Impose on Meaning in English
expression
ˌɪmˈpoʊz/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
im-POHZ-awn
ɪmpˈəʊz/ /ˈɒn
im-POHZ-on
Definition
To take advantage of someone's kindness or hospitality, or to force something on someone without their full agreement.
Usage & Nuances
Used for both social situations ('impose on someone's hospitality') and enforcing rules or beliefs. Usually negative; avoid using it about yourself unless apologizing ('I hope I'm not imposing on you'). 'Impose upon' is a more formal variant.
Spanish: aprovecharse de - imponer aPortuguese (BR): abusar de - impor aPortuguese (PT): abusar de - impor aChinese (Simplified): 打扰 - 强加于Chinese (Traditional): 打擾 - 強加於Hindi: थोपना - बोझ डालनाArabic: يفرض على - يستغلBengali: হয়রান করা - চাপিয়ে দেওয়াRussian: навязываться - обременятьJapanese: 迷惑をかける - 押し付けるVietnamese: làm phiền - áp đặtKorean: 민폐를 끼치다 - 강요하다Turkish: yük olmak - dayatmakUrdu: زحمت دینا - مسلط کرناIndonesian: membebani - memaksakan
Example Sentences
Please let me know if I'm imposing on you.
basic
I don't want to impose on your time.
basic
They didn't want to impose on their neighbor for help.
basic
He stayed at their place for weeks, really imposing on their hospitality.
natural
Sorry to impose on, but could I borrow your umbrella for a bit?
natural
Some people have a habit of imposing on friends whenever they need a favor.
natural