Translation and Meaning of: 面倒臭い - mendoukusai

The Japanese word 「面倒臭い」 (mendoukusai) is a common expression used to describe something that is perceived as bothersome, laborious, or problematic. The etymology of this term refers to the combination of two components: 「面倒」 (mendou) and 「臭い」 (kusai). 「面倒」 refers to something that requires effort or care, while 「臭い」 generally means "to smell" or have an odor, but in this context conveys the idea of something unpleasant or bothersome. Thus, when combined, these parts form a word that can be understood as "something that is tiring or inconvenient to deal with."

The origin and definition of this expression have roots in Japanese culture, where situations that demand excessive effort or seem unnecessary are often described as 「面倒臭い」. This is reflected in everyday life and work, where efficiency and simplicity are highly valued. Thus, by labeling a task as 「面倒臭い」, the person is expressing a desire to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Kanji components

"面" (men) generally means "face" or "surface".
"倒" (dou) can be interpreted as "fall" or "tumble".
"臭" (kusai) means "odor," which in many situations conveys the idea of something annoying or unpleasant.

Although the expression has a quite straightforward meaning regarding the concept of something laborious, it can also be applied in a variety of social and personal contexts. It can, for example, refer to the emotional difficulty of dealing with a certain situation or the complexity involved in a task such as handling bureaucracy. The use of 「面倒臭い」 is common in both spoken and written language, reinforcing how integrated this concept is in modern Japanese.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

面倒くさい (mendoukusai) - It means something that is inconvenient or troublesome; it can convey a feeling of displeasure regarding doing something.
めんどうくさい (mendoukusai) - Variante in hiragana of the same word, with the same meaning of something that is bothersome or troublesome.