横槍(よこやり)

よこやり
noun
interference; meddling; butting in
communicationsociety
1. interference; meddling; butting in
unwanted intervention in someone else's affairs or an ongoing matter, often disrupting progress
横槍(よこやり)を入(い)れる。
To interfere; to butt in.
話(はなし)に横槍(よこやり)を入(い)れないでください。
Please don't interrupt the conversation.
計画(けいかく)が進(すす)んでいたのに、部長(ぶちょう)から横槍(よこやり)が入(はい)った。
The plan was progressing smoothly, but the department head interfered.
外部(がいぶ)からの横槍(よこやり)で交渉(こうしょう)が中断(ちゅうだん)された。
The negotiations were interrupted by outside interference.

横槍(よこやり) literally means "side spear" - the image of someone thrusting a spear in from the side during a battle.

Writing

Etymology

Originates from battlefield terminology where someone would attack from the side unexpectedly, disrupting the main engagement.

Key expression

Usage

  • Business: unwanted intervention from management or other departments
  • Conversations: interrupting others
  • Negotiations: third-party interference
  • Personal matters: meddling in someone's affairs

Register

  • Somewhat colloquial but widely used in both spoken and written Japanese
  • Often used to express frustration with unwanted interference

Related words

Related Words

Related: 口出(くちだ)し (butting in verbally)
Related: 干渉(かんしょう) (interference)
Related: 邪魔(じゃま) (hindrance, obstruction)
general
Added 2026.1.25 8:46 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
07500/07984_yokoyari