A pain in the butt Meaning in English

expression

US

uh-PAYN-in-thuh-BUHT

UK

uh-PAYN-in-thuh-BUHT

Definition

An informal expression used to describe someone or something that is very annoying or causes trouble.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and slightly humorous; can be mildly rude but widely used. Variants include 'pain in the neck' (slightly milder) and 'pain in the ass' (stronger, more vulgar). Use with friends, family, coworkers—avoid in formal settings.

• Spanish: un fastidio - un incordio
• Portuguese (BR): um saco - um incômodo
• Portuguese (PT): um chatice - um incómodo
• Chinese (Simplified): 麻烦 - 烦人
• Chinese (Traditional): 麻煩 - 惱人
• Hindi: झंझट - परेशान करने वाला
• Arabic: مزعج - مصدر إزعاج
• Bengali: ঝামেলার কারণ - বিরক্তিকর ব্যাপার
• Russian: заноза в заднице - мозоль на шее
• Japanese: 面倒くさい人（こと） - うるさいやつ
• Vietnamese: phiền phức - làm phiền
• Korean: 골칫거리 - 귀찮은 존재
• Turkish: baş belası - dert
• Urdu: سر درد - جھنجھٹ
• Indonesian: menyebalkan - bikin repot

Example Sentences

My little brother can be a pain in the butt sometimes.

basic

This homework is a pain in the butt.

basic

Waking up early every day is a pain in the butt for me.

basic

Dealing with computer problems is always a pain in the butt.

natural

My neighbor is a pain in the butt with all the noise at night.

natural

Filling out these forms is such a pain in the butt.

natural