四苦八苦する

The term '四苦八苦する' (shiku hakku suru) is a Japanese idiom that originates from Buddhist concepts. It literally translates to 'four sufferings, eight sufferings' and refers to the fundamental sufferings that sentient beings experience in Buddhism. The 'four sufferings' (四苦 - shiku) generally refer to: 1. Birth (生 - shō) 2. Old age (老 - rō) 3. Sickness (病 - byō) 4. Death (死 - shi) These are inherent aspects of human existence. The 'eight sufferings' (八苦 - hakku) expand upon these four and include: 5. Separation from loved ones (愛別離苦 - aibetsu riku) 6. Encountering disliked things (怨憎会苦 - onzō eku) 7. Not getting what one desires (求不得苦 - gūfutoku ku) 8. The five aggregates of attachment (五蘊盛苦 - goun jōku) – referring to the suffering that arises from attachment to the physical body and mental processes. Over time, this Buddhist term, which describes the profound and pervasive nature of suffering, was adopted into everyday Japanese language to metaphorically express experiencing extreme difficulties, struggling intensely, and exerting great effort in challenging circumstances. It implies a situation where one is beset by numerous troubles and must overcome them through arduous struggle. The 'suru' (する) at the end is a verb-forming suffix, making it 'to do' or 'to experience' these four and eight sufferings.