干渉

• Reading: かんしょう
• Romaji: kanshou
• Kanji breakdown: 干 (kan) — concern, involvement, dry; 渉 (shou) — cross, ford
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɴ.ɕoː/

Meaning

Interference; intervention; meddling in others' affairs.

A noun and する verb describing unwanted involvement in someone else's business, or the interference between waves in physics. In daily life, it often carries a negative connotation of overstepping boundaries. Common collocations include 内政干渉 (political interference) and 干渉しすぎる (to meddle too much).

Examples

1. 親の干渉が多くて自由に決められない。 My parents interfere so much that I can't make decisions freely.
2. 他国への干渉は国際問題になりかねない。 Interference in another country's affairs could become an international problem.
3. あまり干渉しないでほしいと友人に言った。 I told my friend I didn't want them to interfere so much.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, politics, science

Tone: slightly negative

Origin & History

Compound of 干 (concern, involvement) + 渉 (cross over, wade). Originally meant 'to cross into' someone else's domain or affairs.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal