Signification
A period of hardship or struggle.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often used in the context of 'Sanyam' (patience). Maharashtrians value the ability to stay calm during a 'कठीण काळ'. Many famous Marathi novels, such as 'Mrityunjay', use this phrase to describe the struggles of epic heroes like Karna. Spiritual leaders use this phrase to teach that worldly hardships are temporary and can be overcome by faith. In Pune and Mumbai's tech hubs, 'कठीण काळ' is used to describe project delays or market crashes.
Use with 'ओढवणे'
For a more formal and dramatic effect, use the verb 'ओढवणे' (to befall) instead of 'येणे' (to come).
Avoid 'Hard' for Tasks
Remember, 'Kathiṇ' is for hardness/hardship. For a difficult task, 'Avghaḍ' is often more natural.
Signification
A period of hardship or struggle.
Use with 'ओढवणे'
For a more formal and dramatic effect, use the verb 'ओढवणे' (to befall) instead of 'येणे' (to come).
Avoid 'Hard' for Tasks
Remember, 'Kathiṇ' is for hardness/hardship. For a difficult task, 'Avghaḍ' is often more natural.
The Oblique Rule
Always change 'काळ' to 'काळा' before adding 'त', 'साठी', or 'मुळे'.
Empathy First
In Marathi culture, acknowledging someone's 'कठीण काळ' is a sign of deep respect and empathy.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'काळ'.
आम्ही कठीण ______ आहोत. (We are in a hard time.)
The postposition 'त' (in) requires the oblique form 'काळा'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a financial crisis?
Choose the best option:
'कठीण काळ' is the standard phrase for a period of hardship.
Complete the dialogue.
A: माझी परीक्षा खूप वाईट गेली. B: काळजी नको करू, ______.
This is a common way to encourage someone.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: A country facing a war.
War is a classic example of a 'कठीण काळ'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Kathiṇ vs Avghaḍ
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesआम्ही कठीण ______ आहोत. (We are in a hard time.)
The postposition 'त' (in) requires the oblique form 'काळा'.
Choose the best option:
'कठीण काळ' is the standard phrase for a period of hardship.
A: माझी परीक्षा खूप वाईट गेली. B: काळजी नको करू, ______.
This is a common way to encourage someone.
Situation: A country facing a war.
War is a classic example of a 'कठीण काळ'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, it almost exclusively refers to negative or challenging periods.
It's understood but sounds like a literal translation from Hindi. 'कठीण काळ' is more natural Marathi.
You say 'मी कठीण काळातून जात आहे.'
The opposite is 'चांगला काळ' (good time) or 'सुवर्णकाळ' (golden age).
It is neutral and can be used in both formal news and informal chats.
It's better to use 'अवघड परीक्षा'. Use 'कठीण काळ' for the stressful month of studying.
No, 'काळा' (Kāḷā) means black. 'काळ' (Kāḷ) means time. They sound similar but are different.
Marathi usually keeps it singular to represent the 'period'. If you mean multiple separate eras, it remains 'कठीण काळ'.
Yes, 'बेकार दिवस' or 'वांदे' (slang for trouble/scarcity).
Marathi uses the retroflex 'ḷ' (ळ), which requires curling the tongue back. It's different from the English 'L'.
Yes, it's very appropriate for discussing market challenges.
It acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'Kāḷ'.
Yes, many emotional Marathi songs use it to describe life's journey.
Only if you are adding a postposition, like 'कठीण काळाचा'.
Expressions liées
वाईट दिवस
synonymBad days
संकट
similarCrisis/Danger
सुवर्णकाळ
contrastGolden age
दुष्काळ
specialized formFamine/Drought
अडचण
similarDifficulty/Problem
