This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Japanese
Vocabulary
迷惑する

B1 verb #3,000 most common 10 min read

迷惑する

meiwaku suru Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 迷惑する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 迷惑する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn that 'meiwaku' means 'trouble.' At this stage, you don't need to use the verb 'meiwaku suru' yourself very often, but you will see it on signs. For example, in a park, you might see a sign that says 'Meiwaku shinaide kudasai' (Please don't cause trouble). You should focus on the idea that 'meiwaku' is something bad that you shouldn't do to others. Think of it as 'bad manners.' You might hear a teacher say 'Meiwaku desu yo!' (That's annoying/troublesome!) if a student is being too loud. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to recognize the word and understand that it relates to being a nuisance in a public or shared space. You can associate it with 'No' signs, like 'No smoking' or 'No loud music.' At this level, keep your sentences simple: 'Koe ga ookii desu. Meiwaku desu.' (The voice is loud. It is a nuisance.) This helps you build the foundation for the more complex verb usage later.

By A2, you can start using the verb 'meiwaku suru' to describe simple situations where you are bothered. You should learn the basic pattern: [Something] ni meiwaku suru. For example, 'Oto ni meiwaku shimasu' (I am bothered by the noise). At this level, you should also learn the difference between 'meiwaku suru' (I am bothered) and 'meiwaku wo kakeru' (I cause trouble). A common phrase to learn at A2 is 'Gomeiwaku wo kakete sumimasen' (Sorry for causing trouble), which is used very often in Japan. You will notice that 'meiwaku suru' is often used by people complaining about neighbors or people on the train. You can use it to talk about your daily life: 'Tonari no inu ni meiwaku shite imasu' (I am being bothered by the neighbor's dog). This level is about connecting the word to specific, concrete things that happen to you. You are starting to express your own feelings of being inconvenienced in a grammatically correct way using the 'ni' particle.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'meiwaku suru' in various tenses and social contexts. You understand that this word is deeply tied to the Japanese concept of social harmony. You can use it to discuss social issues, such as 'aruki-sumaho' (using a phone while walking) or 'gomi no dashi-kata' (how to put out trash). You should be able to explain *why* something is a nuisance using the 'node' or 'kara' connectors. For example: 'Yoru osoku ni piano wo hiku to, kinjo no hito ga meiwaku shimasu' (If you play the piano late at night, the neighbors will be inconvenienced). At this level, you also start to recognize the noun 'meiwaku-koui' (nuisance behavior) in news reports or announcements. You understand that 'meiwaku suru' is a bit more formal and objective than just saying 'iya da' (I don't like it). It implies a violation of social rules. You are also learning to use the continuous form 'meiwaku shite iru' to describe ongoing problems, which is the most natural way to use the verb in conversation.

B2 learners should understand the subtle social implications of using 'meiwaku suru.' You know that telling someone directly 'I am bothered by you' (Anata ni meiwaku shite iru) is very strong and potentially confrontational. Instead, you learn to use the verb to describe the feelings of a group or a third party to make your point more politely. For example: 'Koko de sawagu to, hoka no okyaku-sama ga meiwaku shimasu yo' (If you make noise here, the other customers will be bothered). This level involves using the word to navigate social boundaries. You also learn related compound words like 'meiwaku-me-ru' (spam) and 'meiwaku-denwa' (nuisance calls). You can use the word in more complex grammar structures, such as the passive or causative, although 'meiwaku suru' itself already has a passive-like meaning. You are also beginning to see how 'meiwaku' is used in legal or official contexts, such as 'meiwaku-boushi-jourei' (anti-nuisance ordinances) which exist in many Japanese prefectures to prevent harassment.

At the C1 level, you can use 'meiwaku suru' to discuss abstract social concepts and ethics. You understand the historical and cultural weight of 'meiwaku' in Japanese society and how it differs from Western concepts of 'rights' or 'annoyance.' You can participate in debates about where the line should be drawn between individual freedom and 'meiwaku' to others. For example, you might discuss whether smoking on the street should be banned because people 'meiwaku shite iru,' or if that is an overreach of social control. You recognize the four-character idiom 'meiwaku-senman' and can use it appropriately for emphasis. Your vocabulary includes high-level synonyms like 'shishou ga deru' (to cause a hindrance) or 'fujiyu wo shiiru' (to force an inconvenience on someone). You can also interpret the use of 'meiwaku' in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to critique the rigidness of Japanese social expectations. You understand that 'meiwaku' is a tool for social regulation in Japan.

For C2 learners, 'meiwaku suru' is a word you understand in all its philosophical and sociological depth. You can analyze how the definition of 'meiwaku' changes over time—for example, how the 'meiwaku' of children crying in public is being debated in modern Japan. You can use the verb in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps using it ironically or in a very formal legalistic sense. You understand the nuances of 'meiwaku' in traditional arts, business negotiations, and high-level diplomacy. You can distinguish between 'meiwaku' as a personal feeling, a social breach, and a legal tort. You are familiar with the various ways to apologize for 'meiwaku' across all registers of Keigo (honorific Japanese), from 'moushiwake-gozaimasen' to the most humble forms used by corporate spokespeople during a scandal. You can write essays or give presentations on the 'Meiwaku Culture' of Japan, explaining how the fear of 'meiwaku suru/kakeru' shapes everything from urban design to the features of Japanese smartphones (like the 'manner mode' for silence).

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

迷惑する in 30 Seconds

Meiwaku suru means to be bothered or inconvenienced by others.
It is a core concept in Japanese social etiquette regarding harmony.
Commonly used with the particle 'ni' to mark the source of trouble.
Essential for understanding public manners and neighbor relations in Japan.

The Japanese word 迷惑する (meiwaku suru) is a cornerstone of Japanese social ethics and interpersonal communication. At its most basic level, it translates to "to be bothered," "to be inconvenienced," or "to be annoyed." However, to truly understand this verb, one must look deep into the Japanese cultural concept of wa (harmony). In a society that prioritizes the collective well-being over individual desire, causing a 'nuisance' is considered one of the most significant social lapses a person can commit. Consequently, the act of meiwaku suru—experiencing that nuisance—is a common part of daily life and social discourse. It is a Suru-verb, meaning the noun meiwaku (trouble/nuisance) is combined with the verb suru (to do), but in this context, it functions as an intransitive experience where the subject is the one receiving the trouble.

Core Nuance: Unlike the English 'to be annoyed,' which often implies a personal emotional reaction, 'meiwaku suru' focuses on the objective disruption of one's peace or the imposition of an unnecessary burden. It is less about your 'feelings' and more about the 'fact' that someone else's behavior has crossed a boundary into your personal or public space.
Social Context: You will hear this used when neighbors play loud music, when someone talks loudly on a train, or when a colleague's mistake forces you to stay late at work. It is the verb used to describe the victim's side of an inconvenience.

夜中に大きな音を立てられて、近所の人はみんな迷惑している。(Everyone in the neighborhood is being inconvenienced by the loud noises in the middle of the night.)

Understanding the difference between 迷惑する and its counterpart 迷惑をかける is vital. While meiwaku suru means 'to be troubled,' meiwaku wo kakeru means 'to cause trouble.' In Japanese culture, the goal is to avoid being the subject of the latter, so that others do not have to do the former. This verb is frequently used in the continuous form (〜ている) because being inconvenienced is often a state that lasts for a duration of time, such as a construction project next door or a persistent habit of a roommate.

歩きスマホをする人に、多くの歩行者が迷惑している。(Many pedestrians are bothered by people using their smartphones while walking.)

In formal settings, particularly in business, meiwaku suru might be replaced by more humble or indirect expressions to avoid sounding too confrontational. However, in daily life, news reports, and general social commentary, it is the standard way to express that a certain behavior is unacceptable because it imposes on others. It covers a wide spectrum from minor irritations (like a flickering light) to major disruptions (like a train delay caused by an accident). By using this word, you are identifying yourself as the recipient of an unwanted external force that has disrupted your expected flow of life.

Using 迷惑する correctly requires attention to particle usage and the direction of the action. The most common structure is [Source of Trouble] + に + 迷惑する. The particle に (ni) indicates the person or the thing that is causing the inconvenience. Alternatively, the particle で (de) can be used to indicate the cause or reason for the trouble, though ni is more frequent when referring to a specific person or entity.

The Passive Nuance: Even though 'suru' is an active verb, 'meiwaku suru' functions much like a passive verb in English ('to be inconvenienced'). You are the one affected by someone else's actions.
Conjugation Patterns: It conjugates like any other 'suru' verb: meiwaku shimasu (polite), meiwaku shita (past), meiwaku shite iru (continuous). The continuous form is arguably the most common in spoken Japanese.

彼はタバコの煙に迷惑している。(He is bothered by the cigarette smoke.)

When you want to describe a situation where someone is causing you trouble, you might use the causative-passive or just the standard 'meiwaku wo kakeru' structure. However, if you are simply stating your state of being bothered, meiwaku shite iru is perfect. For example, if a friend keeps calling you late at night, you could say 'Yoru osoku denwa sarete, meiwaku shite iru' (I am being bothered by being called late at night).

工事の騒音に迷惑しました。(I was inconvenienced by the construction noise.)

In a business email, you might see 'Gomeiwaku wo o-kake shite moushiwake gozaimasen' (I am deeply sorry for causing you inconvenience). Notice here the verb is kakeru. If you were to use meiwaku suru in a business context, it would usually be to report a problem: 'Kono okure de, okyaku-sama ga meiwaku shite imasu' (Due to this delay, the customers are being inconvenienced). Using it about yourself in a formal setting can sometimes sound a bit like a complaint, so use it with caution when speaking to superiors.

The word 迷惑する is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, especially in public spaces where the 'rules of the road' for social behavior are constantly being negotiated. One of the most common places you will hear or see this word is on public transportation. Train stations in Tokyo, Osaka, and elsewhere are filled with posters about meiwaku-koui (nuisance behavior). These posters often feature cute illustrations of animals doing things like blocking the doors with backpacks or listening to music too loudly, with captions explaining how other passengers meiwaku shite iru.

Public Announcements: 'Mawari no okyaku-sama no meiwaku ni narimasu node...' (Because it will become a nuisance to the surrounding customers...). While this uses the noun form, it sets the stage for the verb usage in responses: 'Ano hito no koe ni meiwaku shite iru' (I'm being bothered by that person's voice).
Neighborhood Disputes: In residential areas, garbage disposal is a frequent source of 'meiwaku.' If someone puts out the wrong kind of trash on the wrong day, the 'gomi-toban' (trash monitor) might say they are 'meiwaku shite iru' because they have to clean it up.

「電車内で大声で話されると、周りの人が迷惑します。」("When people talk loudly on the train, the people around them are inconvenienced.")

Television news programs often use meiwaku suru when reporting on social issues. For instance, a segment on 'over-tourism' in Kyoto might interview local residents who say they are meiwaku shite iru because they can no longer board their local buses due to the crowds. In this context, the word carries a weight of social legitimacy; it's not just that they are 'unhappy,' it's that their rights to a peaceful life are being infringed upon.

無断駐車のせいで、店の客が迷惑している。(Due to illegal parking, the store's customers are being inconvenienced.)

Finally, in the digital world, 'meiwaku-me-ru' (迷惑メール) is the standard Japanese term for 'spam email.' While this is a noun compound, the feeling behind it is exactly the verb's meaning: you are being bothered by unwanted communication that clutters your inbox and wastes your time. When you mark an email as spam, you are essentially telling the system, 'I am meiwaku shite iru by this sender.'

The most frequent mistake learners make with 迷惑する is confusing the direction of the 'trouble.' In English, the word 'trouble' can be used in many ways, but in Japanese, the distinction between causing it and receiving it is grammatically strict. Many students mistakenly say 'Meiwaku shite sumimasen' when they mean 'I am sorry for causing you trouble.' This is incorrect because meiwaku suru means 'I am the one who is bothered.' By saying that, you are essentially apologizing for being annoyed by the other person!

Mistake #1: Confusing suru and kakeru: Incorrect: 迷惑してすみません (Sorry for being bothered). Correct: 迷惑をかけてすみません (Sorry for causing trouble). Remember: 'Kakeru' is for the person doing the bothering, 'Suru' is for the person feeling it.
Mistake #2: Particle Confusion: Learners often use 'wo' with 'meiwaku suru' (e.g., *Soji-ki wo meiwaku suru). This is incorrect because 'meiwaku suru' is intransitive. You should use 'ni' or 'de' to indicate the cause: 'Soji-ki no oto ni meiwaku suru' (To be bothered by the sound of the vacuum).

× 私はあなたに迷惑しました。(Incorrect if you mean 'I caused you trouble').

Another common error is using meiwaku suru for simple inconveniences that are purely personal and don't involve another person's behavior. For example, if you forget your umbrella and get wet, you wouldn't usually say you are meiwaku shite iru. You would use komaru (to be in a fix/trouble). Meiwaku suru almost always implies that an external agent (a person, a company, a pet, or a specific event caused by others) is the source of the trouble.

○ 彼の遅刻には本当に迷惑している。(I am truly bothered by his lateness.)

Lastly, be careful with levels of politeness. While meiwaku shimasu is polite, the concept itself is somewhat negative. In very formal situations, instead of saying you were bothered, people often use more indirect language like 'shishou ga deru' (it causes a hindrance) or 'komatte orimasu' (I am in a difficult situation). Using meiwaku suru is honest and clear, but in the delicate dance of Japanese etiquette, honesty is sometimes less valued than maintaining a smooth social surface.

While 迷惑する is a very versatile verb, there are several other words in Japanese that describe being troubled or annoyed. Choosing the right one depends on the nature of the trouble and your relationship with the person involved. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid unintended rudeness.

迷惑する vs 困る (Komaru): 'Komaru' is the most common alternative. It means 'to be in trouble' or 'to be at a loss.' The main difference is that 'komaru' can be used for any difficult situation (e.g., losing your wallet), whereas 'meiwaku suru' specifically implies that someone else's action is bothering you. If you want to be softer, 'komaru' is often safer.
迷惑する vs 嫌がる (Iyagaru): 'Iyagaru' means 'to show dislike' or 'to be reluctant.' This focuses more on the emotional reaction and the outward display of being bothered. 'Meiwaku suru' is more about the objective state of being inconvenienced.

道が混んでいて困った。(I was in trouble because the road was crowded. - *Better than meiwaku suru here*)

Another related word is 邪魔する (jama suru), which specifically means 'to obstruct' or 'to get in the way.' If someone stands in a doorway while you are trying to pass, they are jama. While this is certainly meiwaku, jama suru is more specific to physical or functional obstruction. Then there is 煩わしい (wazurawashii), an adjective meaning 'tiresome' or 'annoying' in a way that feels like a hassle. This is used for complicated procedures or people who are overly clingy.

仕事中に話しかけられて邪魔された。(I was interrupted/obstructed by being talked to while working.)

In formal documents or news, you might encounter 弊害 (heigai), which refers to harmful effects or evils of a certain practice. This is the 'academic' or 'societal' version of meiwaku. For example, 'The harmful effects (heigai) of smoking in public areas.' While the individuals are meiwaku shite iru, the situation itself is a heigai. Understanding these layers allows you to transition from basic communication to nuanced expression in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While the original meaning was about internal confusion, over centuries, it shifted to describe the external trouble that causes such confusion or distress in others. This reflects the Japanese focus on how one's state affects the social environment.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /meɪ.wa.ku su.ru/

US /meɪ.wa.ku su.ru/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'meiwaku,' the pitch typically starts low and rises on 'i-wa-ku.'

Rhymes With

Keikaku (plan) Seikaku (accurate) Teikaku (low price) Meikaku (clear) Seikaku (personality) Heikaku (closed) Teikaku (fixed rate) Shukaku (harvest)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'meiwaku' as 'mee-wa-koo' with an English 'oo' sound.
Stressing the first syllable like 'MAY-waku.'
Failing to blend 'me' and 'i' into a long 'e' sound.
Adding a heavy stress on 'su' in 'suru.'
Mispronouncing the 'r' in 'suru' as an English 'r' instead of a Japanese flap.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require some practice to write accurately.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'meiwaku' from memory is a mid-level challenge for learners.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the pitch.

Listening 2/5

It is frequently used and easy to catch in conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

困る (komaru) する (suru) かける (kakeru) 人 (hito) 音 (oto)

Learn Next

邪魔する (jama suru) 煩わしい (wazurawashii) 申し訳ない (moushiwakenai) 遠慮する (enryo suru) 配慮する (hairyo suru)

Advanced

辟易する (hekieki suru) 閉口する (heikou suru) 不利益 (furieki) 侵害する (shingai suru)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

迷惑する、勉強する、料理する

Continuous Aspect (〜ている)

迷惑している (is being bothered)

Particle 'ni' for Source

騒音に迷惑する (bothered by noise)

Particle 'de' for Cause

雪で迷惑する (inconvenienced by snow)

Causative-Passive (〜させられる)

迷惑させられる (to be made to feel bothered)

Examples by Level

大きな声は迷惑です。

Loud voices are a nuisance.

Simple noun 'meiwaku' + 'desu'.

迷惑しないでください。

Please don't be bothered (Note: Often used as 'don't cause trouble' in simple contexts).

Negative request form of the verb.

電車で電話は迷惑です。

Phones on the train are a nuisance.

Topic + 'meiwaku desu'.

彼は迷惑しています。

He is being bothered.

Continuous form 'shite imasu'.

迷惑な音ですね。

That's an annoying sound, isn't it?

Adjective use 'meiwaku na'.

みんな迷惑しました。

Everyone was bothered.

Past tense 'shimashita'.

犬の声に迷惑しています。

I am bothered by the dog's voice.

Particle 'ni' for the source.

迷惑をかけないで。

Don't cause trouble.

Common negative command.

隣の部屋の音楽に迷惑しています。

I am bothered by the music from the next room.

Source 'ni' + continuous verb.

タバコの煙に迷惑しました。

I was bothered by the cigarette smoke.

Past tense indicating a completed event.

彼はその質問に迷惑したようです。

He seemed bothered by that question.

Using 'you desu' (seems like).

迷惑なメールがたくさん来ます。

A lot of annoying emails come.

Adjective modifying 'me-ru'.

遅れて、みんなに迷惑しました。

Because I was late, I bothered everyone (Incorrect usage often heard at A2, should be 'kaketa').

Learning the distinction between suru and kakeru.

雨で迷惑しています。

I am being inconvenienced by the rain.

Particle 'de' for cause.

そんなことをされると迷惑します。

If you do such things, I will be bothered.

Conditional 'to' + verb.

誰が迷惑していますか？

Who is being bothered?

Interrogative 'dare ga'.

夜中の工事の音に、近所の人が迷惑している。

The neighbors are being bothered by the sound of construction in the middle of the night.

Common B1 situational description.

歩きスマホは周りの人に迷惑する行為だ。

Using a smartphone while walking is an act that bothers people around you.

Describing a 'koui' (act).

そんなに強く言われると、彼女も迷惑すると思うよ。

I think she will be bothered if you speak to her that strongly.

Expressing an opinion with 'to omou'.

急な予定変更で、担当者が大変迷惑した。

The person in charge was greatly inconvenienced by the sudden schedule change.

Adverb 'taihen' for emphasis.

ゴミの出し方を守らない人に、みんなが迷惑している。

Everyone is bothered by people who don't follow the rules for putting out trash.

Relative clause describing the person.

知らない人から電話がかかってきて、迷惑している。

I'm being bothered by calls from people I don't know.

Describing an annoying situation.

公共の場所で騒ぐのは、他人の迷惑になります。

Making noise in public places becomes a nuisance to others.

Noun form in a 'ni naru' structure.

彼のわがままに、家族全員が迷惑している。

The whole family is bothered by his selfishness.

Abstract noun 'wagamama' as the source.

一部の観光客のマナーの悪さに、住民が迷惑している。

Residents are being bothered by the poor manners of some tourists.

Topic of 'over-tourism'.

無断で写真を撮られて、モデルが迷惑したというニュースがあった。

There was news that a model was bothered by having photos taken without permission.

Passive verb 'torarete' followed by meiwaku shita.

上司の長話に、部下たちはいつも迷惑しているようだ。

The subordinates always seem to be bothered by the boss's long stories.

Compound noun 'nagabanashi'.

システム障害のせいで、多くのユーザーが迷惑している。

Due to a system failure, many users are being inconvenienced.

Business/Tech context.

深夜のバイクの走行音に、多くの市民が迷惑している。

Many citizens are bothered by the sound of motorcycles riding late at night.

Formal 'shimin' (citizens) subject.

あなたの行動が、どれほど周りに迷惑しているか分かりますか？

Do you understand how much your actions are bothering those around you?

Embedded question with 'ka'.

店内でペットを連れ回すのは、他のお客様の迷惑になります。

Taking pets around inside the store will be a nuisance to other customers.

Formal warning style.

無責任な発言に、関係者が非常に迷惑した。

The people involved were extremely bothered by the irresponsible remarks.

Formal 'kankeisha' (those involved).

SNS上での誹謗中傷に、多くの著名人が迷惑している現状がある。

There is a current situation where many celebrities are being bothered by slander on SNS.

High-level social commentary.

過剰な広告表示に、ネット利用者が迷惑しているとの指摘がある。

It has been pointed out that internet users are being bothered by excessive advertising displays.

Reporting style with 'to no shiteki ga aru'.

政治家の不適切な振る舞いに、国民が迷惑しているのは明白だ。

It is obvious that the public is being bothered by the inappropriate behavior of politicians.

Strong assertive 'meihaku da'.

伝統的な景観を壊すような建築計画に、地元住民が迷惑している。

Local residents are bothered by construction plans that would destroy the traditional landscape.

Complex relative clause.

虚偽の情報の拡散により、企業が多大な迷惑を被っている。

Due to the spread of false information, the company is suffering a great deal of inconvenience (using 'koumuru' for higher level).

Using 'meiwaku wo koumuru' (to suffer nuisance).

他人の権利を侵害しながら「自由」を主張するのは、周りが迷惑するだけだ。

Claiming 'freedom' while infringing on the rights of others only bothers those around you.

Philosophical/Ethical argument.

法律の不備によって、多くの善良な市民が迷惑している。

Due to flaws in the law, many law-abiding citizens are being inconvenienced.

Legal context.

一方的な契約変更に、提携先が大変迷惑したという。

It is said that the business partner was greatly inconvenienced by the unilateral contract change.

Business reporting 'to iu'.

公共の利益と個人の自由の相克において、何が「迷惑」とされるかは時代と共に変遷する。

In the conflict between public interest and individual freedom, what is considered a 'nuisance' changes with the times.

Academic/Philosophical register.

子供の泣き声を「迷惑」と感じる社会の在り方に、疑問を呈する声も少なくない。

There are not a few voices questioning the state of a society that perceives the crying of children as a 'nuisance.'

Sociological critique.

過度な「迷惑」の回避が、日本社会における同調圧力の一因となっているとの分析がある。

There is an analysis that the excessive avoidance of causing 'nuisance' is one cause of peer pressure in Japanese society.

Deep cultural analysis.

隣接する国家間での環境汚染問題において、被害国が多大な迷惑を被っている事実は否定できない。

In the issue of environmental pollution between neighboring nations, the fact that the victim nation is suffering great inconvenience cannot be denied.

Geopolitical context.

デジタル・プラットフォームの独占的地位により、中小事業者が迷惑を被る事例が報告されている。

Cases have been reported where small and medium-sized businesses suffer inconvenience due to the monopolistic position of digital platforms.

Economic/Legal context.

「迷惑千万」と切り捨てる前に、その行動の背景にある社会的な孤独を考慮すべきではないか。

Before dismissing it as an 'extreme nuisance,' shouldn't we consider the social isolation behind that behavior?

Rhetorical question with idiom.

都市開発における日照権の侵害は、周辺住民にとって看過できない迷惑である。

The infringement of sunlight rights in urban development is an inconvenience that surrounding residents cannot overlook.

Formal legalistic description.

情報の非対称性が生む「迷惑」は、市場の健全な発展を阻害する要因となり得る。

The 'nuisance' generated by information asymmetry can be a factor that inhibits the healthy development of the market.

Economic theory application.

Common Collocations

騒音に迷惑する

近所が迷惑する

大変迷惑した

周りが迷惑する

迷惑している様子

非常に迷惑する

迷惑した顔をする

誰にも迷惑しない

正直、迷惑している

心底迷惑する

Common Phrases

迷惑千万

— An extreme nuisance. Used to express strong indignation.

勝手な理屈を言われて、迷惑千万だ。

いい迷惑だ

— A real nuisance (often used sarcastically or for emphasis).

巻き込まれた方はいい迷惑だ。

迷惑も顧みず

— Without regard for the nuisance caused to others.

他人の迷惑も顧みず、大声で騒ぐ。

迷惑以外の何物でもない

— Nothing but a nuisance. Very strong expression.

この規則は、住民にとって迷惑以外の何物でもない。

迷惑を承知で

— Knowing it's a nuisance (but doing it anyway, usually with an apology).

ご迷惑を承知でお願いに参りました。

大きなお世話と迷惑

— Unwanted help that is actually a nuisance.

彼のアドバイスは、私には大きなお世話で迷惑だ。

迷惑がられる

— To be treated as a nuisance by others.

彼はどこへ行っても迷惑がられている。

迷惑至極

— Extremely annoying/troublesome (formal).

このような事態になり、迷惑至極に存じます。

迷惑千万な話

— A story or situation that is an absolute nuisance.

それは全く迷惑千万な話ですね。

ご迷惑をおかけしました

— I caused you trouble (standard apology).

昨日は遅れて、ご迷惑をおかけしました。

Often Confused With

迷惑する vs 迷惑をかける

This means to CAUSE trouble, while 'meiwaku suru' means to BE bothered.

迷惑する vs 困る

A general word for being in trouble; 'meiwaku' is specifically about being bothered by something external.

迷惑する vs 邪魔する

Specifically means to get in the way or obstruct physically/functionally.

Idioms & Expressions

"迷惑千万"

— Extremely troublesome; a huge nuisance.

彼の勝手な行動には迷惑千万だ。

Formal/Strong

"いい迷惑"

— A real nuisance; quite a bother.

急に仕事を頼まれて、いい迷惑だよ。

Informal

"迷惑を顧みない"

— To ignore the inconvenience caused to others.

近所の迷惑を顧みないでパーティーをする。

Neutral

"迷惑をかける"

— To cause trouble for someone else.

両親に迷惑をかけたくない。

Neutral

"迷惑が顔に出る"

— One's annoyance shows on their face.

彼は迷惑が顔に出ていた。

Neutral

"迷惑を承知の上で"

— Doing something while knowing it will bother others.

迷惑を承知の上で、夜遅くに電話した。

Formal

"迷惑をかけるな"

— Don't cause trouble (strong command).

他人に迷惑をかけるなと教わった。

Informal

"迷惑の種"

— The source of trouble or nuisance.

あの古い木は、近所の迷惑の種だ。

Neutral

"迷惑料"

— Consolation money or 'nuisance fee' paid to someone inconvenienced.

遅れたお詫びに迷惑料を払う。

Neutral

"迷惑メール"

— Spam email (technically an idiom in its modern usage).

毎日迷惑メールが届いて困る。

Common

Easily Confused

迷惑する vs 煩わしい

Both mean annoying.

'Wazurawashii' is about a tedious hassle or being pestered, while 'meiwaku' is about a disruption of peace.

手続きが煩わしい (The procedure is tedious).

迷惑する vs 嫌がる

Both relate to negative feelings.

'Iyagaru' is the act of showing dislike; 'meiwaku suru' is the state of being inconvenienced.

彼は掃除を嫌がる (He dislikes/avoids cleaning).

迷惑する vs 面倒くさい

Both can mean 'bothersome.'

'Mendoukusai' is used when you don't want to do something because it's a chore. 'Meiwaku' is when someone else is bothering you.

宿題が面倒くさい (Homework is a drag).

迷惑する vs うるさい

Noise is a common cause of meiwaku.

'Urusai' is an adjective for 'noisy' or 'annoying voice.' 'Meiwaku' is the resulting inconvenience.

音がうるさくて迷惑だ (The noise is loud and a nuisance).

迷惑する vs 不快

Both are negative states.

'Fukai' (unpleasant/discomfort) is a purely internal feeling. 'Meiwaku' has a more social/external component.

不快な気分になる (To feel unpleasant).

Sentence Patterns

[Source] に迷惑しています。

騒音に迷惑しています。

[Action] ので、迷惑しています。

タバコを吸われるので、迷惑しています。

[Person] は迷惑した顔をした。

彼は迷惑した顔をした。

〜のは周りの迷惑になる。

大声で話すのは周りの迷惑になる。

迷惑を承知で〜する。

迷惑を承知でお願いする。

〜によって多大な迷惑を被る。

事故によって多大な迷惑を被る。

迷惑以外の何物でもない。

それは迷惑以外の何物でもない。

迷惑千万な事態だ。

これは迷惑千万な事態だ。

Word Family

Nouns

迷惑 (meiwaku) - Nuisance/Trouble

迷惑行為 (meiwaku koui) - Nuisance behavior

迷惑メール (meiwaku me-ru) - Spam mail

Verbs

迷惑する (meiwaku suru) - To be bothered

迷惑をかける (meiwaku wo kakeru) - To cause trouble

迷惑がる (meiwaku garu) - To appear bothered

Adjectives

迷惑な (meiwaku na) - Annoying/Troublesome

邪魔 (jama) - Obstruction

厄介 (yakkai) - Trouble/Bother

面倒 (mendou) - Hassle

苦情 (kujou) - Complaint

不便 (fuben) - Inconvenient

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily life, customer service, and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'meiwaku suru' to apologize for your own mistake. → ご迷惑をおかけしました (Gomeiwaku wo o-kake shimashita).
'Meiwaku suru' means you are the one bothered. Apologizing with it sounds like you are complaining about yourself.
Using 'wo' instead of 'ni' with 'meiwaku suru'. → 騒音に迷惑する (Souon ni meiwaku suru).
'Meiwaku suru' is an intransitive verb phrase. You are bothered 'by' something, not 'doing' the bother to something.
Using 'meiwaku' for personal bad luck. → 運が悪かった / 困った (Un ga warukatta / Komatta).
'Meiwaku' implies a social nuisance. Getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere isn't 'meiwaku' unless someone put nails there on purpose.
Pronouncing 'meiwaku' with four distinct syllables 'me-i-wa-ku'. → Pronounce 'mei' as a long 'e' (meh-ee).
Japanese long vowels should blend. 'Mei' sounds like 'may' in English, not 'me-ee'.
Thinking 'meiwaku' means 'hatred'. → 嫌い (Kirai) or 憎む (Nikumu).
You can be bothered (meiwaku suru) by someone you like. It's about the action, not necessarily the person.

Tips

Verb vs. Noun

Remember that 'meiwaku' is the noun (nuisance) and 'meiwaku suru' is the verb (to be bothered). Don't forget the 'suru' when you want to use it as an action.

Softening the Blow

If you need to tell someone they are bothering you, adding 'chotto' (a little) can make it sound less aggressive: 'Chotto meiwaku shite irun desu ga...'

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' when pointing at the person: 'Kanojo ni meiwaku shite iru.' Use 'de' when pointing at the event: 'Densha no okure de meiwaku shita.'

Compound Power

Learn compounds like 'meiwaku-me-ru' early. They are very common and help you remember the core meaning of the word.

Train Announcements

Next time you're in Japan, listen for 'meiwaku' on the train. You'll hear it in warnings about backpacks and phone usage.

The 'Wa' Concept

Always keep 'harmony' in mind. 'Meiwaku' is the opposite of 'Wa.' This word is the key to understanding many Japanese social rules.

Continuous Form

Use 'shite iru' for ongoing bothers. It sounds much more natural than the simple 'shimasu' in daily conversation.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'meiwaku' (迷惑) are very distinct. Practicing them will help you recognize them on signs and in emails instantly.

Urban Living

In dense cities like Tokyo, 'meiwaku' is a daily topic. Understanding this word helps you navigate apartment living and public spaces.

Meiwaku vs. Komaru

If the problem is 'your' problem (lost keys), use 'komaru.' If the problem is 'their' fault (loud music), use 'meiwaku.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'May walk' (mei-wa-ku). If someone 'May walk' into your private space without asking, you would be 'meiwaku suru' (bothered).

Visual Association

Imagine a person on a train talking loudly on a phone while everyone else is wearing a 'bothered' face. That face is the definition of 'meiwaku suru'.

Word Web

Trouble Noise Spam Inconvenience Social Rules Harmony Complaint Etiquette

Challenge

Try to identify three things today that 'meiwaku suru' you, and write them down in Japanese using the '[Source] ni meiwaku shite iru' pattern.

Word Origin

The word 'meiwaku' (迷惑) is composed of two kanji: 'mei' (迷 - to get lost/be puzzled) and 'waku' (惑 - to be confused/deluded). Originally, it referred to being mentally confused or lost in thought.

Original meaning: To be bewildered or perplexed.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word about someone's children or pets, as it can be taken as a very serious insult to their upbringing or character.

In English, we often say 'I'm sorry' for minor things. In Japan, you specifically apologize for the 'meiwaku' (inconvenience) you caused.

Meiwaku-boushi-jourei (Anti-nuisance laws in Japan). The 'No Meiwaku' posters on Tokyo Metro. The concept of 'Meiwaku-bunka' (Nuisance culture) in Japanese sociology.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Transport

リュックが迷惑になる
通話は迷惑です
割り込みは迷惑だ
周りの迷惑を考える

Neighborhood

騒音に迷惑する
ゴミの出し方に迷惑する
ペットの鳴き声に迷惑する
無断駐車に迷惑する

Workplace

急な仕事に迷惑する
ミスのせいで迷惑する
会議の延長に迷惑する
私語に迷惑する

Online/Digital

迷惑メールをブロックする
スパムに迷惑する
通知の多さに迷惑する
誹謗中傷に迷惑する

General Social

わがままに迷惑する
遅刻に迷惑する
タバコの煙に迷惑する
強引な勧誘に迷惑する

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か迷惑していることはありますか？ (Is there anything bothering you lately?)"

"隣の家の音がうるさくて、迷惑しているんです。(The noise from next door is bothering me.)"

"電車の中でのマナーについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about manners on the train?)"

"迷惑メールが多すぎて、本当に困りますよね。(Spam emails are too many, it's really a problem, right?)"

"他人に迷惑をかけないために、気をつけていることはありますか？ (What do you do to avoid causing trouble for others?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かの行動に迷惑したことはありますか？その時、どう感じましたか？ (Did someone's actions bother you today? How did you feel?)

日本人の「迷惑をかけない」という文化について、あなたの意見を書いてください。(Write your opinion on the Japanese culture of 'not causing trouble.')

あなたが「いい迷惑だ」と思った最近の出来事を詳しく説明してください。(Explain in detail a recent event that you thought was a 'real nuisance.')

公共の場でのマナーで、最も迷惑だと思う行為は何ですか？ (What public behavior do you find most bothersome?)

迷惑メールや迷惑電話を減らすには、どうすればいいと思いますか？ (What do you think should be done to reduce spam and nuisance calls?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, if you say 'meiwaku shite sumimasen,' you are saying 'I'm sorry for being bothered.' To apologize for causing trouble, you must say 'meiwaku wo kakete sumimasen.'

'Meiwaku shite iru' is a verb form describing your state of being bothered. 'Meiwaku da' is an adjective phrase meaning 'It is a nuisance.' Both are common, but 'shite iru' feels more like an ongoing experience.

Yes, it can be. In Japan, calling something 'meiwaku' is a serious social critique. It's often used in complaints or formal warnings.

Use 'ni' for the source of the trouble (e.g., noise, a person) or 'de' for the cause (e.g., an accident, a delay).

Yes, 'meiwaku-me-ru' (迷惑メール) is the standard Japanese term for spam or junk email.

Usually, no. You would use 'komaru' (I'm in trouble/at a loss). 'Meiwaku' usually implies an external agent like a person or a company caused the issue.

You could say 'Meiwaku desu kara, yamete kudasai' (It's a nuisance, so please stop) or more indirectly, 'Chotto komarimasu' (I'm a bit troubled).

It means 'nuisance behavior.' It's a common term used in laws, rules, and posters to describe anti-social actions like littering or making noise.

It can be used for anything that causes inconvenience, like a storm, a system bug, or a pet, but there is usually a sense of 'who is responsible' behind it.

Children are often told 'Meiwaku wo kakenai de' (Don't cause trouble). They learn the word early as part of their social education.