不便

fuben
adjective (na-adjective)Intermediate
formal

Inconvenient; troublesome; difficult to use or access

この駅は不便な場所にある

This station is in an inconvenient location

不便な交通手段

Inconvenient means of transportation

💡

Often used to describe situations or locations that are difficult to access or use

formal

Inconvenience (noun form)

この変更は多くの不便をもたらす

This change will cause a lot of inconvenience

💡

When used as a noun, it refers to the state of being inconvenient

Collocations

不便な場所inconvenient location不便をかけるto cause inconvenience不便を感じるto feel inconvenienced

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

不便を感じるphrase
to feel inconvenienced
不便をかけるphrase
to cause inconvenience

💡Pro Tip

Adjective vs. Noun Usage

Remember that 不便 can function as both an adjective (describing something as inconvenient) and a noun (referring to the state of inconvenience). The context usually makes the usage clear.

Gold Rule

Common Collocations

Notable collocations include 不便な場所 (inconvenient location) and 不便をかける (to cause inconvenience). These phrases are frequently used in both formal and informal contexts.

📖Word Origin

Combination of 不 (un-, not) + 便 (convenience, ease)

📝Usage Notes

Can be used as both an adjective and a noun. When used as a noun, it is often preceded by a counter or classifier like 'one inconvenience' (一つの不便).

Word Breakdown

un- or not
prefix
+
便
convenience, ease
root
Noted on May 2, 2026JAEN