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A2 adjective #1,500 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

大変な

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 大変 (taihen) primarily as an adverb meaning 'very' or 'extremely'. It is taught as a slightly more formal alternative to とても (totemo). Beginners learn to place it directly before adjectives to amplify their meaning, such as in 大変おいしい (taihen oishii - very delicious) or 大変大きい (taihen ookii - very big). Additionally, A1 learners are taught the set phrase 大変ですね (taihen desu ne), which is an essential conversational tool for showing sympathy. When a language partner or teacher mentions they are busy or tired, responding with 'taihen desu ne' demonstrates active listening and basic cultural competence. At this stage, the grammatical complexity is kept to a minimum, focusing on rote memorization of these highly frequent patterns. The concept of it being a na-adjective modifying nouns is usually introduced slightly later, as the adverbial and exclamatory uses provide immediate communicative value for absolute beginners navigating basic social interactions.

At the A2 level, the core identity of 大変な (taihen na) as a na-adjective is fully explored. Learners are taught how to use it to modify nouns directly, creating phrases like 大変な仕事 (taihen na shigoto - a tough job) or 大変な一日 (taihen na ichinichi - a hard day). This is a critical stage for mastering the mechanics of na-adjectives, ensuring the 'na' particle is not dropped. Furthermore, A2 learners begin to use the word predicatively to describe their own experiences, such as 昨日は大変でした (kinou wa taihen deshita - yesterday was tough). The distinction between 大変 (tough/burdensome) and 難しい (difficult/complex) is heavily emphasized at this level to prevent common beginner errors. Learners also start to encounter the word in broader contexts, such as reading simple texts about daily life struggles or listening to basic dialogues where characters express exhaustion or face minor inconveniences, solidifying its role as a primary vocabulary word for expressing hardship.

At the B1 level, the usage of 大変な (taihen na) becomes more nuanced and context-dependent. Learners are expected to understand its application in describing serious situations or incidents, moving beyond just personal exhaustion. Phrases like 大変な事故 (taihen na jiko - a serious accident) or 大変な事態 (taihen na jitai - a serious situation) become part of their receptive and productive vocabulary. Additionally, B1 learners refine their use of the adverbial form in formal contexts, particularly in business Japanese or polite emails, using phrases like 大変お世話になっております (taihen osewa ni natte orimasu - thank you very much for your continuous support). The ability to switch between the empathetic 'taihen desu ne' in casual chats and the formal intensifier 'taihen' in keigo (honorific language) demonstrates a growing awareness of Japanese social registers. Learners at this stage also begin to understand the cultural implication of the word: that expressing hardship is often a way to seek communal support or validate another's effort rather than merely complaining.

At the B2 level, learners encounter 大変な (taihen na) in more abstract and complex texts, such as news articles, opinion pieces, and formal presentations. The word is used to describe systemic issues, societal challenges, or significant historical events. Learners are expected to comprehend and produce sentences that discuss the gravity of a situation, such as 環境問題は大変な課題である (kankyou mondai wa taihen na kadai de aru - environmental issues are a grave challenge). Furthermore, B2 learners develop a sensitivity to the subtle emotional undertones of the word. They learn to distinguish it from near-synonyms like 深刻な (shinkoku na - grave/serious) and 困難な (konnan na - difficult/hard), choosing 'taihen' when they want to emphasize the human burden or effort involved rather than just the objective severity. The adverbial use also expands to modify a wider range of verbs and adjectives in formal writing, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control and stylistic appropriateness.

At the C1 level, the mastery of 大変な (taihen na) lies in idiomatic usage, advanced register control, and reading the atmosphere (kuuki wo yomu). Learners understand how the word functions in complex social dynamics. For example, using 'taihen' to humbly downplay one's own efforts while magnifying the efforts of others is a key communicative strategy in advanced business Japanese. C1 learners are also familiar with fixed expressions and proverbs that incorporate the kanji, though the word itself is often used in highly specific, nuanced ways to express a sense of overwhelming magnitude, whether positive or negative. They can effortlessly navigate literature or high-level discourse where 'taihen' might be used ironically or with subtle understatement. The focus is no longer on the grammar, which is assumed to be flawless, but on the pragmatic application of the word to achieve specific rhetorical effects, build complex professional relationships, and articulate sophisticated emotional or situational assessments.

At the C2 level, the understanding of 大変な (taihen na) encompasses its historical evolution, etymological roots, and its role in classical and modern literature. A C2 user appreciates the literal meaning of 'great change' (大 + 変) and how this historical context informs its modern usage. They can analyze how authors use the word to create specific moods or emphasize the psychological weight of a narrative event. Furthermore, a C2 speaker uses the word with absolute native-like intuition, perfectly calibrating its intensity and formality to match any conceivable social situation, from the most intimate personal conversations to the highest levels of diplomatic or corporate negotiation. They are aware of regional variations in its usage and can seamlessly integrate it with highly advanced grammar structures and obscure vocabulary. At this pinnacle of proficiency, 'taihen' is not just a word for 'difficult' or 'very'; it is a multifaceted linguistic tool used to navigate the deepest complexities of Japanese culture and human experience.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

大変な en 30 secondes

Means difficult, tough, or hard.
Means serious, grave, or awful.
Used as 'very' or 'extremely'.
Crucial for showing sympathy.

The Japanese word 大変な (taihen na) is an incredibly versatile and frequently used na-adjective that forms a cornerstone of daily communication, particularly at the A2 CEFR level and beyond. At its absolute core, this word conveys the concept of something being difficult, tough, serious, or awful. However, to truly understand its depth, we must look beyond simple one-to-one English translations and explore the psychological and cultural weight it carries in Japanese society. The word is composed of two kanji characters: 大 (dai/tai), meaning 'big' or 'great', and 変 (hen), meaning 'change', 'strange', or 'incident'. When combined, the literal historical implication is a 'great change' or a 'major incident', which naturally evolved to describe situations that require a significant amount of effort, cause considerable distress, or are generally overwhelming to deal with. This etymological background perfectly explains why the word is used for both physically exhausting tasks and emotionally draining situations.

Core Meaning 1: Difficult or Tough: Used to describe tasks, jobs, or situations that require immense physical or mental effort. It emphasizes the burden placed on the individual rather than the technical complexity of the task itself.

この仕事は本当に大変な作業です。

When Japanese people use this word, they are often expressing a shared sense of empathy or acknowledging the hardship someone is enduring. It is not merely a descriptive word; it is a social tool used to build rapport. For instance, when a colleague mentions they worked overtime, responding with an acknowledgment of their hardship is a standard and expected social grace.

Core Meaning 2: Serious or Grave: Applied to situations, accidents, or mistakes that have significant negative consequences. It conveys a sense of urgency and severity.

昨日、交差点で大変な事故がありました。

Furthermore, the word can function as an adverb when the 'na' is dropped and replaced with 'ni' (大変に), or simply used as '大変' before an adjective or verb, translating to 'very', 'extremely', or 'awfully'. This dual functionality makes it an essential vocabulary item for learners to master early on.

今日は大変疲れました。

Core Meaning 3: Awful or Terrible: Used to describe a situation that has gone completely wrong, causing panic or significant inconvenience to those involved.

財布を落としてしまって、大変なことになった。

To fully grasp this word, learners must practice identifying the context. When placed before a noun like 'job' or 'person', it describes the nature of that noun. When used as a standalone exclamation, it expresses shock or sympathy. When used before an adjective, it amplifies the degree. This multifaceted nature is exactly why it is introduced at the A2 level but remains highly relevant all the way through to native-level fluency.

それは大変ですね。

Mastering this single vocabulary item will exponentially increase your ability to navigate Japanese social interactions, express your own struggles, and show appropriate compassion for the struggles of others, making it one of the most powerful words in your early Japanese learning journey.

Understanding how to properly use 大変な (taihen na) requires a solid grasp of Japanese na-adjective grammar rules, as well as an awareness of its adverbial forms. Because it is a na-adjective, its form changes depending on where it is placed in a sentence and what it is modifying. The most fundamental rule is that when it directly modifies a noun, the 'na' (な) must be attached. This is a common stumbling block for beginners who might forget the 'na' or confuse it with an i-adjective.

Modifying Nouns: Always attach 'na' when placing the word directly before a noun. This creates a descriptive phrase indicating that the noun is characterized by difficulty or severity.

子育ては大変な仕事です。

When the word comes at the end of a sentence to describe the state of something, the 'na' is dropped and replaced with the appropriate copula, such as 'da' (だ) for casual speech or 'desu' (です) for polite speech. This predicative use is incredibly common in spoken Japanese when reacting to a situation or describing one's own state of being.

Predicative Use: Drop the 'na' and add 'desu' or 'da' when the word is the main descriptor at the end of a clause or sentence.

昨日のテストはとても大変でした。

Another critical usage pattern is the adverbial form. When you want to use this word to mean 'very' or 'extremely', you drop the 'na'. In modern Japanese, it is most commonly used just as 'taihen' before an adjective or verb, though historically and in very formal writing, 'taihen ni' (大変に) is also used. This adverbial usage is slightly more formal than 'totemo' (とても) and is frequently heard in news broadcasts, formal speeches, and business emails.

ご迷惑をおかけして、大変申し訳ありません。

Adverbial Use: Use 'taihen' without 'na' to modify verbs and adjectives, translating to 'very' or 'greatly'.

この料理は大変美味しいです。

Finally, there is the exclamation usage. When someone tells you bad news, a common sympathetic response is simply 'Taihen desu ne' (大変ですね) or 'Taihen datta ne' (大変だったね) in casual speech. This shows active listening and empathy. It is a safe, polite, and culturally appropriate way to respond to someone's complaints about their workload, health issues, or general bad luck.

毎日残業ですか。それは大変ですね。

By mastering these distinct grammatical structures—noun modification, predicative use, adverbial use, and exclamatory use—you will be able to deploy this word accurately across a vast array of conversational and written contexts, significantly enhancing your communicative competence in Japanese.

The word 大変な (taihen na) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, permeating almost every layer of communication from the most casual chats between friends to the most rigid and formal corporate environments. Because its meaning bridges the gap between 'difficult', 'serious', and 'very', you will encounter it in a wide variety of contexts. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the workplace. Japanese corporate culture places a high value on acknowledging the hard work and sacrifice of employees and colleagues. Therefore, expressions of sympathy regarding someone's workload are daily occurrences.

Workplace Empathy: Colleagues frequently use this word to validate each other's efforts, especially during busy seasons or when dealing with difficult clients.

今週は出張が多くて大変でしたね。

Beyond the office, you will constantly hear this word in daily life when people are discussing their personal struggles, whether it's raising children, studying for exams, or simply dealing with bad weather. It is a go-to word for expressing that a situation is less than ideal and requires endurance.

Daily Life Struggles: Used to describe the everyday challenges of life, from household chores to navigating crowded trains.

雨の日に自転車で買い物に行くのは大変なことです。

Another major domain where this word is heavily utilized is in news broadcasting and journalism. When reporting on natural disasters, major accidents, or political scandals, news anchors will use the word to convey the gravity and seriousness of the situation. In this context, it translates closer to 'grave', 'serious', or 'disastrous'.

台風の影響で、各地で大変な被害が出ています。

News and Media: Employed to describe events of significant negative impact, alerting the public to the severity of an incident.

これは歴史に残る大変な事件です。

Finally, you will hear the adverbial form constantly in customer service and formal business communications. Phrases like 'taihen omatase itashimashita' (thank you very much for waiting) or 'taihen arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you very much) are standard keigo (honorific language) expressions. In these situations, the word has lost its negative connotation of 'difficulty' and simply serves as a formal intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.

本日はお越しいただき、大変ありがとうございます。

By paying attention to these different environments—the empathetic workplace, the struggling daily life, the serious news report, and the formal customer service interaction—you will develop a native-like intuition for when and how to deploy this essential vocabulary word.

While 大変な (taihen na) is an incredibly useful word, its broad range of meanings makes it susceptible to misuse by Japanese learners. One of the most frequent errors is confusing it with the word 難しい (muzukashii), which means 'difficult' in the sense of being complex or hard to understand. Learners often use 'taihen' when they should use 'muzukashii', and vice versa.

Taihen vs. Muzukashii: Use 'muzukashii' for intellectual complexity (like a math problem). Use 'taihen' for tasks that require physical or emotional endurance, regardless of their complexity.

この数学の問題は難しいです。(Not 大変です)

Another common mistake involves the grammatical structure when modifying nouns. Because the English translation 'difficult' is an adjective, learners sometimes treat 'taihen' as an i-adjective, saying things like 'taihen no shigoto' or just 'taihen shigoto'. It is crucial to remember that it is a na-adjective, and the 'na' must be present when directly preceding a noun.

Missing the 'Na' Particle: Failing to include 'na' before a noun is a grammatical error that immediately marks the speaker as a beginner.

それは大変な間違いです。

Furthermore, learners often overuse the adverbial form 'taihen' (meaning 'very') in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, using 'taihen' to mean 'very' in a chat with friends sounds unnaturally stiff and formal. In casual settings, words like 'totemo' (とても), 'sugoku' (すごく), or even slang like 'mecha' (めちゃ) are much more appropriate.

このケーキ、すごく美味しい！ (Instead of 大変美味しい)

Overusing in Casual Contexts: Using the formal 'very' (taihen) with friends creates an unnatural distance. Match your intensifiers to the formality of the situation.

面接では、大変緊張しました。

Lastly, a subtle mistake is using 'taihen desu ne' inappropriately. While it is a great phrase for empathy, using it when someone tells you about a minor, insignificant inconvenience can sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. It should be reserved for situations that genuinely require effort or cause notable distress.

骨折したんですか。それは大変ですね。

By being mindful of the distinction between complexity and burden, remembering the 'na' particle, matching the formality of intensifiers, and gauging the severity of a situation before offering empathy, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use the word with native-like precision.

The Japanese language is rich with vocabulary to describe difficulties, hardships, and severity. While 大変な (taihen na) is an excellent catch-all term, understanding its synonyms and related words will significantly elevate your Japanese proficiency and allow you to express nuances with greater accuracy. One of the closest synonyms in terms of describing a difficult situation is 困難な (konnan na). However, 'konnan' is much more formal and objective. It is often used in written Japanese, academic contexts, or official reports to describe obstacles or hardships that are difficult to overcome.

困難な (Konnan na) - Formal Difficulty: Used for objective, formal descriptions of hardship or obstacles. Less emotional than 'taihen'.

その計画を実行するのは困難な状況です。

Another related word is 辛い (tsurai), which translates to 'painful', 'bitter', or 'heartbreaking'. While 'taihen' focuses on the amount of effort required or the severity of a situation, 'tsurai' focuses entirely on the emotional or physical pain experienced by the individual. A job can be 'taihen' (requires a lot of work) without necessarily being 'tsurai' (emotionally painful), though they often overlap.

辛い (Tsurai) - Emotional Pain: Focuses on the subjective feeling of emotional distress, sadness, or physical pain caused by a situation.

ペットが死んでしまって、とても辛いです。

For situations that are severe or grave, particularly regarding problems or consequences, 深刻な (shinkoku na) is a highly relevant synonym. While 'taihen' can mean 'serious incident', 'shinkoku' specifically means 'serious', 'grave', or 'acute' in a way that implies deep concern or potential for major negative impact, such as a 'serious illness' or 'serious economic crisis'.

地球温暖化は深刻な問題です。

深刻な (Shinkoku na) - Grave or Serious: Implies a deep, critical severity, often used for problems that require urgent attention and have long-lasting consequences.

彼は深刻な顔をして話を聞いていた。

In casual, modern slang, the word やばい (yabai) often overlaps with 'taihen'. 'Yabai' originally meant 'dangerous' or 'risky' but has evolved to mean 'terrible', 'amazing', 'crazy', or 'awful' depending entirely on context. When a young person faces a difficult situation, they are much more likely to exclaim 'Yabai!' rather than 'Taihen da!'.

宿題を忘れた！やばい！

By distinguishing between the formal 'konnan', the emotional 'tsurai', the grave 'shinkoku', and the casual 'yabai', you can choose the perfect word to convey the exact flavor of difficulty or severity you are experiencing, making your Japanese much more expressive and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

このケーキは大変おいしいです。

This cake is very delicious.

Adverbial use: 大変 + Adjective.

今日は大変寒いです。

It is very cold today.

Adverbial use modifying an i-adjective.

それは大変ですね。

That's tough, isn't it. (Sympathy)

Set phrase for expressing sympathy.

大変ありがとうございます。

Thank you very much.

Formal adverbial use with a greeting.

テストは大変でした。

The test was hard.

Predicative use in the past tense.

大変大きい犬ですね。

That is a very big dog.

Adverbial use modifying an i-adjective.

仕事は大変ですか？

Is your job tough?

Question form using the copula.

大変よくできました。

You did very well.

Adverbial use modifying a verb.

これは大変な仕事です。

This is a tough job.

Na-adjective modifying a noun.

大変な一日でした。

It was a hard day.

Na-adjective modifying a noun in past tense context.

毎日料理をするのは大変です。

Cooking every day is tough.

Describing an action (verb + no wa) as tough.

大変なことになりました。

It has become a terrible situation.

Noun modification combined with 'ni naru' (to become).

子育ては大変なことが多いです。

There are many tough things about raising children.

Modifying 'koto' (things/matters).

大変なニュースを聞きました。

I heard some awful news.

Modifying a loanword noun.

引っ越しはとても大変でした。

Moving was very difficult.

Using 'totemo' to amplify the predicative 'taihen'.

大変な時期を乗り越える。

To overcome a difficult period.

Modifying a noun indicating time/period.

ご迷惑をおかけして、大変申し訳ありません。

I am very sorry for causing you trouble.

Formal adverbial use in a set business apology.

大変お世話になっております。

Thank you very much for your continuous support.

Standard formal business greeting.

昨日、高速道路で大変な事故があったそうです。

I heard there was a serious accident on the highway yesterday.

Using 'taihen na' to mean 'serious' or 'grave'.

準備が大変なので、手伝ってください。

The preparation is tough, so please help me.

Using 'node' (because) to explain a reason.

大変な努力の結果、ついに合格しました。

As a result of immense effort, I finally passed.

Modifying an abstract noun (effort).

あの人は大変な金持ちだ。

That person is extremely rich.

Used to emphasize a state or condition (very rich).

大変お待たせいたしました。

Thank you very much for waiting.

Keigo (honorific) expression in customer service.

彼を説得するのは大変な作業になるだろう。

Persuading him will likely be a difficult task.

Predictive statement using 'darou'.

このプロジェクトの失敗は、会社にとって大変な損失だ。

The failure of this project is a massive loss for the company.

Expressing significant negative impact.

大変な事態に発展する恐れがある。

There is a fear that it will develop into a serious situation.

Formal vocabulary (jitai, osore) combined with taihen.

彼女は大変な才能の持ち主です。

She is an owner of immense talent.

Using taihen to mean 'immense' or 'extraordinary' in a positive sense.

大変ご無沙汰しておりますが、いかがお過ごしでしょうか。

It has been a very long time, how have you been?

Highly formal epistolary greeting.

その決定は、社会に大変な影響を与えた。

That decision had a tremendous impact on society.

Modifying abstract concepts like 'impact' or 'influence'.

大変な苦労をして、今の地位を築き上げた。

He built his current position through immense hardship.

Combining with 'kurou' (hardship) for emphasis.

皆様には大変ご心配をおかけいたしました。

I have caused everyone a great deal of worry.

Formal public apology structure.

これは人類にとって大変な脅威となる。

This will become a grave threat to humanity.

Academic or journalistic tone.

大変なご厚情を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます。

I express my deepest gratitude for your immense kindness.

Highly formal written Japanese (kango and keigo).

事の重大さに気づいた時は、すでに大変な騒ぎになっていた。

By the time I realized the gravity of the situation, it had already become a massive uproar.

Narrative structure describing an escalating situation.

彼は大変な読書家で、蔵書は数万冊に及ぶ。

He is an extraordinary reader, with a collection reaching tens of thousands of books.

Using taihen to describe an extreme degree of a personal trait.

大変恐縮ですが、ご提案には賛同いたしかねます。

I am extremely sorry, but I cannot agree with your proposal.

Advanced business refusal using 'kyoushuku'.

その場の空気を読むのは、外国人にとって大変な至難の業だ。

Reading the atmosphere is an incredibly difficult feat for foreigners.

Idiomatic expression (shinan no waza) modified by taihen.

大変な時期を共に乗り越えたからこそ、強い絆が生まれた。

Precisely because we overcame a terrible period together, a strong bond was born.

Using 'kara koso' for emphasis on the shared hardship.

彼が突然辞任するとは、大変な驚きをもって受け止められた。

His sudden resignation was received with immense surprise.

Passive voice in a journalistic context.

大変な手間暇をかけて作られた伝統工芸品。

A traditional craft made by spending an immense amount of time and effort.

Modifying the idiomatic phrase 'temahima' (time and effort).

未曾有の災害を前に、我々は大変な無力感を覚えた。

Faced with an unprecedented disaster, we felt a profound sense of powerlessness.

Literary and highly formal vocabulary (mizou, muryokukan).

彼の功績は、日本の近代史において大変な意義を持つ。

His achievements hold immense significance in the modern history of Japan.

Academic discourse on historical significance.

大変な物議を醸す発言であったが、彼は一歩も引かなかった。

It was a statement that caused immense controversy, but he did not step back an inch.

Modifying an idiom (butsugi wo kamosu).

その小説は、人間の心の闇を大変な筆力で描き出している。

That novel depicts the darkness of the human heart with extraordinary writing prowess.

Literary critique vocabulary.

大変なご心労であったと拝察いたします。

I presume it must have been an immense mental strain for you.

Supreme level of empathetic keigo (haisatsu itashimasu).

歴史の転換点とも言える、大変な局面に立たされている。

We are standing at a critical juncture that could be called a turning point in history.

Describing a macro-level abstract situation.

大変な傑作であると同時に、大変な問題作でもある。

It is an extraordinary masterpiece, and at the same time, a highly controversial work.

Parallel structure contrasting two extreme qualities.

事ここに至っては、もはや大変な覚悟が必要だ。

Now that things have come to this, a profound resolution is required.

Classical phrasing (koto koko ni itatte wa).

Collocations courantes

大変な仕事

大変なこと

大変な事故

大変な騒ぎ

大変な被害

大変な努力

大変な時期

大変な思い

大変な人気

大変な目

Phrases Courantes

大変ですね

大変お世話になっております

大変申し訳ありません

大変お待たせいたしました

大変なことになる

大変な目に遭う

大変な思いをする

大変お疲れ様でした

大変ご無沙汰しております

大変な騒ぎになる

Souvent confondu avec

大変な vs 難しい (muzukashii - difficult/complex)

大変な vs 忙しい (isogashii - busy)

大変な vs 辛い (tsurai - emotionally painful)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

大変な vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Carries a strong emotional weight of burden, effort, or severity, unlike objective words for difficulty.

formality

Highly adaptable. Can be used in the most casual slang or the most rigid keigo.

Erreurs courantes

Saying '大変仕事' instead of '大変な仕事'.
Taihen is a na-adjective. The 'na' particle is required to connect it to a noun.
Using '大変' for a complex math problem.
Taihen refers to physical or emotional burden, not intellectual complexity.
Using '大変' to mean 'very' with friends.
While grammatically correct, 'taihen' as 'very' sounds too formal for casual chats.
Saying '大変ですね' for a truly tragic event.
'Taihen desu ne' is for everyday hardships. Using it for a death or major tragedy sounds too light and insensitive.
Conjugating it like an i-adjective (大変くない).
Na-adjectives take the copula conjugations (ja nai, deshita, ja nakatta), not the i-adjective conjugations (-kunai).

Astuces

Don't Forget the 'Na'

Always remember that when modifying a noun, it must be '大変な' (taihen na), not just '大変'. E.g., 大変な仕事.

The Empathy Phrase

Memorize '大変ですね' (Taihen desu ne). Use it whenever someone tells you they are busy, tired, or facing a minor problem.

Taihen vs. Muzukashii

Use 'muzukashii' for brain power (puzzles, math). Use 'taihen' for muscle power or endurance (heavy lifting, long hours).

Formal 'Very'

In business emails, replace 'とても' (totemo) with '大変' (taihen) to sound more professional and polite.

Tone Matters

Listen to the speaker's tone. A soft tone means sympathy ('That's tough'). A sharp, serious tone means gravity ('This is a serious incident').

Adverbial Form

When modifying verbs or adjectives, drop the 'na'. Just use '大変' (e.g., 大変疲れた - I am very tired).

Humble Hardship

It's polite to acknowledge others' 'taihen' situations, but try not to overemphasize your own 'taihen' situations to avoid sounding like a complainer.

Set Phrases

Learn set phrases as single units of vocabulary: 大変お世話になっております (Thank you for your support) is essential for business.

Casual Empathy

With close friends, drop the 'desu' and say '大変だね' (Taihen da ne) or 'それは大変だったね' (Sore wa taihen datta ne) for past tense.

News Context

When reading the news, '大変な' almost always translates to 'serious', 'grave', or 'disastrous' rather than just 'difficult'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a BIG (大) STRANGE (変) monster attacking the city. Dealing with it is TAIHEN NA (a tough/serious situation)!

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Contexte culturel

Using 'taihen' to describe your own situation too often can sound like complaining. It is better used to sympathize with others.

Ranges from casual empathy (大変だね) to the highest levels of formal business apologies (大変申し訳ございません).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"最近、仕事は大変ですか？ (Has work been tough lately?)"

"日本語の勉強で一番大変なことは何ですか？ (What is the hardest thing about studying Japanese?)"

"子育てで大変な時期はいつでしたか？ (When was the toughest period of raising children?)"

"引っ越しは大変でしたか？ (Was moving difficult?)"

"毎日の通勤は大変じゃないですか？ (Isn't your daily commute tough?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今までで一番大変だった経験について書いてください。(Write about your toughest experience so far.)

なぜ日本語の勉強は大変だと思いますか？(Why do you think studying Japanese is tough?)

大変な時、どうやってストレスを解消しますか？(How do you relieve stress during tough times?)

あなたの国で、今一番大変な社会問題は何ですか？(What is the most serious social problem in your country right now?)

「大変ですね」と言われて嬉しかった時のことを書いてください。(Write about a time you were happy someone said 'That's tough' to you.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Muzukashii' means difficult in terms of complexity, like a math problem or a puzzle. 'Taihen' means difficult in terms of the physical or emotional effort required, like carrying heavy boxes or working a 12-hour shift. A task can be simple but 'taihen', or complex but not 'taihen'.

You can, but it sounds a bit stiff and formal. In casual conversation with friends, it is much more natural to use words like とても (totemo), すごく (sugoku), or めちゃくちゃ (mechakucha) to mean 'very'.

It is a cultural reflex to show empathy and acknowledge another person's effort or hardship. It builds social harmony. Even if the hardship seems minor to you, acknowledging it is considered polite and caring.

It is a na-adjective. This means you must add 'na' when it comes directly before a noun (e.g., 大変な仕事). When it comes at the end of a sentence, you drop the 'na' and use the copula (e.g., 仕事は大変です).

Generally, it has a negative connotation of hardship or severity. However, when used as an adverb (大変), it can amplify positive words (e.g., 大変美味しい - very delicious). Occasionally, 'taihen na' can mean 'extraordinary' in a positive sense, like '大変な才能' (immense talent).

The standard formal apology in business Japanese is '大変申し訳ありません' (Taihen moushiwake arimasen) or '大変申し訳ございません' (Taihen moushiwake gozaimasen). This translates to 'I am extremely sorry'.

It is a common phrase that translates to 'It will become a terrible situation' or 'Things will get out of hand'. It is used to warn someone of severe negative consequences if an action is or isn't taken.

You can say '大変でした' (Taihen deshita) to mean 'It was tough'. If you want to be more specific, you can use the idiom '大変な思いをしました' (Taihen na omoi o shimashita), which means 'I experienced a lot of hardship'.

Yes, it is grammatically correct and common. However, in Japanese culture, complaining too much about your own situation can be seen negatively. It is often better to use it to sympathize with others.

The kanji are 大 (dai/tai) meaning 'big' or 'great', and 変 (hen) meaning 'change' or 'strange'. Together, they literally mean a 'great change' or 'major incident', which evolved to mean something tough or serious.

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Translate: 'This is a tough job.'

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

Use 'taihen na' to modify 'shigoto' (job).