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B1 adjective #31 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

tough

상위 31

At the A1 level, 'tough' is a word you might use to describe something that is very hard to do or something that is hard to eat. For example, if you have a big test and you find it very difficult, you can say, 'The test is tough.' If you are eating a piece of meat and it is hard to chew, you can say, 'This meat is tough.' It is like the word 'hard.' You use it when you need to show that something is not easy. You might also hear people say 'tough luck' when something bad happens, like if you lose your ball. It is a simple way to talk about things that are not easy for you. You don't need to worry about the complicated meanings yet; just think of it as another way to say 'difficult' or 'very hard.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'tough' to describe people and situations more clearly. You might say a person is 'tough' if they are strong and don't cry easily when they get hurt. You can also use it for rules. If your parents have many rules, you could say they are 'tough.' In this level, you should also learn that 'tough' is different from 'soft.' A tough toy won't break if you drop it. You will also see 'tough' in sentences like 'It's tough to learn English,' where 'tough' is followed by 'to' and a verb. This is a very common way to use the word. Remember the pronunciation: it sounds like 'tuff,' ending with an 'f' sound. Don't confuse it with 'though'!

At the B1 level, 'tough' becomes a more nuanced tool for describing resilience and strictness. You can use it to describe a 'tough decision,' which is a choice that is very hard to make because both options might have bad results. You can also use it to describe a 'tough neighborhood,' meaning a place where life is hard and perhaps a bit dangerous. At this level, you should understand the phrase 'tough on crime' or 'tough on students,' which means being very strict and not allowing any mistakes. You are also expected to use the comparative 'tougher' and superlative 'toughest' correctly. For example, 'This problem is tougher than the last one.' You should also be familiar with the idiom 'tough luck,' used to express that someone has to accept an unfortunate situation.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'tough' in a variety of idiomatic and professional contexts. You might talk about 'tough competition' in business or a 'tough negotiator' who is very good at getting what they want. You should understand the concept of 'tough love,' where being strict is actually a way of being kind. You can also use 'tough' as a way to describe mental fortitude, such as 'mental toughness.' At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'tough,' 'hard,' and 'difficult' based on the context. For instance, you know that 'tough' implies a certain resistance or durability that 'difficult' does not always have. You might also use it in more complex sentence structures, like 'Tough as it was, he managed to finish the project on time.'

At the C1 level, your use of 'tough' should reflect an understanding of its subtle connotations in formal and informal registers. You might use it to describe 'stringent' or 'rigorous' conditions in a more colloquial way, or use it to describe the 'rugged' nature of a landscape. You should be comfortable with phrases like 'toughing it out,' which means enduring a difficult situation until it ends. You can use 'tough' to describe a 'tough call' in a professional setting, indicating a decision that required deep thought and had significant consequences. You should also be aware of how 'tough' can be used to describe an uncompromising stance in political or legal discourse, such as 'tough sentencing guidelines.' Your vocabulary should also include synonyms like 'arduous' or 'strenuous' for when 'tough' feels too informal for your writing.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'tough' and can use it to convey precise shades of meaning. You understand its historical development and how it relates to concepts of physical and moral strength. You can use it in highly idiomatic ways, such as 'a tough nut to crack' or 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going.' You are able to use 'tough' to critique a person's character or a government's policy with sophistication, recognizing the difference between being 'tough' (resilient/firm) and being 'callous' (unfeeling). You can also play with the word in creative writing to evoke specific textures or atmospheres, and you are fully aware of its phonetic relationship with other '-ough' words, using this knowledge to avoid any errors in complex written tasks. Your use of 'tough' is natural, precise, and contextually perfect.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

tough 30초 만에

Tough describes physical durability, such as strong materials like leather or rubber that do not break easily.
It refers to mental resilience, describing people who can endure hardship, stress, or pain without giving up.
Tough characterizes difficult situations, problems, or decisions that require significant effort or thought to resolve.
It signifies strictness or a lack of leniency, often used to describe rules, laws, or authoritative figures.

The word tough is one of the most versatile adjectives in the English language, acting as a linguistic bridge between physical properties and abstract emotional or situational states. At its core, 'tough' describes something that is strong, durable, and resistant to force or pressure. When we talk about physical objects, 'tough' suggests a quality that prevents breaking, tearing, or wearing down easily. For example, leather is a tough material because it can withstand significant friction and tension without falling apart. In the culinary world, 'tough' often has a slightly negative connotation, referring to meat that is difficult to chew because the fibers are strong and resilient. However, the true depth of 'tough' emerges when it is applied to human character and life situations. When a person is described as tough, it implies a high degree of resilience, courage, and the ability to endure hardship without giving up. It is not just about physical strength; it is about mental fortitude. In a situational context, a 'tough' problem or a 'tough' day refers to something that is exceptionally difficult to manage or resolve. People use this word in almost every facet of life, from sports and business to personal relationships and academic challenges. It is a word that conveys respect for strength but also acknowledges the reality of difficulty. Understanding 'tough' requires recognizing whether the speaker is referring to the durability of a material, the difficulty of a task, or the resilience of a human spirit.

Physical Durability: Refers to materials like rubber, leather, or specialized plastics that do not break easily under stress.

The hiker wore tough boots to protect his feet from the sharp rocks on the mountain trail.

Mental Resilience: Describes a person who can handle stress, criticism, or emotional pain without becoming overwhelmed.

She is a tough negotiator who never backs down until she gets the best deal for her company.

Furthermore, 'tough' is frequently used to describe strictness or lack of leniency. A teacher might be 'tough' on their students, meaning they have high standards and do not accept excuses. A government might be 'tough' on crime, meaning they implement strict laws and harsh punishments. This nuance of the word suggests a deliberate choice to be firm and uncompromising. In informal settings, 'tough' can also mean 'unfortunate' in the phrase 'tough luck,' which is often used somewhat unsympathetically to tell someone they must accept a bad situation. The word also appears in the concept of 'tough love,' where someone treats another person harshly or strictly with the intention of helping them in the long run. Whether you are talking about a piece of steak that is hard to chew or a marathon that is hard to finish, 'tough' encapsulates the essence of resistance and the effort required to overcome it. It is a word that demands effort from the subject and respect from the observer.

It was a tough decision to sell the family home, but they knew it was the right thing to do.

Strictness: The quality of being firm and refusing to be influenced by pleas or excuses.

The coach is very tough on the players during practice to ensure they are ready for the championship.

The economy is going through a tough period, and many small businesses are struggling to survive.

Using the word 'tough' correctly involves understanding its placement as an adjective and its various semantic roles. Most commonly, 'tough' precedes the noun it modifies, such as in 'a tough exam' or 'a tough guy.' However, it can also follow a linking verb like 'be,' 'seem,' or 'become,' as in 'The exam was tough' or 'He became tough after years of training.' When using 'tough' to describe difficulty, it is often followed by an infinitive phrase (to + verb) to specify what exactly is difficult. For example, 'It is tough to find a good job in this city.' This structure is very common in both spoken and written English. Another frequent pattern is 'tough on [someone/something],' which indicates strictness or a lack of mercy. For instance, 'The new law is tough on pollution.' This suggests that the law imposes significant penalties or requirements. In comparative and superlative forms, we use 'tougher' and 'toughest.' You might say, 'This year's competition is tougher than last year's,' or 'That was the toughest challenge I have ever faced.' These forms are essential for ranking difficulties or levels of resilience.

Infinitive Pattern: Used to describe the difficulty of performing a specific action.

It is tough to admit when you are wrong, but it is necessary for growth.

Prepositional Pattern: Using 'on' to show who or what is receiving the strict or harsh treatment.

Don't be so tough on yourself; everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

In more complex sentence structures, 'tough' can be used to describe the nature of a period of time or a specific environment. For example, 'Living in the Arctic is tough because of the extreme cold.' Here, 'tough' summarizes the overall experience of hardship. It can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe a 'tough market' or 'tough competition,' where the difficulty arises from external pressures and the high quality of others. When describing people, 'tough' can be modified by adverbs to show degree, such as 'mentally tough,' 'physically tough,' or 'surprisingly tough.' This allows for more precision in your descriptions. For example, 'The marathon runner was mentally tough enough to keep going despite the pain.' By combining 'tough' with these adverbs, you can pinpoint exactly where the strength or difficulty lies. Additionally, 'tough' is often used in the phrase 'get tough,' which means to start acting more strictly or firmly. 'The police are getting tough on speeding.' This implies a change in attitude or policy toward a more rigorous approach.

The manager decided to get tough with employees who were constantly late for work.

Comparative/Superlative: Comparing levels of difficulty or strength between two or more things.

This is the toughest puzzle I have ever tried to solve.

Growing up in a tough neighborhood taught him how to be independent and resourceful.

The word 'tough' is ubiquitous in everyday English, appearing in contexts ranging from high-stakes news reports to casual kitchen conversations. In the world of sports, you will hear commentators describe an athlete as 'tough' when they play through an injury or maintain focus under intense pressure. It is a badge of honor in athletic circles, signifying that a player has the grit to overcome physical and mental obstacles. In business and economics, 'tough' is used to describe market conditions, negotiations, and leadership styles. A 'tough quarter' for a company means they faced significant financial challenges, while a 'tough boss' is someone who demands high performance and offers little room for error. News anchors often use the word when discussing policy changes, such as 'tough new sanctions' or 'tough immigration laws,' highlighting the restrictive and serious nature of these measures. In these professional contexts, 'tough' carries a weight of seriousness and consequence.

Sports Commentary: Used to praise athletes for their endurance and ability to handle physical contact or stress.

That was a tough loss for the team, but they showed great heart throughout the game.

Business and Finance: Describes difficult economic climates or uncompromising professional interactions.

We are facing some tough competition from emerging tech companies in Asia.

In casual, daily life, 'tough' is used to describe everything from food to feelings. If you're at a restaurant and the steak is overcooked, you might tell the waiter it's 'too tough.' If a friend is going through a breakup, you might say, 'I know things are tough right now, but you'll get through it.' In this sense, 'tough' is a sympathetic way to acknowledge someone's pain without being overly dramatic. You also hear it in common idioms like 'tough luck' or 'tough break,' which are used when something unfortunate happens. In pop culture, the 'tough' persona is often celebrated in action movies and crime dramas, where characters must make 'tough calls' (difficult decisions) to save the day. Even in parenting, the term 'tough love' is a well-known concept referring to a style of raising children that emphasizes discipline and responsibility over immediate comfort. Whether it's a 'tough crowd' at a comedy club or a 'tough nut to crack' (a difficult problem to solve), the word is deeply embedded in the way English speakers describe the challenges of the world.

It's a tough world out there, so you need to be prepared for anything.

Everyday Conversation: Used to empathize with others' difficulties or describe physical sensations like hard food.

The exam was really tough, but I think I managed to pass.

He had a tough childhood, but it made him the strong person he is today.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word 'tough' is confusing it with other words that have similar spellings but completely different pronunciations and meanings. The group of words including 'tough,' 'though,' 'thought,' 'through,' and 'thorough' is a notorious source of frustration. 'Tough' is pronounced with a short 'u' sound and an 'f' sound at the end (/tʌf/), which is very different from 'though' (/ðoʊ/) or 'through' (/θruː/). Misspelling 'tough' as 'tuff' is another common error, especially because 'tuff' is a phonetic spelling that occasionally appears in very informal slang or as a brand name, but it is incorrect in standard English. Another mistake involves the misuse of 'tough' versus 'hard.' While they are often synonyms, 'tough' specifically implies resilience and resistance to breaking, whereas 'hard' can simply mean solid or not soft. You wouldn't say a diamond is 'tough' in the same way you'd say it's 'hard,' because diamonds are actually brittle and can shatter, even though they are the hardest natural substance. 'Tough' is better suited for things that bend but don't break, like rubber or a resilient person.

Spelling Confusion: Mixing up 'tough' with 'though', 'thought', or 'through' due to the -ough ending.

Incorrect: Even tough it was raining, we went for a walk. (Should be 'though')

Tough vs. Hard: Using 'tough' for things that are just solid, rather than resilient or difficult.

The rock was very tough. (Better: 'hard')

Learners also sometimes struggle with the adverbial form. While 'toughly' exists, it is rarely used in modern English. Instead, the adjective 'tough' is often used in adverbial phrases like 'hang tough' or 'play tough.' If you want to describe an action done in a tough manner, it is often better to use a different adverb like 'firmly,' 'harshly,' or 'resiliently.' For example, instead of saying 'He spoke toughly to the students,' you might say 'He spoke firmly' or 'He was tough on the students.' Additionally, the phrase 'tough luck' is sometimes misused by learners who think it is a way to wish someone luck in a difficult situation. In reality, it is usually a way of saying 'that's too bad' (and sometimes it's quite unsympathetic). Using it to encourage someone before an exam would be a confusing mistake. Finally, avoid using 'tough' to describe a person's physical appearance unless you mean they look strong and capable of fighting; using it to mean 'unattractive' or 'rough-looking' can be offensive or misinterpreted.

Incorrect: I wish you tough luck on your test! (Should be 'good luck')

Adverbial Misuse: Using 'toughly' where 'firmly' or a different structure would be more natural.

He handled the situation toughly. (Better: 'He took a tough stance on the situation.')

Incorrect: The steak was so hard I couldn't eat it. (Better: 'tough' for meat)

While 'tough' is a fantastic all-purpose word, expanding your vocabulary with its synonyms can help you be more precise in your descriptions. When you are talking about a difficult task, words like challenging, demanding, or arduous are excellent alternatives. 'Challenging' is often more positive, suggesting a difficulty that is stimulating. 'Demanding' implies that the task requires a lot of time, effort, or skill. 'Arduous' is used for tasks that are physically exhausting and take a long time, like an 'arduous journey.' If you are describing a person's character, you might use resilient, hardy, or stoic. 'Resilient' specifically means the ability to bounce back from trouble. 'Hardy' is often used for people or plants that can survive cold or harsh conditions. 'Stoic' describes someone who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. For materials, durable, sturdy, and rugged are great choices. 'Durable' is common in consumer goods (durable goods), 'sturdy' is for furniture or structures, and 'rugged' is for terrain or equipment designed for outdoor use.

Tough vs. Difficult: 'Difficult' is a general term for anything not easy. 'Tough' adds a sense of physical or emotional resistance.

Solving the math problem was difficult, but the training for the marathon was tough.

Tough vs. Resilient: 'Tough' is the ability to withstand pressure; 'resilient' is the ability to recover after the pressure is gone.

He is tough during the fight, but he is also resilient enough to recover quickly from his injuries.

In formal writing, you might want to avoid the somewhat informal 'tough' and opt for more academic terms. Instead of 'a tough policy,' you could use stringent or rigorous. 'Stringent' is perfect for rules and regulations that must be strictly followed. 'Rigorous' is ideal for academic or scientific processes that are extremely thorough and demanding. If you are describing a person who is uncompromising, adamant or resolute might be better choices. 'Adamant' means refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind, while 'resolute' means admirably purposeful and determined. On the opposite side, the antonyms of 'tough' include easy, soft, fragile, and lenient. Choosing the right antonym depends on which sense of 'tough' you are contrasting. If you mean 'not difficult,' use 'easy.' If you mean 'not physically strong,' use 'fragile.' If you mean 'not strict,' use 'lenient.' By understanding these nuances, you can navigate the English language with much greater sophistication.

The stringent safety regulations were put in place to prevent any further accidents.

Tough vs. Stringent: 'Tough' is common and versatile; 'stringent' is formal and specifically refers to rules or requirements.

The arduous trek through the jungle took three weeks to complete.

She was resolute in her decision to finish her degree despite the financial difficulties.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"The administration has implemented stringent measures to address the fiscal deficit."

중립

"The exam was quite tough this year."

비격식체

"That's a tough break, man."

Child friendly

"This toy is very tough, so it won't break if you drop it."

속어

"He thinks he's a tough guy, but he's a softie."

재미있는 사실

The word 'tough' is related to the German word 'zähe', which also means tough or chewy. It has been used in English for over a thousand years.

발음 가이드

UK /tʌf/

US /tʌf/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

라임이 맞는 단어

rough enough stuff puff bluff cuff fluff buff

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it like 'though' (rhymes with go)
Pronouncing it like 'thought' (rhymes with caught)
Pronouncing it like 'through' (rhymes with blue)
Forgetting the 'f' sound at the end
Confusing it with 'tuff' in writing

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize but spelling can be confused with other -ough words.

쓰기 3/5

Spelling is the main challenge for learners.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'f' sound is often tricky for non-native speakers.

듣기 3/5

Can be confused with 'though' or 'thought' in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

hard strong difficult easy break

다음에 배울 것

resilient durable stringent arduous sturdy

고급

tenacious uncompromising fortitude rigorous impervious

알아야 할 문법

Adjectives ending in -ough

Tough, rough, and enough all end with the /f/ sound.

Comparative and Superlative

Tough -> Tougher -> Toughest.

Tough + Infinitive

It is tough to understand his accent.

Tough as an Adverb

In phrases like 'hang tough', the adjective acts as an adverb.

Tough on + Object

The manager is tough on new employees.

수준별 예문

The exam was very tough.

The test was very hard.

Adjective after 'was'.

This meat is tough.

This meat is hard to chew.

Adjective describing food.

He is a tough boy.

He is a strong boy.

Adjective before a noun.

It is a tough day.

It is a difficult day.

Adjective describing a period of time.

Tough luck!

Bad luck!

Common idiomatic phrase.

The ball is tough.

The ball is hard and strong.

Describing physical durability.

She has a tough job.

Her work is hard.

Adjective modifying 'job'.

Is the game tough?

Is the game difficult?

Question form.

It is tough to climb this hill.

It is hard to go up this hill.

Tough + to + verb.

My teacher is tough but fair.

My teacher is strict but honest.

Describing personality/strictness.

These boots are made of tough leather.

These boots use strong material.

Describing material property.

He had a tough time last week.

He had many problems last week.

Describing an experience.

The players are very tough.

The players are strong and resilient.

Plural subject.

Is it tough to learn to drive?

Is learning to drive difficult?

Infinitive phrase as subject.

The plastic is tough and won't break.

The plastic is strong.

Compound adjective phrase.

Don't be tough on him.

Don't be strict with him.

Tough + on + object.

It was a tough decision to move to another country.

It was a very hard choice.

Describing a mental challenge.

The economy is in a tough position right now.

The economy is facing difficulties.

Describing an abstract situation.

She is tough enough to handle the pressure.

She has the strength for the stress.

Tough + enough + to + verb.

The government is taking a tough stance on crime.

The government is being very strict.

Collocation: 'tough stance'.

He grew up in a tough neighborhood.

He lived in a difficult area.

Describing an environment.

That was the toughest race I've ever run.

That was the most difficult race.

Superlative form.

You need to be tough to survive in the wild.

You must be resilient.

General requirement.

It's tough luck that the flight was canceled.

It's unfortunate about the flight.

Idiomatic usage.

The company faced tough competition from its rivals.

The company had strong competitors.

Describing market dynamics.

Sometimes you have to show some tough love.

Sometimes you must be strict to help someone.

Idiomatic compound noun.

He's a tough nut to crack, but I think I can convince him.

He is a difficult person to influence.

Metaphorical idiom.

The new regulations are particularly tough on small businesses.

The rules are hard for small companies.

Tough + on + specific group.

She's been through some tough times lately, but she's staying positive.

She had many hardships.

Describing personal history.

The negotiator was known for being tough but fair.

The negotiator was uncompromising but just.

Professional characterization.

It's a tough call, but we have to make a choice.

It's a difficult decision.

Collocation: 'tough call'.

The fabric is tough and water-resistant.

The material is durable.

Technical description.

The candidate faced a tough line of questioning from the journalists.

The questions were very difficult and critical.

Describing intellectual rigor.

He had to tough it out until the end of the semester.

He had to endure the difficulty.

Phrasal verb usage.

The city has implemented tough new measures to reduce pollution.

The city has new strict rules.

Describing policy.

Despite the tough exterior, he is actually quite sensitive.

He looks strong but is emotional.

Contrasting appearance and reality.

The team showed incredible mental toughness during the final minutes.

The team was very strong mentally.

Noun form 'toughness'.

It was a tough break for the young athlete to get injured now.

It was very bad luck.

Idiom: 'tough break'.

The market has become increasingly tough for new entrants.

The market is very competitive.

Adverb + adjective.

She took a tough stance against the proposed changes.

She strongly opposed the changes.

Describing a position.

The legal battle proved to be a tough and protracted affair.

The court case was hard and long.

Describing a complex process.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Strong people take action when things are hard.

Proverbial usage.

The report paints a tough picture of the future of the industry.

The report shows a difficult future.

Metaphorical 'picture'.

He is a tough-minded individual who doesn't let emotions cloud his judgment.

He is very rational and firm.

Compound adjective.

The steak was tough as old boots, making it nearly inedible.

The meat was extremely hard to chew.

Simile usage.

The judge's tough reputation preceded him in the courtroom.

People knew he was very strict.

Describing reputation.

The negotiation reached a tough impasse that lasted for days.

The talk reached a difficult dead end.

Describing a stalemate.

The environmental conditions were so tough that only a few species could survive.

The environment was extremely harsh.

Describing ecological limits.

자주 쓰는 조합

tough decision

tough competition

tough luck

tough guy

tough meat

tough stance

tough break

tough neighborhood

tough assignment

mentally tough

자주 쓰는 구문

tough it out

tough love

a tough nut to crack

get tough

hang tough

tough call

tough row to hoe

as tough as old boots

tough sledding

talk tough

자주 혼동되는 단어

tough vs though

Means 'despite the fact that'. Pronounced /ðoʊ/.

tough vs thought

Past tense of 'think'. Pronounced /θɔːt/.

tough vs through

Means 'from one side to the other'. Pronounced /θruː/.

관용어 및 표현

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going"

Strong people take action when they face difficulties.

We have a lot of work to do, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going!

proverbial

"Tough cookies"

A strong, resilient person who is not easily discouraged.

She's one tough cookie; she didn't let the failure stop her.

informal

"Tough act to follow"

Someone or something that was so good it is hard for the next one to be better.

The previous CEO was a tough act to follow.

neutral

"Tough pill to swallow"

A fact or situation that is very difficult to accept.

Losing the championship was a tough pill to swallow.

neutral

"Tough customer"

A person who is difficult to deal with or satisfy.

The salesman knew the woman was going to be a tough customer.

informal

"Tough at the top"

Being in a position of power is difficult and lonely.

He realized it's tough at the top when he had to fire his friend.

neutral

"Tough shit"

A very rude way to say 'that's too bad' or 'I don't care about your problem.'

You don't like the rules? Tough shit.

slang/vulgar

"Tough room"

An audience that is difficult to please or make laugh.

The comedian struggled because it was a tough room.

informal

"Tough break"

An instance of bad luck.

It was a tough break when his car broke down on the way to the interview.

neutral

"Tough titty"

A slang, somewhat rude way to say 'too bad.'

You lost your money? Tough titty.

slang

혼동하기 쉬운

tough vs hard

Both mean difficult.

'Hard' is more general; 'tough' implies resilience or durability.

A diamond is hard, but a rubber tire is tough.

tough vs difficult

Both mean not easy.

'Difficult' is often used for intellectual tasks; 'tough' for physical or emotional ones.

The math problem was difficult; the hike was tough.

tough vs strict

Both mean following rules closely.

'Strict' is the standard word; 'tough' is more informal and implies a stronger personality.

A strict teacher follows rules; a tough teacher is hard to please.

tough vs rough

Similar sound and spelling.

'Rough' means not smooth; 'tough' means strong or difficult.

The sea was rough, making the journey tough.

tough vs sturdy

Both mean strong.

'Sturdy' is usually for furniture/objects; 'tough' is for materials or people.

The chair is sturdy; the leather is tough.

문장 패턴

The [noun] is tough.

The meat is tough.

It is tough to [verb].

It is tough to run.

A tough [noun] to [verb].

A tough decision to make.

[Subject] is tough on [Object].

He is tough on his kids.

Tough as [Subject] [Verb], ...

Tough as it was, we finished.

[Noun] is as tough as [Noun].

He is as tough as nails.

Get tough with [someone].

The boss got tough with him.

Show some tough love.

She showed him some tough love.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

자주 하는 실수

Even tough it was cold... → Even though it was cold...
Confusing 'tough' with 'though'. 'Though' is for contrast; 'tough' is for difficulty.
The rock is very tough. → The rock is very hard.
'Hard' is better for minerals; 'tough' is for materials that don't break easily like rubber.
I wish you tough luck! → I wish you good luck!
'Tough luck' means bad luck. You shouldn't wish it on someone!
He is a tought man. → He is a tough man.
Adding a 't' at the end is a common spelling error based on the word 'thought'.
The meat was very hard. → The meat was very tough.
In English, we specifically use 'tough' to describe meat that is difficult to chew.

팁

Use for Resilience

When describing someone who has survived a lot of problems, 'tough' is the perfect word to show respect for their strength.

The 'F' Sound

Always remember the 'f' sound at the end. If you don't say the 'f', people might think you are saying 'though'.

Synonym Variety

Instead of saying 'tough' every time, try 'demanding' for work or 'durable' for products to sound more fluent.

Tough Nut

Use 'a tough nut to crack' when you are talking about a very difficult puzzle or a person who is hard to get to know.

Tough On

Remember the preposition 'on'. You are tough 'on' someone when you are strict with them.

Ough Group

Group 'tough', 'rough', and 'enough' together in your mind because they all sound the same.

Cultural Note

In the US, 'tough' is often used to praise athletes. In the UK, it's also common but might be used more for 'tough luck'.

Avoid Slang

Avoid 'tough shit' in any professional or polite setting as it is considered very rude.

Listen for Tone

The meaning of 'tough luck' depends on the speaker's tone; it can be kind or very mean.

Hang Tough

Use 'hang tough' to encourage a friend who is going through a difficult time at work.

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기억법

Think of a 'Tough Guy' eating 'Tough Meat' in a 'Tough Neighborhood'. All three involve something hard to deal with.

시각적 연상

Imagine a piece of thick, old leather that you try to pull apart but it just won't break.

Word Web

Strength Difficulty Resilience Strictness Durability Hardship Firmness Endurance

챌린지

Try to use 'tough' in three different ways today: once for an object, once for a person, and once for a situation.

어원

Derived from the Old English word 'tōh', which meant 'tenacious' or 'strong'. It has roots in Proto-Germanic 'tanhuz'.

원래 의미: The original meaning referred to something that was sticky or tenacious, which evolved into the idea of something that holds together and is hard to break.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Be careful when calling a person 'tough' in a way that might imply they are aggressive or unfeeling.

Commonly used in sports, business, and daily life to show respect for strength or to complain about difficulty.

The movie 'Tough Guys' (1986) The song 'Tougher Than the Rest' by Bruce Springsteen The phrase 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going' by Billy Ocean

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Cooking

tough meat
too tough to chew
overcooked and tough
make the meat less tough

Sports

tough opponent
tough game
mentally tough
tough loss

Business

tough market
tough negotiation
tough decision
tough boss

Law/Policy

tough on crime
tough regulations
tough laws
tough stance

Emotions

tough times
tough break
tough love
tough it out

대화 시작하기

"What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make in your life?"

"Do you think it is important for children to have tough teachers?"

"What is the toughest physical challenge you have ever completed?"

"How do you stay tough when you are going through a difficult time?"

"Is it tougher to learn a new language or a new musical instrument?"

일기 주제

Describe a time when you had to be tough to overcome a personal obstacle.

Write about a person you know who is incredibly tough and what makes them that way.

Do you think the world is becoming a tougher place to live in? Why or why not?

Reflect on a 'tough choice' you made recently. What were the consequences?

What does 'mental toughness' mean to you in your daily work or studies?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It can be both. For a person, it is usually positive (resilient). For food, it is usually negative (hard to chew). For a task, it is neutral (difficult).

'Hard' means solid or difficult. 'Tough' means strong, resilient, or difficult. You can have 'tough meat' but not 'hard meat' in the same sense.

It rhymes with 'rough' and 'enough'. It sounds like 'tuff' (/tʌf/).

Yes, but it is rare. It is more common to say 'He took a tough approach' or 'He was tough on them'.

It is an informal way to say 'that's too bad,' often used when you don't really care or can't change the situation.

It is acceptable, but words like 'challenging,' 'arduous,' or 'stringent' are often better in formal academic writing.

It is the practice of being strict or firm with someone you love to help them in the long run.

It means to stay strong and not change your mind or give up during a difficult situation.

Not exactly. 'Strong' is about power; 'tough' is about the ability to withstand damage or pressure.

Yes, 'tough weather' means very harsh or difficult conditions like a blizzard or extreme heat.