bother
word
/ˈbɑðɝ/
BAH-thur
/bˈɒðɐ/
BO-thuh
Definition
To annoy, interrupt, or cause someone to feel worried or upset. It can also mean to make the effort to do something (often used in questions or negatives).
Usage & Nuances
Common in informal English. Used with people ('Don't bother me'), or with actions ('Don't bother to call'). Frequently used in polite refusals ('Don't bother, I can do it myself'). Different from 'disturb' (more formal, usually physical interruption).
Spanish: molestar - preocupar - fastidiarPortuguese (BR): incomodar - aborrecer - preocuparPortuguese (PT): incomodar - chatear - preocuparChinese (Simplified): 打扰 - 烦扰 - 麻烦Chinese (Traditional): 打擾 - 煩擾 - 麻煩Hindi: परेशान करना - तंग करनाArabic: يزعج - يضايق - يقلقBengali: বিরক্ত করা - কষ্ট দেওয়া - মনোযোগ দেওয়া (চেষ্টা করা)Russian: беспокоить - надоедать - утруждать себяJapanese: 邪魔する - 困らせる - わざわざするVietnamese: làm phiền - bận tâm - mất côngKorean: 귀찮게 하다 - 신경 쓰다 - 일부러 하다Turkish: rahatsız etmek - zahmet vermek - zahmete girmekUrdu: تنگ کرنا - پریشان کرنا - زحمت کرناIndonesian: mengganggu - merepotkan - bersusah payah
Example Sentences
Does it bother you if I open the window?
natural
Please don’t bother me when I’m working.
basic
It doesn’t bother me if you’re late.
basic
Why do you bother to help people you don’t know?
basic
Don’t bother calling me tonight. I’ll be asleep early.
natural
Sorry to bother you, but can you help me with this?
natural