How to say "disturb" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 妨げるさまたげるichidan verb, transitive verbThis is 'disturb' in the sense of hindering: the disturbance gets in the way of something proceeding. Use it when noise, an obstacle, or an interruption disturbs someone's work, plans, or progress.
- 乱すみだすgodan verb, transitive verbCovers disturbing order, peace, or morals — disturbing the peace, throwing a calm state into disorder. Use it for disruptions that upset an established order or tranquility rather than blocking an action.
- かき回すかきまわすgodan verb, transitive verbIts 'disturb' sense applies only to water; this is really the word for stirring or churning. It is seldom the word you want for 'disturb' unless you mean churning water up.
- 崩すくずすgodan verb, transitive verbThis is 'disturb' as in breaking something's settled state: putting it into disorder, throwing it off balance, making it shaky. Use it when what is disturbed loses its arrangement or steadiness.
- 揺さぶるゆさぶるgodan verb, transitive verbThis is 'disturb' as shaking: it shakes, shocks, or upsets what it touches. Use it for figurative shaking — a scandal that disturbs the political world — or for shocking and upsetting a person.
Choose by what is disturbed: 「妨げる」 hinders an activity or plan, 「乱す」 disrupts order or peace, 「かき回す」 stirs water, 「崩す」 breaks up an arrangement or balance, 「揺さぶる」 shakes institutions or emotions.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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