Word
Kana: めいわく Romaji: meiwaku Level: N3

迷惑

Meaning in English

trouble, bother, annoyance

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Dictionary

Word context

What it means

What does 迷惑 mean? It denotes causing trouble or annoyance to others; a nuisance or inconvenience arising from someone's actions.

Main meanings

  • causing discomfort or disruption in daily life for other people
  • describing a person or action that imposes on others' time or space
  • used in polite or formal contexts to refer to the burden or bothersome nature someone’s behavior imposes on others

How to use it

Used to describe actions or situations that impose on others, across formal and casual settings; commonly appears in apologies and workplace discussions. It conveys social inconvenience, such as noise, interruptions, or requests that burden others, and is often phrased to acknowledge the impact on others without implying intentional harm.

Variants and close terms

  • 面倒 mendou — synonym meaning trouble, bother
  • 邪魔 jama — synonym meaning obstruction, disturbance
  • 厄介 yakkai — synonym meaning troublesome or burdensome
  • 配慮 hairyo — related concept meaning consideration or thoughtfulness (antonym-ish nuance)

Composition

  • 迷: to be lost, perplexed; wandering
  • 惑: to be perplexed or confused; to be drawn into something; enticed

Word class

Noun (na-adjective)

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