面倒

めんどう
JLPT:N3
Frequency:

1A hassle; bothersome — describing something that feels tedious or that you can't be bothered to do. Often used as a na-adjective (面倒だ) or in the colloquial 面倒くさい.

NounNa-Adjective

Examples

この書類の記入は面倒だが、早く終わらせよう。

Filling out these forms is a hassle, but let's get it over with.

毎日の皿洗いが面倒に感じるときがある。

There are times when washing dishes every day starts to feel like a chore.

面倒だからって後回しにしないで。

Don't keep putting it off just because it's a hassle.

返信するのが面倒くさくて、つい後回しにしてしまった。

Replying felt like too much effort, so I ended up putting it off.

2Trouble or complications — used more objectively, for procedures, situations, or matters that are complex and require effort to deal with.

NounNa-Adjective

Examples

手続きが面倒で、申請をためらってしまった。

The procedure was so complicated that I hesitated to apply.

余計なことを言うと面倒なことになるよ。

If you say anything unnecessary, things will get complicated.

新しいシステムの導入には面倒が多いが、必要な投資だ。

Rolling out the new system involves a lot of headaches, but it's a necessary investment.

3Care or looking after someone. Used in fixed expressions like 面倒を見る (to look after / take care of) and 面倒をかける (to cause trouble for someone, i.e., put them out).

Noun

Examples

小さい弟の面倒を見るのは長女の役目だった。

Looking after her little brother was the oldest daughter's job.

週末は実家に帰って、祖父の面倒を見ている。

On weekends I go back to my parents' place to take care of my grandfather.

いろいろと面倒をおかけして、本当にすみません。

I'm really sorry for putting you through all this trouble.

Word Relationships