惑至極

— The ultimate inconvenience; extremely troublesome.

こんな時に雨とは迷惑至極だ。

迷惑がる

— To show signs of being annoyed or troubled.

彼は親の助けを迷惑がっている。

迷惑料

— Compensation for trouble caused.

迷惑料として一万円払った。

迷惑な話

— A troublesome matter or a story about trouble.

それはとんだ迷惑な話ですね。

Often Confused With

迷惑な vs 邪魔 (Jama)

Jama is a physical block; Meiwaku is a social nuisance.

迷惑な vs 面倒 (Mendo)

Mendo is about effort/laziness; Meiwaku is about burdening others.

迷惑な vs 煩わしい (Wazurawashii)

Wazurawashii is about being irked by complexity; Meiwaku is about external trouble.

Idioms & Expressions

"ありがた迷惑"

— An unwelcome favor; kindness that actually causes trouble.

手伝ってもらったが、正直ありがた迷惑だった。

Common

"迷惑を被る"

— To suffer an inconvenience or be troubled by someone.

彼の失敗で、私も迷惑を被った。

Formal

"迷惑の種"

— The source of trouble or a nuisance.

この古い機械は迷惑の種だ。

Neutral

"迷惑を顧みない"

— To not care about causing trouble to others.

彼は他人の迷惑を顧みない。

Formal

"迷惑を承知で"

— Knowing full well that it will cause trouble (often used in requests).

ご迷惑を承知で、お願いがあります。

Polite

"迷惑千万な話"

— A story or situation that is utterly annoying.

それは迷惑千万な話ですね。

Literary

"迷惑をかけるな"

— Don't cause trouble (a common command to children).

外では人に迷惑をかけるなよ。

Informal

"迷惑がるな"

— Don't act like it's a nuisance.

せっかくの親切を迷惑がるな。

Neutral

"迷惑この上ない"

— Nothing could be more troublesome.

この忙しい時に故障とは、迷惑この上ない。

Formal

"迷惑をまき散らす"

— To spread trouble everywhere; to be a general nuisance.

彼は行く先々で迷惑をまき散らしている。

Informal

Easily Confused

迷惑な vs うるさい (Urusai)

Both mean 'annoying'.

Urusai is specific to sound or nagging; Meiwaku is about the general trouble caused.

Urusai ongaku (noisy music) vs Meiwaku na ongaku (music played at a time that bothers neighbors).

迷惑な vs 嫌な (Iya na)

Both express dislike.

Iya is personal dislike; Meiwaku is social nuisance.

Iya na hito (someone I personally don't like) vs Meiwaku na hito (someone who bothers everyone).

迷惑な vs 不便な (Fuben na)

Both mean 'inconvenient'.

Fuben is about lack of facilities/ease; Meiwaku is about trouble caused by an agent.

Fuben na eki (a station with no elevator) vs Meiwaku na kyaku (a customer causing trouble).

迷惑な vs 酷い (Hidoi)

Both describe bad behavior.

Hidoi means 'terrible/cruel'; Meiwaku means 'troublesome/nuisance'.

Hidoi uso (a terrible lie) vs Meiwaku na uso (a lie that causes a lot of extra work for others).

迷惑な vs しつこい (Shitsukoi)

Both can describe annoying people.

Shitsukoi is 'persistent/nagging'; Meiwaku is the trouble resulting from it.

Shitsukoi sērusu (persistent sales) is a meiwaku na kōi (troublesome act).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] は迷惑です。

大きな声は迷惑です。

[Noun] に迷惑をかける。

友達に迷惑をかける。

[Noun] にとって迷惑な [Noun]だ。

私にとって迷惑な話だ。

[Verb-ru] のは迷惑な行為だ。

騒ぐのは迷惑な行為だ。

[Noun] を迷惑がる。

彼は親切を迷惑がる。

迷惑千万な [Noun]。

迷惑千万な態度。

迷惑な [Noun] 以外の何物でもない。

それは迷惑な障壁以外の何物でもない。

迷惑な [Noun] の極致。

それは迷惑な演出の極致だ。

Word Family

Nouns

迷惑 Trouble, nuisance, inconvenience.

迷惑料 Compensation for trouble.

迷惑行為 Nuisance behavior.

Verbs

迷惑をかける To cause trouble.

迷惑がる To show signs of being troubled.

迷惑する To be troubled (rare as a suru-verb, usually 'meiwaku ni omou').

Adjectives

迷惑な Troublesome, annoying.

ありがた迷惑な Unwelcome (kindness).

邪魔 (Hindrance)

厄介 (Trouble)

面倒 (Bother)

苦情 (Complaint)

謝罪 (Apology)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, media, and business.

Common Mistakes

私は迷惑です → 迷惑しています
The first one means 'I am a nuisance.' The second means 'I am being troubled.'
迷惑人 → 迷惑な人
You must use 'na' to connect this adjective to a noun.
ご迷惑を受けました → 迷惑を被りました
You don't usually use the honorific 'go-' for trouble you yourself received.
迷惑な仕事 → 面倒な仕事
If a job is just a lot of work for you, use 'mendō'. Use 'meiwaku' if the job bothers others.
迷惑をかけた → ご迷惑をおかけしました
In a formal setting, 'meiwaku o kaketa' is too blunt and casual for an apology.

Tips

The 'Wa' Principle

Japanese society values 'Wa' (harmony). Anything that is 'meiwaku' is seen as a threat to this harmony, which is why the word is so powerful.

Na-Adjective Rule

Don't forget the 'na'! 'Meiwaku hito' is wrong; 'Meiwaku na hito' is right.

Spam Folder

If you use a Japanese email service, look for the '迷惑メール' folder. It's a great real-world application of the word.

Apologizing

Even if something wasn't your fault, if it caused trouble, saying 'Gomeiwaku o o-kake shimashita' is a social lubricant in Japan.

Meiwaku vs. Jama

If a person is standing in your way, they are 'jama'. If they are playing loud music in their apartment, they are 'meiwaku'.

Arigatameiwaku

This is a great word to learn to understand the burden of social gifts and favors in Japan.

Meiwaku-garu

The suffix '-garu' turns the adjective into a verb meaning 'to act as if' or 'to show signs of feeling' meiwaku.

Pitch Accent

Keep the 'waku' part high in pitch to sound like a native speaker.

Ordinances

Be aware that 'meiwaku' is a legal term in Japan, not just a casual complaint.

Train Manners

Look for posters on Japanese trains about 'meiwaku'—they are excellent reading practice for B1 learners.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'May' (mei) and 'Walk' (waku). If someone blocks your 'May Walk' with a 'na' (net), they are being 'meiwaku na' (troublesome)!

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to walk through a doorway but a giant kanji for 迷 (lost) and 惑 (confused) is blocking the way.

Word Web

Spam (Meiwaku mēru) Neighbor (Rinjin) Apology (Sumimasen) Harmony (Wa) Noise (Sōon) Trouble (Kakeru) Spiritual (Buddhist roots) Manners (Manā)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your daily life that could be called 'meiwaku na' and describe them in Japanese using the Na-adjective form.

Word Origin

The word 'meiwaku' originates from Buddhist terminology. It was originally used to describe a state of mind where one is lost or confused by worldly desires and delusions.

Original meaning: Being lost (mei) and deluded (waku) in a spiritual sense.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'meiwaku' to their face is very strong and confrontational. Use with caution in direct address.

In English, 'annoying' is often about the speaker's internal state. In Japanese, 'meiwaku' is about the objective social situation.

Meiwaku-bōshi Jōrei (The Nuisance Prevention Ordinance, a real law). Arigatameiwaku (A concept often discussed in Japanese sociology). Meiwaku-mēru (The universal term for spam in Japan).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Transportation

迷惑な行為
ご迷惑をおかけします
迷惑な通話
迷惑な荷物

Digital Communication

迷惑メール
迷惑なDM
迷惑設定
迷惑な広告

Neighborhood Relations

近所迷惑
迷惑な騒音
迷惑な駐車
迷惑なペット

Business/Workplace

お忙しいところご迷惑を...
迷惑な要求
迷惑な指示
迷惑なタイミング

Personal Relationships

迷惑な冗談
ありがた迷惑
迷惑な奴
迷惑な質問

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か迷惑なことに遭いましたか？ (Have you encountered anything troublesome recently?)"

"電車の中で迷惑な行為を見たことがありますか？ (Have you seen any troublesome behavior on the train?)"

"ありがた迷惑だと思った経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had an experience you thought was an unwelcome favor?)"

"どんな人が一番迷惑な人だと思いますか？ (What kind of person do you think is the most troublesome?)"

"迷惑メールをどうやって処理していますか？ (How do you handle spam emails?)"

Journal Prompts

今日あった迷惑な出来事について書いてください。 (Write about a troublesome event that happened today.)

日本の「迷惑をかけない」文化についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japan's 'don't cause trouble' culture?)

自分が誰かに迷惑をかけてしまった時のことを思い出して書いてください。 (Recall and write about a time you caused trouble for someone.)

「ありがた迷惑」な親切を受けた時の気持ちを説明してください。 (Explain your feelings when you received an 'unwelcome favor'.)

公共の場でのマナーについて、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion about manners in public places.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, saying 'Watashi wa meiwaku desu' means 'I am a nuisance.' Use 'Meiwaku ni omou' or 'Komatte iru' instead.

It is the standard Japanese term for spam or junk email.

It is both. As a noun, it's 'meiwaku'. As an adjective, it's 'meiwaku na'.

The most common way is 'Gomeiwaku o o-kake shite mōshiwake arimasen'.

It refers to a favor someone did for you that you didn't want and that actually caused you trouble.

It is not rude, but it is very direct. Calling someone's action 'meiwaku' is a clear criticism.

Yes, if the broken machine is causing you or others a lot of trouble, you can call it 'meiwaku na koshō'.

There isn't one perfect opposite, but 'arigatāi' (welcome/grateful) or 'tasukaru' (helpful) are often used.

Use it when you are talking about the trouble *other people* have experienced, especially in apologies.

Yes, 'Meiwaku-bōshi Jōrei' is a set of local ordinances in Japan used to maintain public order.