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A2 verb #2,000 am häufigsten 13 Min. Lesezeit

困ります

komarimasu Top 2,000

At the A1 beginner level, learners are introduced to 困ります primarily as a set phrase to express basic personal difficulties. It is taught alongside fundamental vocabulary like 'money' (お金), 'time' (時間), and 'understanding' (分かります). A1 learners use it to communicate immediate, tangible problems, such as 'I don't have money, so I am troubled' (お金がなくて困ります) or 'I don't understand Japanese, so I am troubled' (日本語が分からなくて困ります). The focus is on rote memorization of the word as a reaction to negative situations. Grammatically, learners at this stage might struggle with the te-form connection, often relying on simpler structures like 'X ga nai desu. Komarimasu.' (I don't have X. I am troubled). Despite grammatical limitations, knowing this word is incredibly empowering for beginners, as it provides a universally understood way to signal for help or patience from native speakers. It acts as a linguistic safety net when vocabulary fails. Teachers emphasize the polite 'masu' form to ensure learners remain respectful in their interactions. The cultural nuance of using it as a polite refusal is usually too advanced for this stage, so the focus remains strictly on its literal translation of 'being in trouble' or 'having a problem.'

Moving into the A2 elementary level, the usage of 困ります expands significantly as learners become comfortable with the te-form (〜て) of verbs and adjectives. This is the core CEFR level for mastering this word. Learners can now fluidly construct sentences that link a specific cause to their feeling of being troubled: '雨が降って困ります' (It's raining and I'm troubled) or '高くて困ります' (It's expensive and I'm troubled). They also begin to use the progressive form '困っています' (I am currently troubled) to describe ongoing situations. At this stage, learners start to recognize the word in daily life contexts, such as announcements about train delays or signs apologizing for inconveniences. They begin to understand that 困ります is not just a personal complaint but a standard way to discuss problems objectively. Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the conditional 'to' (〜と困ります), allowing them to express future hypothetical problems: '明日休まれると困ります' (It will be a problem if you take tomorrow off). This marks a shift from merely reacting to situations to anticipating and managing them linguistically. The distinction between the polite 困ります and the casual 困る is also solidified, enabling learners to adjust their register based on the listener.

At the B1 intermediate stage, learners possess a solid grasp of the grammatical mechanics of 困ります and begin to deploy it with greater pragmatic awareness. They start to use it as a tool for social navigation, particularly for polite refusals and softening negative statements. Instead of saying a blunt 'No, I can't do that,' a B1 learner will naturally opt for 'それはちょっと困ります' (That is a bit difficult/troubling). This demonstrates a growing cultural competence and an understanding of Japanese politeness strategies (wakimae). They also learn to use the causative form '困らせる' (to cause trouble for someone), which is crucial for apologizing or expressing concern for others: '親を困らせたくない' (I don't want to trouble my parents). At this level, learners can differentiate 困ります from similar vocabulary like 悩む (to worry) and 迷う (to hesitate), choosing the precise word for their specific situation. They can engage in longer conversations about problems, explaining the nuances of why a situation is troubling and discussing potential solutions. The word becomes less of a simple reaction and more of an integrated component of complex discourse.

Upper-intermediate B2 learners utilize 困ります with near-native intuition regarding its social implications. They understand the concept of 'meiwaku' (annoyance/trouble to others) deeply and use 困ります to navigate these delicate social boundaries. In business contexts, they can use it to politely push back against unreasonable client demands or to report systemic issues to superiors without sounding accusatory. They are comfortable with advanced grammatical structures, such as passive-causative forms, though these are less common with this specific verb. B2 learners also frequently encounter and use the noun forms derived from the same kanji, such as 困難 (konnan - difficulty) or 困窮 (konkyuu - destitution), in formal writing and news consumption. They understand that while 困ります is polite, it can sometimes sound a bit direct in highly formal situations, where phrases like '致しかねます' (it is difficult to do) might be preferred. However, for general professional and social interactions, their use of 困ります is nuanced, appropriately timed, and culturally accurate, reflecting a high degree of fluency and social awareness.

Advanced C1 proficiency requires an effortless and highly nuanced command of 困ります and its related forms. At this level, learners can manipulate the word for rhetorical effect, using it in debates, negotiations, or complex narratives. They understand the subtle differences in tone when 困ります is spoken with different intonations—it can express genuine despair, mild annoyance, or even playful exasperation depending on the delivery. C1 learners are fully capable of reading the room and knowing exactly when expressing 'trouble' is appropriate and when it might be seen as complaining. They seamlessly integrate idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms related to being stuck or troubled. In literature and advanced reading materials, they can analyze the psychological state of characters who are 'komatte iru,' understanding the underlying social pressures contributing to their distress. Their vocabulary is expansive enough that they don't over-rely on 困ります, but rather use it precisely when its specific blend of personal difficulty and social friction is the most accurate description of the situation.

At the C2 mastery level, the learner's use of 困ります is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess a deep, almost instinctual understanding of the word's etymology, cultural weight, and pragmatic functions. They can play with the language, perhaps using the word ironically or in highly specific, culturally embedded jokes. They understand how the concept of 'trouble' has evolved in Japanese society and can discuss these sociological aspects fluently. In the most formal and delicate of situations—such as high-stakes diplomacy, complex legal negotiations, or profound personal apologies—they know exactly how to deploy or avoid this word to achieve the desired outcome. They can effortlessly switch between the most casual 'komatta na' muttered under their breath to the most polite, indirect expressions of difficulty in a boardroom. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, 困ります is fully integrated into their linguistic repertoire, serving as a versatile and powerful tool for expressing the full spectrum of human difficulty and social interaction in Japanese.

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困ります in 30 Sekunden

Expresses being stuck or in a difficult situation.
Used heavily for polite refusals instead of saying 'no'.
Often follows the te-form of a verb indicating the cause.
Intransitive verb; cannot take a direct object with 'o'.

The Japanese verb 困ります (komarimasu) is a fundamental vocabulary item that learners typically encounter at the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is the polite, non-past form of the verb 困る (komaru). At its core, this word translates to 'to be troubled,' 'to be in difficulty,' or 'to be bothered.' However, restricting its definition to these English equivalents severely limits one's understanding of its true utility and cultural resonance in everyday Japanese communication. To truly grasp what it means, we must explore the multifaceted nature of 'trouble' in Japanese society. In Japan, harmony (wa) is a paramount social value, and anything that disrupts this harmony is considered problematic. When a person uses this verb, they are not merely stating a personal inconvenience; they are often signaling a disruption in the social fabric or a deviation from the expected flow of events. This makes the word incredibly versatile. It can be used in situations ranging from the trivial, such as not knowing what to order at a restaurant, to the severe, such as facing a major financial crisis. The physical manifestation of being troubled often involves a subtle intake of breath, a slight tilt of the head, or a hesitant tone of voice, all of which accompany the utterance of this word.

Core Meaning: To be in a state of distress or difficulty where a solution is not immediately obvious.

お金がなくて困ります。

The psychological state of being troubled is a key component. It implies a lack of immediate solutions. You are stuck. You are at a crossroads without a map. This feeling of helplessness is perfectly encapsulated in the word. Furthermore, the word is frequently used as a polite refusal. In a culture where direct confrontation is avoided, saying 'no' outright can be seen as aggressive or rude. Instead, expressing that a request would cause you trouble is a socially acceptable way to decline. It shifts the focus from your unwillingness to comply to the objective difficulty of the situation. This subtle linguistic maneuver is essential for navigating complex social interactions in Japan.

Polite Refusal: Using the word to gently decline an invitation or request without saying a direct 'no'.

急に言われても困ります。

そんなことをされては困ります。

Let's consider the etymology. The kanji for 困 (koma) depicts a tree (木) enclosed in a box (囗). This visual representation is striking. It evokes the image of a living, growing thing that is confined, restricted, and unable to expand. This perfectly mirrors the feeling of being in trouble—you are boxed in, your options are limited, and you cannot move freely. Understanding this kanji provides a profound insight into the emotional weight of the word. In modern usage, the word has permeated every aspect of life. You will hear it in customer service when a clerk cannot fulfill a request, in the workplace when a project hits a snag, and in personal relationships when someone is unsure how to handle a delicate situation. It is a word that bridges the gap between personal feeling and social obligation. By mastering its nuances, learners can significantly enhance their communicative competence and cultural fluency.

Kanji Origin: A tree confined in a box, symbolizing restriction and inability to grow or move freely.

道に迷って困ります。

漢字が読めなくて困ります。

To summarize, 困ります is not just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural key. It unlocks an understanding of Japanese social dynamics, politeness strategies, and emotional expression. It is a word that requires empathy to use correctly, as it often involves acknowledging the impact of one's actions on others or vice versa. As you continue your Japanese learning journey, pay close attention to how native speakers use this word. Notice the context, the tone of voice, and the accompanying body language. This holistic approach to learning will enable you to use the word naturally and effectively, transforming you from a mere speaker of Japanese into a true communicator.

Understanding how to use 困ります grammatically and contextually is crucial for A2 learners and beyond. The most common grammatical structure involving this verb is the 'cause and effect' pattern using the te-form (〜て) of a verb or adjective. The structure is [Cause in te-form] + 困ります. This translates to 'I am troubled because [Cause].' For example, '雨が降って困ります' (Ame ga futte komarimasu) means 'I am troubled because it is raining.' This pattern is incredibly productive and can be used with almost any verb or adjective to explain the source of your difficulty. When using adjectives, remember to conjugate them correctly into the te-form (e.g., 暑くて困ります - I am troubled because it is hot; 静かじゃなくて困ります - I am troubled because it is not quiet).

Te-form Pattern: Verb/Adjective (te-form) + 困ります indicates the reason for the trouble.

パソコンが壊れて困ります。

Another frequent pattern is using the conditional 'to' (と) or 'tara' (たら). For instance, '今来られると困ります' (Ima korareru to komarimasu) means 'It will be a problem if you come now.' This is a very common way to set boundaries or warn someone against doing something that would cause inconvenience. The conditional form projects the trouble into the future, making it a preventative statement. You are essentially saying, 'If X happens, the result will be my trouble.' This is a softer, more indirect way of saying 'Don't do X' compared to a direct negative command like '来ないでください' (Konaide kudasai).

Conditional Pattern: Verb (dictionary form) + と + 困ります means 'If [verb] happens, it will be a problem.'

ここでタバコを吸われると困ります。

明日雨が降ったら困ります。

Let's discuss the negative form, 困りません (komarimasen), which means 'I am not troubled' or 'It is not a problem.' This is often used to reassure someone. If someone asks, 'Does this bother you?' you can reply, 'いいえ、困りません' (No, it doesn't bother me). The past tense, 困りました (komarimashita), is used to describe a past difficulty. '昨日は財布を忘れて困りました' (Kinou wa saifu o wasurete komarimashita) means 'Yesterday I forgot my wallet and was in trouble.' The progressive form, 困っています (komatte imasu), is extremely common and describes an ongoing state of trouble. '今、仕事がなくて困っています' (Ima, shigoto ga nakute komatte imasu) means 'I am currently troubled because I don't have a job.'

Ongoing State: Using the te-iru form (困っています) emphasizes that the trouble is currently happening and ongoing.

道が分からなくて困っています。

テストが難しくて困りました。

In summary, mastering the grammatical frameworks surrounding this verb allows you to express a wide range of nuanced situations, from explaining current difficulties to politely setting boundaries for the future. Practice combining it with various te-forms and conditionals to build your fluency.

The verb 困ります is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, appearing in a vast array of contexts ranging from formal business environments to casual conversations among friends. Understanding where and how it is used in these different settings provides invaluable insight into Japanese culture and communication styles. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in customer service settings. In Japan, the customer is highly respected, and direct refusals are considered impolite. If a customer makes an unreasonable request or asks for something that is out of stock, the staff member will rarely say a flat 'No' (ダメです or できません). Instead, they will use a phrase like 'それはちょっと困りますね' (Sore wa chotto komarimasu ne), which translates to 'That is a little troubling/difficult.' This softens the blow of the refusal, framing the inability to comply as a source of distress for the staff member rather than a rejection of the customer.

Customer Service: Used by staff to politely decline a request or indicate that something is against store policy.

返品はレシートがないと困ります。

In the workplace, 困ります is frequently used to discuss problems, delays, or issues with colleagues and superiors. It is a professional way to highlight a roadblock without necessarily assigning blame. For example, if a necessary document has not arrived, an employee might say '資料が届かなくて困っています' (Shiryou ga todokanakute komatte imasu) - 'I am troubled because the materials haven't arrived.' This alerts the team to the problem in a collaborative, non-confrontational manner. It invites assistance and problem-solving rather than defensiveness.

Workplace Communication: Used to report issues, delays, or lack of resources in a professional and objective tone.

納期に遅れられると困ります。

担当者が不在で困っています。

You will also hear this word extensively in anime, manga, and everyday casual conversations (usually in its plain form, 困る). Characters often exclaim '困ったな！' (Komatte na!) when faced with a dilemma, a puzzle, or an unexpected situation. It is a classic trope for a protagonist to scratch their head and utter this phrase when they are unsure of what to do next. In daily life, friends use it to complain about minor inconveniences, such as bad weather ruining plans or a smartphone battery dying.

Pop Culture & Daily Life: Frequently used as an exclamation of mild distress or a complaint about everyday annoyances.

スマホの充電が切れて困ります。

鍵をなくして本当に困りました。

By recognizing the diverse contexts in which 困ります appears, learners can appreciate its flexibility. It is not just a word for personal trouble; it is a vital tool for social lubrication, professional problem-solving, and everyday expression.

While 困ります is a relatively straightforward verb to conjugate, learners frequently make semantic and pragmatic errors when using it. These mistakes usually stem from directly translating English concepts of 'trouble,' 'tiredness,' or 'anger' into Japanese without considering the specific nuances of 困ります. One of the most prevalent mistakes is confusing 困ります with 疲れます (tsukaremasu), which means 'to be tired.' In English, someone might say, 'This situation is exhausting me,' and a learner might mistakenly translate this feeling of mental fatigue as 困ります. However, 困ります strictly refers to being in a difficult situation or at a loss for what to do, not the physical or mental sensation of fatigue. If you have been working for ten hours, you are 疲れています (tired), not necessarily 困っています (troubled), unless the work itself is causing a problem you cannot solve.

Confusion with Fatigue: Do not use 困ります to mean you are physically or mentally tired. Use 疲れます instead.

仕事が多すぎて困ります。(Correct: I am troubled by too much work.)

Another common error is confusing 困ります with 怒ります (okorimasu), meaning 'to get angry.' In English, 'I am bothered by this' can imply anger or annoyance. While 困ります can express annoyance, it is a passive, helpless kind of annoyance. It lacks the aggressive, confrontational energy of 怒ります. If someone cuts in line, you might be angry (怒る), but if someone repeatedly asks you for money and you don't know how to say no, you are troubled (困る). Using 困ります when you are actually furious can make you sound overly passive or confusing to a native speaker.

Confusion with Anger: 困ります implies helplessness and difficulty, not active anger or rage.

うるさくて困ります。(Correct: I am troubled/bothered by the noise.)

彼が嘘をついて困ります。(Correct: I am in a difficult spot because he lied.)

Grammatically, learners sometimes try to use 困ります as a transitive verb, taking a direct object with the particle 'o' (を). For example, saying '私は彼を困ります' (Watashi wa kare o komarimasu) to mean 'I trouble him.' This is grammatically incorrect. 困ります is an intransitive verb; it describes the state of the subject. To say 'I trouble him,' you must use the causative form: '私は彼を困らせます' (Watashi wa kare o komarasemasu) - 'I make him troubled.' This distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs is a major hurdle for Japanese learners, and 困ります is a classic example where this mistake occurs.

Transitive vs Intransitive: 困ります is intransitive. You cannot 'komarimasu' someone else directly using the 'o' particle.

親を困らせないでください。(Correct causative usage: Please don't trouble your parents.)

私はとても困っています。(Correct intransitive usage: I am very troubled.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing it with fatigue or anger, and misusing its transitivity—learners can utilize 困ります with much greater accuracy and naturalness.

The Japanese language is rich in vocabulary related to difficulties, worries, and troubles. While 困ります is the most general and widely used term for being in a difficult situation, there are several similar words that learners should be aware of to express more specific nuances. Understanding the distinctions between these words will elevate your Japanese from basic to advanced. One of the most closely related words is 悩む (nayamu), which means 'to worry,' 'to be troubled,' or 'to agonize over.' The key difference lies in the internal versus external nature of the problem. 困ります usually refers to an external situation that puts you in a bind (e.g., losing your wallet, a train delay). 悩む, on the other hand, refers to an internal, psychological struggle. You 悩む over which university to attend, or over a complex relationship issue. It involves deep thought and emotional distress.

悩む (Nayamu): To worry or agonize internally over a decision or problem, rather than facing an immediate external obstacle.

進路について悩んでいますが、お金がなくて困ります。

Another similar word is 迷う (mayou), which means 'to get lost' or 'to hesitate/be undecided.' While 困ります can be the result of getting lost (道に迷って困る - I am troubled because I am lost), 迷う specifically focuses on the state of not knowing which path or option to choose. If you are looking at a menu and can't decide what to eat, you are 迷っている. If the restaurant only accepts cash and you only have a credit card, you are 困っている.

迷う (Mayou): To hesitate between options or to physically lose one's way.

どれを買うか迷っていますが、買えなくて困ります。

道に迷って本当に困りました。

For situations involving significant effort and hardship, the phrase 苦労する (kurou suru) is appropriate. It translates to 'to suffer hardships' or 'to have a hard time.' While 困ります implies a temporary state of being stuck, 苦労する implies a prolonged period of effort and difficulty. Raising a child or starting a business involves 苦労 (hardship). A sudden flat tire causes you to 困る (be troubled).

苦労する (Kurou suru): To experience prolonged hardship or to exert great effort to overcome difficulties.

日本語の勉強に苦労していますが、漢字が読めなくて困ります。

ビザの更新で困っています。

By differentiating 困ります from 悩む, 迷う, and 苦労する, you can articulate your exact state of mind and the specific nature of the challenges you face, leading to much clearer and more expressive Japanese communication.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

お金がなくて困ります。

I have no money and am troubled.

Te-form of nai + komarimasu.

日本語が分からなくて困ります。

I don't understand Japanese and am troubled.

Negative te-form.

とても困ります。

I am very troubled.

Adverb + verb.

困りました。

I was in trouble.

Past tense.

道が分からなくて困ります。

I don't know the way and am troubled.

Te-form cause.

時間がなくて困ります。

I have no time and am troubled.

Noun + ga nakute.

スマホがなくて困ります。

I don't have my smartphone and am troubled.

Basic necessity lacking.

困りません。

I am not troubled.

Negative form.

雨が降って困ります。

It is raining and I am troubled.

Verb te-form + komarimasu.

今来られると困ります。

It will be a problem if you come now.

Conditional 'to'.

パソコンが壊れて困っています。

My computer broke and I am currently troubled.

Te-iru form for ongoing state.

部屋が暑くて困ります。

The room is hot and I am troubled.

I-adjective te-form.

静かじゃなくて困ります。

It is not quiet and I am troubled.

Na-adjective negative te-form.

明日休まれると困ります。

It will be a problem if you take tomorrow off.

Passive verb + conditional 'to'.

鍵をなくして困りました。

I lost my key and was in trouble.

Past tense with te-form cause.

それはちょっと困りますね。

That is a little troubling, isn't it.

Polite refusal phrase.

急にキャンセルされては困ります。

It is a problem if you cancel suddenly.

Te-wa (dame) implied structure.

親を困らせたくないです。

I don't want to trouble my parents.

Causative form + tai (negative).

担当者が不在で困っています。

I am troubled because the person in charge is absent.

Noun + de (reason).

どう対応すればいいか困っています。

I am troubled about how to handle this.

Embedded question + komatte imasu.

そんなことを言われても困ります。

Even if you say that, I am at a loss.

Te-mo (even if).

生活費が高くて困り果てています。

Living expenses are high and I am completely at a loss.

Compound verb komari-hateru.

返事に困る質問ですね。

That's a question that is difficult to answer.

Modifying a noun.

ルールを守ってもらわないと困ります。

It's a problem if you don't follow the rules.

Morawanai to (negative conditional).

このままでは資金繰りに困ることになる。

At this rate, we will end up having trouble with cash flow.

Koto ni naru (will result in).

彼の無責任な態度には本当に困らされる。

I am really troubled by his irresponsible attitude.

Passive-causative form.

人手不足で業務に支障が出て困っています。

We are troubled because the labor shortage is hindering operations.

Complex cause and effect.

お客様からのクレーム対応に困り果てた。

I was completely exhausted/troubled by handling customer complaints.

Advanced compound verb past tense.

これ以上要求をエスカレートされては困ります。

It will be a problem if you escalate your demands any further.

Passive te-wa.

対応に困るような事態は避けたい。

I want to avoid a situation where we are at a loss for how to respond.

Modifying a noun phrase.

あんなに頑固だと周りが困るんだよ。

When someone is that stubborn, it troubles everyone around them.

Casual explanatory tone (nda yo).

システム障害で業務が停止し、非常に困惑している。

We are highly troubled/perplexed as operations stopped due to a system failure.

Using related formal vocabulary (konwaku).

彼の度重なる遅刻には、会社としても対応に困っているのが現状だ。

The current situation is that the company is at a loss on how to handle his repeated tardiness.

Formal business phrasing.

善意からの行動とはいえ、結果的に周囲を困らせてしまっては元も子もない。

Even if acting out of goodwill, if it ends up troubling those around you, it defeats the purpose.

Advanced concessive (to wa ie).

そのような極論を持ち出されては、議論の進めように困ります。

If you bring up such extreme arguments, we are at a loss as to how to proceed with the discussion.

Abstract concept modification.

財源の確保に困窮する自治体が増加している。

An increasing number of municipalities are struggling to secure financial resources.

Using formal synonym konkyuu.

相手の意図が読めず、返答に困窮した。

Unable to read the other party's intentions, I was hard-pressed for an answer.

Literary/formal usage.

こればかりは専門家でも判断に困る難題だ。

This is a difficult problem that even experts are at a loss to judge.

Emphatic bakari wa.

彼の処遇については、上層部も頭を抱えて困っているようだ。

It seems the upper management is also holding their heads in trouble regarding how to treat him.

Idiom integration (atama o kakaeru).

誠意を見せたつもりが、かえって相手を困惑させてしまった。

I intended to show sincerity, but instead, I ended up troubling/perplexing the other party.

Advanced nuance of unintended consequences.

この法案の解釈を巡っては、有識者でさえも見解が分かれ、対応に困慮している。

Regarding the interpretation of this bill, even experts are divided and struggling to respond.

Highly formal vocabulary (konryo).

彼の唐突な提案は、会議の場を凍り付かせ、議長を大いに困惑せしめた。

His abrupt proposal froze the meeting room and greatly troubled the chairperson.

Classical causative form (seshimeta).

如何に善政を敷こうとも、天災に見舞われては民草は困窮を極める。

No matter how good the governance, if struck by natural disasters, the common people will face extreme destitution/trouble.

Literary and archaic phrasing.

その場しのぎの対応では、後々さらに困る事態を招来しかねない。

Makeshift responses could invite a situation where we are in even more trouble later on.

Formal potential negative (kanenai).

多方面からの板挟みとなり、進退両難に陥って困り果てた。

Caught in the middle from multiple sides, I fell into a dilemma and was completely at a loss.

Four-character idiom integration (shintairyounan).

微に入り細を穿つような質問攻めに遭い、すっかり困惑してしまった。

Subjected to a barrage of meticulously detailed questions, I was completely flummoxed/troubled.

Advanced idiomatic expression.

斯様な事態に立ち至っては、最早如何ともし難く、ただ困却するばかりである。

Having reached such a situation, there is nothing more to be done, and one can only be deeply troubled.

Highly literary/written style.

彼奴の破天荒な振る舞いには、親元はおろか周囲の者皆が困り抜いている。

Due to his unprecedented behavior, not to mention his parents, everyone around him is thoroughly troubled.

Emphatic suffix (nuku) and classical pronouns.

Häufige Kollokationen

〜て困る

〜と困る

返事に困る

対応に困る

生活に困る

お金に困る

扱いに困る

非常に困る

本当に困る

少々困る

Häufige Phrasen

困ったな

それは困ります

困っています

困ったことに

困り果てる

困らせる

困った顔をする

困った時はお互い様

返事に困る

対応に困る

Wird oft verwechselt mit

困ります vs 疲れる

困ります vs 悩む

困ります vs 怒る

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

困ります vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

note

Do not use to express physical tiredness (use 疲れる) or active anger (use 怒る).

Häufige Fehler

Using 困ります to mean 'I am tired' (Use 疲れます instead).
Using 困ります to mean 'I am angry' (Use 怒ります instead).
Using the object particle 'o' (を) before it, e.g., 彼を困ります (Use causative 困らせます).
Using 困ります for deep psychological worries (Use 悩む instead).
Forgetting to use the te-form for the reason, e.g., 雨が降る困ります (Should be 降って).

Tipps

Master the Te-form

The most important grammar point for this word is the te-form. Always practice linking causes using 〜て困ります. It will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

The Polite Refusal

Embrace 困ります as your polite 'no'. Stop trying to translate 'I can't' or 'I won't' directly. Using 困ります shows you understand Japanese social harmony.

Learn the Noun Form

The kanji 困 is used in formal nouns like 困難 (konnan - difficulty). Recognizing this kanji will help you guess the meaning of advanced vocabulary later.

Add 'Chotto'

When refusing someone, always add 'chotto' (ちょっと). 'それはちょっと困ります' sounds much softer and more native than just 'それは困ります'.

Customer Service Cue

If a shop clerk says 困ります, stop asking. It is their polite way of saying your request is impossible or against store policy.

Avoid the 'O' Particle

Never write 〇〇を困ります. It is a classic beginner mistake. Always use が or は for the subject, or て for the cause.

Helplessness, not Anger

Remember the feeling behind the word. It's about being stuck and helpless, not about being furious. Adjust your facial expression accordingly.

Ongoing State

If you are currently in trouble, use 困っています. If you just say 困ります, it sounds like a general fact or a future problem.

Komaru vs Nayamu

Lost your keys? 困る. Don't know what to do with your life? 悩む. Keep the physical/external and mental/internal separate.

Flat Intonation

The pitch accent is relatively flat (LHHHH). Don't stress the 'ma' too heavily. Keep it smooth to sound natural.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine you are in a COMA (koma) and can't move. You are deeply TROUBLED (komarimasu).

Wortherkunft

Kanji 困

Kultureller Kontext

Everyday life, business, customer service

Polite (Masu form)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、何か困っていることはありますか？"

"日本語の勉強で一番困ることは何ですか？"

"道に迷って困った経験はありますか？"

"スマホがなくて困ったことはありますか？"

"お金に困ったらどうしますか？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time you were 'komatte imasu' recently.

Describe a situation where you had to use 'komarimasu' to refuse someone.

What is the biggest thing you are 'komatte iru' about right now?

How does the concept of 'komarimasu' differ from saying 'no' in your culture?

Write a short dialogue between a customer and a clerk using 'komarimasu'.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No. 困ります means you are in a difficult situation or stuck. If you are physically or mentally exhausted from work or exercise, you must use 疲れます (tsukaremasu). Using 困ります will confuse native speakers into thinking you have a problem you can't solve.

Because 困ります is an intransitive verb, you cannot use it with a direct object. You must use the causative form 困らせます (komarasemasu). So, 'I am troubling him' would be 私は彼を困らせています (Watashi wa kare o komarasete imasu).

It is a culturally soft but functionally firm 'no'. In Japanese culture, saying 'no' directly is avoided. Saying 'that troubles me' is the standard, polite way to refuse. You should treat it as a definitive 'no' and not push further.

困る (komaru) is used for external, practical problems (e.g., losing a wallet, a train delay). 悩む (nayamu) is used for internal, psychological worries or dilemmas (e.g., worrying about your future, relationship issues).

困っています (komatte imasu) is the progressive state. It means 'I am currently in a state of trouble.' 困ります is often used for future hypotheticals ('I will be troubled if...') or general statements. For a problem happening right now, 困っています is more natural.

No. While you might be annoyed by a situation, 困ります expresses helplessness and difficulty, not active anger. If you want to express anger, use 怒ります (okorimasu).

Use the te-form (〜て) of the verb or adjective that is causing the trouble. For example, 雨が降る (it rains) becomes 雨が降って困ります (I am troubled because it is raining).

It translates to 'That is a little troubling.' It is a very common, polite set phrase used to refuse a request or an invitation. The 'chotto' (a little) softens the refusal even further.

困る (komaru) is the casual, dictionary form used with friends and family. 困ります (komarimasu) is the polite 'masu' form used with strangers, colleagues, and superiors.

The kanji is 困. It depicts a tree (木) inside a box (囗), symbolizing being trapped, restricted, and unable to grow, which perfectly represents the feeling of being in trouble.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Translate: I am troubled because I have no money.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use nakute + komarimasu.