Translation and Meaning of: 厄介 - yakkai

The Japanese word 「厄介」 (yakkai) is often used to describe situations or issues that are considered bothersome or problematic. In practice, something that is 「厄介」 can be a burden, require more effort, or cause difficulties. The expression may be better translated as "troublesome" or "complicated." Its use goes beyond the idea of simply being difficult, also encompassing a sense of annoyance or inconvenience.

In terms of etymology, 「厄」 (yaku) refers to something malign or that brings bad luck. On the other hand, 「介」 (kai) can be linked to the idea of mediating or helping. When combined, they suggest situations that interrupt the normal flow of things, requiring special attention or intervention. This concept of disturbance is well reflected in the contemporary use of the word.

The origin of the expression dates back to ancient times in Japan, when Chinese characters were adopted. 「厄」 is a kanji that has historically been associated with evil spirits or bad influences that afflict people. Meanwhile, 「介」 denoted service or assistance, but together, their connotation evolved to describe aspects of life that become unexpected barriers or challenges. In a modern context, 「厄介」 is widely used in personal and professional environments, illustrating how deeply this idea of obstacles and difficulties is rooted in Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 面倒 (mendō) - Inconvenience, extra work, complication
• 手間 (tema) - Effort, time, work needed to do something
• 面倒臭い (mendō-sukai) - That is hard work, tedious, something that is a hassle to do.
• 面倒くさい (mendōkusai) - That is tedious work, a colloquial variation of 面倒臭い.
• めんどう (mendō) - めんどう
• めんどくさい (mendōkusai) - めんどうくさい

厄介

Romaji: yakkai
Kana: やっかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: problem; charge; Careful; to disturb; concern; dependency; support; kindness; obligation

Meaning in English: trouble;burden;care;bother;worry;dependence;support;kindness;obligation

Definition: It's inconvenient and concerning.

Example Sentences - (厄介) yakkai

See below some example sentences:

この問題は厄介だ。

Kono mondai wa yakkai da

This problem is tricky.

This problem is problematic.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 厄介 - adjective that means "complicated", "problematic"
• だ - auxiliary verb that indicates the affirmative present form of colloquial language