差し支える

• Reading: さしつかえる
• Romaji: sashitsukaeru
• Kanji breakdown: 差 (sa/sa) — difference, extend; 支 (shi/sasae) — support, prop
• Pronunciation: /sa.ɕi.t͡sɯ.ka.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To interfere with; to hinder; to pose a problem. Often used in the negative to mean there is no problem.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb used primarily in its negative or conditional forms. 差し支えなければ (if it's no trouble) is a very common polite phrase for making requests. 差し支えない means there is no impediment. The affirmative form describes something causing inconvenience or obstruction.

Examples

1. 差し支えなければ、お名前を教えていただけますか。 If it's no trouble, could you tell me your name?
2. 明日の参加に差し支えはありません。 There is no problem with my attending tomorrow.
3. 体調不良が仕事に差し支える場合は休んでください。 If your poor health is getting in the way of work, please take the day off.

Usage Guide

Context: polite requests, business, formal conversation

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Compound of 差す (to extend, to insert) and 支える (to support, to prop up). The image is of something being inserted that disrupts the supporting structure, causing impediment.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional