How to say "bother" in Japanese

• 面倒めんどうJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, na-adjectiveCovers 'bother' as simple trouble or hassle that something involves, with no special focus on whom it inconveniences. Typical when saying a task is too much bother or a process is troublesome.
• 迷惑めいわくJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, na-adjectiveCovers 'bother' in the sense of annoyance or nuisance caused to another person, as in 'I'm sorry to bother you.' Nuance is being an imposition on someone else.
  迷惑めいわくにならないようにしなさい。↗

  Never make a nuisance of yourself.
• 手数てすうJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounRefers to the trouble or extra labor someone is put to, usually in the phrase ご or お手数. On its own it is mainly written-language usage rather than everyday talk.
• お手数おてすうCommon
  nounThe honorific form of 手数, used in polite requests such as 'I'm sorry to bother you, but…' Very common in letters and business emails when apologizing for the trouble you cause.
  お手数てすうかけてどうもすいません。↗

  I'm sorry to bother you.
• 厄介やっかいJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'bother' as something troublesome that is also a burden, often a lingering or difficult problem. Used for people or situations that are hard to deal with, not just minor chores.
  そんなことをするとやっかいなことを招まねくことになる。↗

  To do so is asking for trouble.

For 'bother' as a neutral noun use 面倒; 迷惑 stresses being a nuisance to others, 厄介 a troublesome burden, while 「お手数」 (polite variant of 手数) appears in polite requests for someone's trouble.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 面倒めんどうtrouble
• 迷惑めいわくtrouble
• 手数てすうtrouble
• お手数おてすうtrouble
• 厄介やっかいtrouble
• 手を焼かせるてをやかせるto bother
• 煩わすわずらわすto trouble
• 煩わせるわずらわせるto trouble
• ご迷惑ごめいわくtrouble
• 厄介者やっかいものburden
• 迷惑をかけるめいわくをかけるto cause trouble (for someone)
• もやくやtrouble
• 迷惑者めいわくもの(person who is a) nuisance
• 世話せわtrouble
• 痛めるいためるto worry
• 苦しめるくるしめるto harass
• 世話を焼くせわをやくto give help where it isn't wanted
• かかずらうto take part (in some work)
• かかずりあうto take part (in some work)