bugging
word · lemma: bug
/ˈbəɡɪŋ/
BUH-ging
/bˈʌɡɪŋ/
BUH-ging
Definition
'Bugging' usually means bothering or annoying someone, but it can also refer to secretly listening to someone using a hidden device.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; 'bugging' is common in spoken English for minor irritation ('Stop bugging me'). Its spy meaning ('the room is bugged') is more formal or technical. Often confused with 'bothering' or 'annoying', but 'bugging' is usually less serious.
Spanish: molestando - fastidiando - espiando (con micrófono oculto)Portuguese (BR): incomodando - irritando - espionagem (com escuta)Portuguese (PT): incomodar - chatear - ouvir secretamente (com microfone oculto)Chinese (Simplified): 烦扰 - 监听 (用窃听器)Chinese (Traditional): 煩擾 - 監聽 (用竊聽器)Hindi: परेशान करना - जासूसी करना (छुपे हुए माइक से)Arabic: يزعج - يضايق - يتجسس (جهاز تنصت)Bengali: জ্বালানো - বিরক্ত করা - গোপনে আড়ি পাতাRussian: доставать - раздражать - прослушивать (разговоры)Japanese: いらいらさせる - 悩ませる - 盗聴するVietnamese: làm phiền - nghe lén (bằng thiết bị)Korean: 귀찮게 하다 - 방해하다 - 도청하다Turkish: rahatsız etmek - canını sıkmak - dinleme cihazı yerleştirmekUrdu: تنگ کرنا - ستانا - خفیہ سنناIndonesian: mengganggu - menyadap (percakapan)
Example Sentences
Stop bugging me while I'm reading.
basic
The noise outside is really bugging me.
basic
He's bugging his sister for her phone.
basic
I think someone is bugging our conversations.
natural
Is something bugging you? You seem upset.
natural
My little brother keeps bugging me to play with him all day.
natural