이 페이지를 내 언어로

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 14분 분량

困難な

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 困難な 30초 만에

설명 困難な in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'muzukashii' (難しい) for 'difficult'. 'Konnan' (困難) is a bit more advanced, but you might see it in simple signs or news headlines. Think of it as a 'big' word for 'hard'. You don't need to use it in daily life yet, but remember that it is a 'na-adjective', so you say 'konnan-na' before a noun. For example, 'konnan-na shigoto' (a hard job). It is used for serious things, not just a hard math problem. If you see this word, just know it means something is very, very hard to do because of a big problem.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between 'muzukashii' and 'konnan'. Use 'muzukashii' for things like 'Japanese is difficult' or 'this book is hard'. Use 'konnan' when you want to sound more serious or formal. For example, 'It is difficult to live here' could be 'Koko de seikatsu suru no wa konnan desu'. This sounds more like a factual problem (maybe no water or food) rather than just a personal feeling. You will often see it in the news when they talk about disasters or big problems in society. It's a good word to recognize when reading simple news articles.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'konnan' in professional or formal writing. It is a key word for describing challenges and obstacles. You should know the difference between 'konnan na' (adjective) and 'konnan' (noun). For example, 'konnan ni tachimukau' (to face difficulties). In business meetings, using 'konnan' instead of 'muzukashii' makes you sound more objective and professional. It suggests that the difficulty comes from the situation itself, not from your own lack of ability. You should also start learning common pairs like 'konnan na joukyou' (difficult situation) and 'jikkou konnan' (difficult to execute).

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'konnan' compared to 'kibishii', 'taihen', and 'kewashii'. You should be comfortable using it in academic essays or business reports to analyze problems. You should understand that 'konnan' often implies a systemic or physical barrier. For instance, in a debate about social issues, you might use 'seikatsu konnan-sha' to refer to people in financial distress. You should also be able to use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as '...to iu konnan na mondai ga shoujite iru' (...the difficult problem of ... has arisen). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the formal register it belongs to.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, you use 'konnan' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its etymology (the 'trapped tree' and 'adversity') and can use this to add depth to your writing. You are familiar with literary and technical compounds like 'shigoto-konnan' or 'gaishutsu-konnan' and use them naturally. You can use 'konnan' to express subtle shades of meaning—for example, using it to politely signal that a proposal is impossible without being confrontational. You also recognize it in classical-style modern prose and can appreciate how it sets a tone of gravitas and seriousness in high-level discourse.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, 'konnan' is a tool for nuanced philosophical or socio-political analysis. You can discuss the 'human condition' using terms like 'konnan na unmei' (a difficult fate) or analyze the 'konnan' inherent in geopolitical shifts. You are aware of how the word has been used historically in Japanese literature and political rhetoric to mobilize people or acknowledge national crises. You can switch between 'konnan' and its most obscure synonyms (like 'nanjuu' or 'kinku') to match the exact tone of a highly specialized text. Your mastery of this word allows you to participate in the highest levels of Japanese intellectual and professional life.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

困難な 30초 만에

A formal na-adjective meaning 'difficult' or 'challenging'.
Used for objective hardships and serious situational obstacles.
Common in news, business, and formal writing contexts.
Distinguished from 'muzukashii' by its gravity and formality.

The Japanese word 困難な (konnan-na) is a powerful adjectival noun (na-adjective) used to describe situations, tasks, or circumstances that are significantly difficult, challenging, or fraught with hardship. While the basic English translation is often 'difficult' or 'hard,' its nuance in Japanese carries a weight of seriousness and formality that distinguishes it from the more common word 難しい (muzukashii). When you use 困難な, you are often referring to an objective obstacle that requires great effort, resilience, or resources to overcome. It is the language of news reports, business strategy, historical accounts, and formal literature. It implies that the difficulty is not just a matter of personal skill, but a systemic or situational barrier that stands in the way of progress.

Objective Hardship: Unlike 'muzukashii' which can describe a math problem being tricky, 'konnan' usually refers to life-altering challenges like poverty, physical barriers, or complex social issues.
Formal Register: You will find this word frequently in academic writing, news broadcasts, and professional documents to maintain a serious tone.
Physical vs. Abstract: It can describe physical terrain that is hard to pass, as well as abstract concepts like 'difficult negotiations' or 'a hard decision'.

そのプロジェクトの達成は非常に困難な課題だった。 (Achieving that project was an extremely difficult task.)

To understand the depth of this word, one must look at the kanji. The first character, 困 (kon), depicts a tree (木) trapped inside a box or enclosure (口), symbolizing a state of distress, being cornered, or being in a fix. The second character, 難 (nan), represents calamity, hardship, or adversity. Together, they form a word that suggests being in a tight spot surrounded by adversity. This is why 困難な is often used when discussing social problems, such as 'difficulties in finding employment' (就職困難) or 'difficulties in living' (生活困難). It isn't just that something is 'not easy'; it's that the path forward is blocked by significant hurdles.

資金不足のため、継続は困難な状況にある。 (Due to a lack of funds, we are in a difficult situation to continue.)

In a societal context, Japanese speakers use this word to express empathy for those facing systemic barriers. For example, 'konnan na kankyou' (difficult environment) might refer to a child growing up in poverty. In business, 'konnan na koushou' (difficult negotiations) implies that both parties are at an impasse. Because it is a 'na-adjective', it requires the 'na' particle when modifying a noun directly, but can also be used as a noun itself (困難) or with 'da/desu' (困難だ) to state that a situation is difficult. Its versatility allows it to function as a cornerstone of formal Japanese communication, bridging the gap between simple description and serious analysis.

彼は困難な状況を乗り越えて成功した。 (He succeeded by overcoming difficult circumstances.)

When considering the emotional weight, 困難な carries a sense of gravitas. It suggests that the difficulty is something to be respected or taken seriously. In literature, a hero might face 'konnan na michinori' (a difficult journey), implying not just physical distance, but the trials and tribulations that forge character. In modern Japanese media, you will hear it used by politicians describing 'konnan na jidai' (difficult times), which serves to acknowledge collective hardship while often calling for perseverance. Understanding when to switch from the colloquial 'muzukashii' to the formal 'konnan' is a key marker of moving from intermediate to advanced Japanese proficiency.

現代社会は、解決の困難な問題を多く抱えている。 (Modern society faces many problems that are difficult to solve.)

視界不良のため、着陸は困難な見込みです。 (Due to poor visibility, landing is expected to be difficult.)

Mastering the usage of 困難な involves understanding its grammatical function as a 'na-adjective' (形容動詞) and its semantic range. In Japanese grammar, na-adjectives behave like nouns in many ways but require the particle 'na' when they modify a noun that follows them. For example, to say 'a difficult problem,' you say 'konnan-na mondai.' If you want to use it as a predicate at the end of a sentence, you drop the 'na' and add 'da' or 'desu,' as in 'mondai wa konnan da' (the problem is difficult). This flexibility is central to its utility across various sentence structures.

Attributive Use (Modifying Nouns): Pattern: [困難な] + [Noun]. Example: 困難な道のり (a difficult path/journey). This focuses on the quality of the noun.
Predicative Use (Ending a Sentence): Pattern: [Subject] + [は/が] + [困難] + [だ/です]. Example: 実行は困難です (Execution is difficult). This makes a statement about the subject's state.
Adverbial Use: Pattern: [困難] + [に]. Example: 困難に直面する (to face difficulty). Here, it functions more like a noun in a prepositional phrase.

彼は困難な立場に置かれている。 (He is placed in a difficult position.)

When constructing sentences, it is important to consider the degree of difficulty. Often, 困難な is paired with adverbs like 'hijou ni' (extremely), 'kiwamete' (exceedingly), or 'dou yatte mo' (no matter how one tries). These pairings emphasize the insurmountable nature of the obstacle. For instance, 'kiwamete konnan na jousei' (an exceedingly difficult situation) is a common phrase in political analysis. Furthermore, because it is a formal word, it is rarely used in the negative form 'konnan dewa nai' in casual conversation; instead, speakers would simply say 'muzukashiku nai' or 'kantan da'. In formal contexts, however, 'konnan dewa nai' (it is not difficult) might be used to express confidence in a plan's feasibility.

この地域の開発は、地形的に困難な点が多い。 (The development of this area has many points that are geographically difficult.)

Another advanced usage involves the potential form. While you can say 'suru no wa konnan da' (doing it is difficult), a more natural formal expression is often 'jikkou wa konnan to omowareru' (execution is thought to be difficult). This passive-sounding construction is typical of Japanese professional speech, as it avoids directness while maintaining the serious tone of the word. Additionally, 困難 can be combined with other kanji to form compound nouns, such as 'gaishutsu-konnan' (difficulty going out, often used in weather warnings or for the elderly). These compounds are highly efficient in written Japanese, conveying complex ideas in just a few characters.

大雪により、車の通行が困難な状態です。 (Due to heavy snow, vehicle traffic is in a difficult state.)

In summary, using 困難な correctly requires an awareness of the environment in which you are speaking or writing. It is a word that demands a certain level of respect for the subject matter. Whether you are describing a 'konnan na sentaku' (a difficult choice) or a 'konnan na jidai' (a difficult era), the word signals to your audience that you are discussing a matter of substance. It is less about the 'how-to' of a task and more about the 'why' of the struggle. By integrating this word into your vocabulary, you move beyond basic communication into the realm of nuanced, adult Japanese expression.

彼女は困難な手術を無事に終えた。 (She successfully completed a difficult surgery.)

平和への道は、依然として困難な状況が続いている。 (The road to peace continues to be in a difficult situation.)

You will encounter 困難な in a variety of high-stakes environments. Perhaps the most common place to hear it is on NHK news or in newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun. News anchors use it to describe everything from 'konnan na kyuujo katsudou' (difficult rescue operations) after a natural disaster to 'konnan na keizai jousei' (difficult economic conditions). In these contexts, the word serves as a sober assessment of reality, devoid of the personal frustration that might accompany 'muzukashii'. It is the language of reporting facts and analyzing trends.

News & Media: Used for reporting disasters, political stalemates, and economic downturns. It provides a formal tone to the gravity of the news.
Corporate Meetings: Managers use it to describe project delays or market entry barriers. 'Kore wa konnan na kadai desu ne' (This is a difficult challenge, isn't it?) is a common way to acknowledge a problem without sounding emotional.
Legal & Academic Texts: Used to describe the 'difficulty of proof' or 'difficulties in implementation' of a law. It is precise and authoritative.

政府は、避難が困難な住民の支援を急いでいる。 (The government is rushing to support residents for whom evacuation is difficult.)

In the workplace, 困難な is a staple of professional communication. During a 'kaigi' (meeting), if a proposal is unrealistic due to budget or time constraints, a colleague might say, 'Genjou dewa, sono keikaku no jikkou wa konnan da to omoimasu' (Under current circumstances, I think the execution of that plan is difficult). This phrasing is polite yet firm, signaling a logical objection rather than a personal dislike. It is also used in performance reviews or feedback, where a manager might note that an employee handled a 'konnan na joukyou' (difficult situation) with professionalism. This usage highlights the word's association with competence and resilience.

この技術の商用化は、コスト面で困難な壁がある。 (The commercialization of this technology faces a difficult wall in terms of cost.)

In academic settings, researchers use 困難な to describe the limitations of their studies or the complexity of their subjects. A paper on sociology might discuss the 'konnan na seikatsu' (difficult lives) of marginalized groups, while a scientific paper might mention the 'konnan na bunseki' (difficult analysis) of rare isotopes. In both cases, the word adds a layer of intellectual rigor. Even in video games or anime, you might hear a mentor character tell the protagonist, 'Konnan na michi da ga, kimi nara dekiru' (It is a difficult road, but you can do it). This usage reinforces the idea that 困難な is a hurdle to be jumped, a test of character that leads to growth.

彼は困難な自給自足の生活をあえて選んだ。 (He dared to choose a difficult self-sufficient lifestyle.)

Finally, social services in Japan often use the term 'konnan' as a classification. For instance, 'k帰宅困難者' (kitaku-konnan-sha) refers to people who are unable to return home after a major earthquake due to transport shutdowns. This official usage shows how the word is integrated into the very infrastructure of Japanese society. When you hear it in an announcement at a train station or see it on a government pamphlet, it conveys a sense of organized response to a serious problem. Knowing this word allows you to navigate not just the language, but the systems and social norms of Japan with greater clarity and sophistication.

離島での医療提供は、物理的に困難な面が多い。 (Providing medical care on remote islands has many physically difficult aspects.)

その条約の批准は、国内の反対により困難な見通しだ。 (The ratification of that treaty is expected to be difficult due to domestic opposition.)

While 困難な is a versatile word, learners often trip up by using it in contexts where a simpler or more specific word would be more appropriate. The most common mistake is overusing it in casual conversation. If you tell a friend that your video game is 'konnan,' it sounds unnecessarily dramatic and stiff—like saying 'I am facing a grave adversity in this digital entertainment' instead of 'this game is hard.' In daily life, 難しい (muzukashii) is almost always the better choice for describing puzzles, homework, or social interactions.

Confusing with 'Muzukashii': Mistake: Using 'konnan' for simple tasks. Correction: Use 'muzukashii' for daily challenges, 'konnan' for serious obstacles.
Physical Hardness: Mistake: Describing a hard rock or tough meat as 'konnan'. Correction: Use 'katai' (硬い/固い) for physical hardness.
Grammar: Forgetting 'na': Mistake: Saying 'konnan mondai'. Correction: It must be 'konnan-na mondai' when modifying a noun.

❌ この肉は困難なので食べられません。 (Incorrect: This meat is 'difficult' so I can't eat it.)

Another error is confusing 困難 (konnan) with 大変 (taihen). While both can mean 'difficult,' 大変 is much more common in daily speech and often carries the meaning of 'tough,' 'hectic,' or 'terrible.' If you want to say 'Today was a tough day,' you should say 'Kyou wa taihen na ichinichi deshita.' Using 'konnan' there would imply that your day was filled with serious, insurmountable hardships rather than just being busy or exhausting. 困難 is about the *nature* of the problem, while 大変 is often about the *effort* required or the *emotional impact* of the situation.

❌ 漢字を覚えるのは困難なです。 (Incorrect grammar: You don't need 'na' before 'desu'.)

Learners also sometimes misuse the noun form 困難. You can say 'konnan ni deau' (to encounter difficulty) or 'konnan wo kokufuku suru' (to overcome difficulty). However, you cannot use it as a verb directly. You must use 'konnan da' or 'konnan ni naru'. Furthermore, avoid using 困難 to describe people's personalities. While you can say someone is a 'difficult person' in English, in Japanese, you would use 'muzukashii hito' or 'atsukai-nikui hito' (hard-to-handle person). Calling someone a 'konnan-na hito' would sound very strange and might imply they are a 'social problem' rather than just having a prickly personality.

❌ 彼は困難な人だ。 (Incorrect: He is a 'hardship' person.)

Finally, be careful with the word 難い (katai/nikui). This is a suffix that means 'difficult to [verb]'. For example, 'shinjigatai' (hard to believe). While 'konnan' also means difficult, it is a standalone adjective. You wouldn't say 'shinji-konnan'. Understanding these boundaries—between na-adjectives, i-adjectives, and suffixes—is essential for natural-sounding Japanese. Always ask yourself: Is this a formal situation? Is the difficulty objective? If the answer is yes, 困難な is likely your best bet. If not, stick to the safer, more common alternatives mentioned above.

❌ この本は読むのが困難な。 (Incorrect: This is grammatically incomplete.)

❌ 困難なテストでした。 (Too formal: It was a 'difficult' test—sounds like a national crisis.)

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing different shades of 'difficulty.' Knowing which one to choose depends on the register (formal vs. informal) and the specific nature of the challenge. 困難な sits at the formal, objective end of the spectrum. Below, we compare it with its most common cousins to help you refine your word choice and sound more like a native speaker.

難しい (Muzukashii): The go-to word for 'hard'. It covers everything from math problems to complicated relationships. It is less formal than 'konnan' and more subjective.
大変な (Taihen-na): Used for situations that are exhausting, hectic, or require a lot of effort. It focuses on the burden placed on the person.
険しい (Kewashii): Literally means 'steep' or 'rugged' (like a mountain). Metaphorically, it refers to a path or outlook that is grim and full of obstacles.
辛い (Tsurai): Focuses on the emotional or physical pain caused by a difficulty. 'Hard' in the sense of 'painful to endure'.

この道は非常に険しい。 (This path is very steep/rugged.) vs. この計画は非常に困難な。 (This plan is very difficult.)

In a business setting, you might also hear 厳しい (kibishii). While it often means 'strict' (like a strict teacher), it is also used to describe 'severe' or 'tough' conditions, such as 'kibishii shijou' (a tough market). Where 困難な implies an obstacle to be overcome, 厳しい implies a harsh environment that tests one's endurance. Another formal alternative is 難航する (nankou suru), a verb meaning 'to have a difficult voyage' or 'to make slow progress' (used for negotiations or projects). Choosing 'nankou' over 'konnan' adds a dynamic sense of struggling through a process.

交渉は難航している。 (The negotiations are proceeding with difficulty/stalled.)

For even more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 難渋する (nanjuu suru), which means to be distressed or to have great trouble. This is even heavier than 'konnan' and is often used in historical novels or very formal reports. On the other hand, if something is just 'a bit difficult' but you want to sound professional, you might use 容易ではない (youi dewa nai), which literally means 'not easy.' This is a classic Japanese litotes (understatement) that actually emphasizes the difficulty while sounding very sophisticated and calm.

その目標の達成は、決して容易ではない。 (Achieving that goal is by no means easy.)

Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your Japanese to the specific situation. Use 'muzukashii' for your hobbies, 'taihen' for your busy schedule, 'kibishii' for your boss's expectations, and save 'konnan' for the big, objective challenges. By doing so, you demonstrate a deep understanding of Japanese social hierarchy and emotional nuance. This level of precision is what separates a student from a truly proficient speaker who can navigate the complexities of Japanese society with ease and grace.

彼は困難な状況下でも希望を捨てなかった。 (He did not give up hope even under difficult circumstances.)

この課題を解決するのは、技術的に困難だ。 (Solving this task is technically difficult.)

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The kanji 困 (tree in a box) is one of the most visually literal kanji. If you imagine a tree trying to grow inside a small wooden crate, you can feel the 'distress' and 'difficulty' the word conveys.

발음 가이드

UK /kɒnːan na/

US /kɑnːɑn nɑ/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'Konnan' typically has a [Heiban] (flat) or [Atamadaka] (initial high) pattern depending on the dialect, but in standard Tokyo Japanese, it is often pronounced with the first syllable slightly lower than the following ones.

라임이 맞는 단어

斬新 (Zanshin) 安心 (Anshin) 肝心 (Kanjin) 関心 (Kanshin) 感嘆 (Kantan) 反乱 (Hanran) 晩餐 (Bansan) 散漫 (Sanman)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'nn' as a single 'n' (sounds like 'konan').
Making the 'o' too long (sounds like 'kounan').
Dropping the 'na' when it's needed before a noun.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'konan' (the boy's name).
Pronouncing 'nan' like the English word 'nan' (bread) rather than 'nah-n'.

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge. Often found in news.

쓰기 4/5

The kanji for 'nan' (難) is complex and has many strokes.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is easy, but choosing the right context takes practice.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in formal speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

難しい (Muzukashii) 困る (Komaru) 大変 (Taihen) 問題 (Mondai) 状況 (Joukyou)

다음에 배울 것

難航 (Nankou) 克服 (Kokufuku) 直面 (Chokumen) 打開 (Dakai) 極める (Kiwameru)

고급

艱難 (Kannan) 難渋 (Nanjuu) 四面楚歌 (Shimensoka) 不屈 (Fukutsu) 命題 (Meidai)

알아야 할 문법

Na-Adjective Attributive Form

困難な (Konnan-na) + 課題 (Kadai) = 困難な課題

Na-Adjective Predicative Form

達成は困難だ (Tassei wa konnan da)

Nominalizing Verbs with 'no' or 'koto'

泳ぐのは困難だ (Oyogu no wa konnan da)

Compound Noun Formation

帰宅 (Returning home) + 困難 (Difficulty) = 帰宅困難

Using 'ni' for Adverbial Phrases

困難に直面する (Face difficulty)

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

これは困難な仕事です。

This is a difficult job.

Uses 'na' to connect to the noun 'shigoto'.

道が困難です。

The road is difficult.

Used as a predicate with 'desu'.

困難な問題があります。

There is a difficult problem.

Modifying 'mondai'.

生活は困難ですか？

Is life difficult?

Question form.

困難な状況です。

It is a difficult situation.

Modifying 'joukyou'.

解決は困難だ。

Solving it is difficult.

Casual predicate form.

困難な道を選びました。

I chose the difficult path.

Past tense verb follows.

彼は困難に負けない。

He does not lose to difficulty.

Noun form followed by particle 'ni'.

今の状況では、外出は困難な見込みです。

In the current situation, going out is expected to be difficult.

Formal expectation phrase 'mikomi desu'.

困難な課題を一つずつ解決しましょう。

Let's solve the difficult challenges one by one.

Volitional form 'shimashou'.

彼は非常に困難な立場にいます。

He is in a very difficult position.

Adverb 'hijou ni' used for emphasis.

お金がないので、旅行は困難だ。

Since there is no money, traveling is difficult.

Reason 'node' followed by 'konnan da'.

困難な時代を共に生き抜きましょう。

Let's survive these difficult times together.

Compound verb 'ikinuku'.

この漢字を書くのは困難なことではない。

Writing this kanji is not a difficult thing.

Negative structure 'konnan na koto dewa nai'.

彼女は困難な環境で育ちました。

She grew up in a difficult environment.

Modifying 'kankyou'.

それは実行が困難な計画です。

That is a plan that is difficult to execute.

Relative clause style.

予算の都合上、新製品の開発は困難な状況にある。

Due to budget constraints, the development of new products is in a difficult situation.

Formal 'tsugou-jou' (due to).

困難な交渉の末、ようやく合意に達した。

After difficult negotiations, we finally reached an agreement.

'...no sue' (at the end of/after).

この地域は冬の間、交通が困難になります。

In this region, transportation becomes difficult during winter.

Verb 'ni naru' (becomes).

困難に直面したときこそ、真価が問われる。

It is exactly when facing difficulties that one's true value is tested.

Particle 'koso' for emphasis.

視覚障害者にとって、この階段は利用が困難な場合がある。

For visually impaired people, these stairs can sometimes be difficult to use.

'...ni totte' (for / from the perspective of).

政府は困難な決断を迫られている。

The government is being forced to make a difficult decision.

Passive form 'semararete iru'.

彼女は困難な手術を乗り越えて、元気に退院した。

She overcame a difficult surgery and was discharged in good health.

Verb 'norikoete' (overcoming).

このままでは、目標達成は困難だと言わざるを得ない。

At this rate, I must say that achieving the goal is difficult.

'...to iwazaru wo enai' (cannot help but say).

紛争地域での人道支援は、極めて困難な任務である。

Humanitarian aid in conflict zones is an extremely difficult mission.

Adverb 'kiwamete' (extremely).

彼は、自らの困難な経験を本にまとめた。

He compiled his own difficult experiences into a book.

'Mizukara no' (one's own).

この理論を一般の人に説明するのは、非常に困難な作業だ。

Explaining this theory to ordinary people is a very difficult task.

Nominalizing 'setsumei suru no wa'.

少子高齢化は、解決の困難な構造的問題である。

The declining birthrate and aging population is a structural problem that is difficult to solve.

Compound modifier 'kaiketsu no konnan-na'.

悪天候のため、登頂は困難であると判断された。

Due to bad weather, it was judged that reaching the summit would be difficult.

Passive 'handan sareta'.

困難な状況下にあっても、彼は冷静さを失わなかった。

Even under difficult circumstances, he did not lose his composure.

'...ka ni atte mo' (even while being under...).

その法案の成立は、与野党の対立により困難な見通しだ。

The passage of the bill is expected to be difficult due to the conflict between the ruling and opposition parties.

Noun 'tairitsu' (conflict/opposition).

私たちは今、かつてないほど困難な局面に立たされている。

We are now standing at an unprecedentedly difficult stage.

Phrase 'katsute nai hodo' (unprecedentedly).

近代化のプロセスにおいて、伝統の維持は困難な課題となりがちだ。

In the process of modernization, maintaining tradition tends to become a difficult challenge.

Suffix '...gachi da' (tends to...).

その作家は、人間の内面の困難な葛藤を緻密に描き出した。

The author meticulously depicted the difficult internal conflicts of human beings.

Noun 'kattou' (conflict/struggle).

物理的な制約により、これ以上の増築は困難な情勢である。

Due to physical constraints, the situation is such that further expansion is difficult.

Noun 'jousei' (state of affairs/situation).

彼は、幾多の困難な試練を乗り越え、不屈の精神を養った。

He overcame numerous difficult trials and cultivated an indomitable spirit.

Determiner 'ikuta no' (numerous).

言語の壁という困難な問題を解決するために、AIの活用が期待されている。

To solve the difficult problem of language barriers, the use of AI is expected.

Appositive '...to iu' (the ... called ...).

資源の枯渇は、人類にとって回避の困難な危機となりつつある。

Resource depletion is becoming a crisis that is difficult for humanity to avoid.

Grammar '...tsutsu aru' (is in the process of...).

その研究は、技術的に極めて困難な壁に突き当たっている。

The research has hit an extremely difficult technical wall.

Verb 'tsukiatatte iru' (to hit/run into).

困難な時代だからこそ、真実を見極める目が必要だ。

Precisely because it is a difficult era, an eye for discerning the truth is necessary.

Verb 'mikiwameru' (to discern/see through).

超越的な存在を言語化することは、本質的に困難な試みである。

Verbalizing a transcendent existence is inherently a difficult attempt.

Adverb 'honshitsuteki ni' (inherently/essentially).

歴史の濁流の中で、個人の尊厳を守り抜くことは困難な極みであった。

In the muddy stream of history, protecting one's personal dignity was the height of difficulty.

Noun 'kiwami' (the height/extreme of).

その哲学者は、実存の困難な深淵を覗き込もうとした。

The philosopher tried to peer into the difficult abyss of existence.

Noun 'shin-en' (abyss).

社会契約の再構築は、現代民主主義における最も困難な命題の一つだ。

The reconstruction of the social contract is one of the most difficult propositions in modern democracy.

Noun 'meidai' (proposition/thesis).

彼は、自らのアイデンティティを確立するという困難な迷宮に迷い込んだ。

He wandered into the difficult labyrinth of establishing his own identity.

Metaphorical use of 'meikyuu' (labyrinth).

科学と宗教の調和は、知的に困難な領域であり続けている。

The harmony between science and religion continues to be an intellectually difficult domain.

Verb 'aritsuzukete iru' (continues to be).

この詩篇は、喪失という困難な感情を美しく昇華させている。

This psalm beautifully sublimates the difficult emotion of loss.

Verb 'shouka' (sublimation).

複雑に絡み合った利害関係を紐解くのは、至難の業を通り越して困難な領域だ。

Untangling intricately intertwined interests is a domain of difficulty that goes beyond a Herculean task.

Phrase '...wo toorikoshite' (passing beyond...).

자주 쓰는 조합

困難な課題

困難な状況

困難な道のり

困難な立場

実行困難

就職困難

生活困難

克服が困難

判断が困難

帰宅困難

자주 쓰는 구문

困難に立ち向かう

— To face difficulties head-on. Implies courage and determination.

勇敢に困難に立ち向かう。

困難を極める

— To be extremely difficult. Used when a situation reaches its peak of hardship.

捜索活動は困難を極めた。

困難を乗り越える

— To overcome difficulties. A very common inspirational phrase.

皆で協力して困難を乗り越えよう。

困難を伴う

— To involve difficulties. Used to warn that a task won't be easy.

この作業は危険と困難を伴う。

困難に屈しない

— Not to give in to difficulties. Shows strong will.

どんな困難にも屈しない精神。

困難が生じる

— Difficulties arise. Formal way to say problems happened.

予期せぬ困難が生じた。

困難を排する

— To remove or push aside difficulties.

あらゆる困難を排して進む。

困難を打開する

— To break through a difficult situation.

現状の困難を打開する策を練る。

困難を強いる

— To force hardship upon someone.

国民に困難を強いる政策。

困難に見舞われる

— To be struck by difficulties (often unexpected).

不運にも困難に見舞われた。

자주 혼동되는 단어

困難な vs 混乱 (Konran)

Confusion. Sounds similar but means a state of disorder, not difficulty.

困難な vs 困難 (Noun) vs 困難な (Adjective)

The noun is 'difficulty', the adjective is 'difficult'. Make sure to use 'na' before nouns.

困難な vs 難解 (Nankai)

Specifically means 'hard to understand'. Use for books or theories, not for life situations.

관용어 및 표현

"艱難汝を玉にす"

— Adversity makes a man. Hardships polish you like a gem.

「艱難汝を玉にす」と言うし、今の苦労も無駄じゃないよ。

Literary/Proverb

"四面楚歌"

— Being surrounded by enemies on all sides; a desperate, difficult situation.

会社は今、まさに四面楚歌の困難な状況だ。

Idiomatic/Four-character compound

"暗雲が垂れ込める"

— Dark clouds hanging over; a sign that difficult times are coming.

プロジェクトの先行きに暗雲が垂れ込める困難な事態だ。

Metaphorical

"茨の道"

— A path of thorns; a life or career full of hardships.

彼女はあえて茨の道とも言える困難な道を選んだ。

Metaphorical

"絶体絶命"

— A desperate situation with no escape; the peak of difficulty.

絶体絶命の困難な局面を切り抜ける。

Idiomatic/Four-character compound

"暗中模索"

— Groping in the dark; trying to find a solution in a difficult, unclear situation.

解決策が見えず、暗中模索の困難な日々が続いた。

Idiomatic/Four-character compound

"八方塞がり"

— Blocked in all eight directions; having no way out of a difficulty.

資金も人手もなく、八方塞がりの困難な状態だ。

Idiomatic

"泣き面に蜂"

— Misfortune on top of misfortune; when difficulties pile up.

風邪を引いた上に財布を失くすとは、まさに困難な泣き面に蜂だ。

Proverb

"背水の陣"

— Fighting with one's back to the river; a difficult situation where there's no retreat.

背水の陣で困難な交渉に臨む。

Historical Idiom

"五里霧中"

— Being in a thick fog; completely lost in a difficult situation.

新事業の方向性が定まらず、五里霧中の困難な状況だ。

Idiomatic/Four-character compound

혼동하기 쉬운

困難な vs 難しい (Muzukashii)

Both mean 'difficult'.

Muzukashii is subjective and broad. Konnan is objective, formal, and implies a serious obstacle.

テストが難しい (Test is hard). 救助が困難だ (Rescue is difficult/obstructed).

困難な vs 大変 (Taihen)

Both can describe 'hard' situations.

Taihen refers to the effort or emotional toll. Konnan refers to the objective barrier.

子育ては大変だ (Raising children is tough/exhausting). 経営が困難だ (Management is difficult/failing).

困難な vs 厳しい (Kibishii)

Both used for 'tough' situations.

Kibishii implies severity or strictness of the environment. Konnan implies a specific hurdle.

冬の寒さが厳しい (Winter cold is severe). 通行が困難だ (Passage is difficult).

困難な vs 険しい (Kewashii)

Both mean 'hard' in a metaphorical sense.

Kewashii is for physical steepness or a 'rough' metaphorical path. Konnan is more general for any hardship.

山道が険しい (Mountain path is steep). 解決が困難な問題 (Problem difficult to solve).

困難な vs 苦労 (Kurou)

Both involve hardship.

Kurou is a noun meaning 'trouble' or 'hard work'. Konnan is the state of being difficult.

彼は苦労した (He worked hard/suffered). 困難な道 (A difficult path).

문장 패턴

[Noun] は困難です。

仕事は困難です。

[Verb-Dictionary] のは困難です。

歩くのは困難です。

困難な [Noun] を [Verb]。

困難な状況を乗り越える。

[Reason] ため、[Subject] は困難です。

大雨のため、外出は困難です。

[Subject] は困難を極めている。

交渉は困難を極めている。

困難な [Noun] に立たされる。

困難な状況に立たされる。

[Verb-Dictionary] ことが困難と思われる。

合意することが困難と思われる。

[Subject] は [Noun] という困難な命題を抱えている。

政府は少子化という困難な命題を抱えている。

어휘 가족

명사

困難 (Konnan) - Difficulty/Hardship

難所 (Nansho) - Difficult place/Dangerous spot

難局 (Nankyoku) - Difficult situation/Crisis

難問 (Nanmon) - Difficult problem

동사

困る (Komaru) - To be in trouble/distressed

難航する (Nankou suru) - To proceed with difficulty

難渋する (Nanjuu suru) - To be in great trouble

형용사

難しい (Muzukashii) - Difficult

難い (Gatai) - Hard to (suffix)

難い (Nikui) - Difficult to (suffix)

사용법

frequency

Common in written Japanese, news, and business. Moderate in daily casual speech.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'konnan' for physical hardness. → Use 'katai' (硬い).
Learners often translate 'hard' literally. 'Konnan' is only for 'difficult', never for the texture of an object.
Saying 'konnan desu na'. → Say 'konnan desu ne' or 'konnan na [noun]'.
Confusing the 'na' particle used to modify nouns with the sentence-ending particle 'na/ne'.
Using 'konnan' for personal feelings of being busy. → Use 'taihen' (大変).
If you are busy with work, say 'taihen'. 'Konnan' implies the work itself is a serious obstacle, not just that you are tired.
Using 'konnan' to describe a tricky puzzle. → Use 'muzukashii' (難しい).
'Konnan' is too formal for a hobby or a game. It sounds overly serious and out of place.
Forgetting the double 'n' in speech. → Pronounce 'ko-n-na-n'.
Skipping the 'n' sound makes it hard for Japanese people to understand which word you are saying.

팁

The 'Na' Rule

Always remember the 'na' when 'konnan' comes before a noun. 'Konnan na mondai' is correct. 'Konnan mondai' is wrong. This is the most common mistake for beginners.

Objective vs Subjective

Use 'konnan' for objective facts (The bridge is broken, so crossing is difficult). Use 'muzukashii' for subjective feelings (I think this math is hard).

Polite Rejection

In a meeting, if you want to say 'we can't do that,' say 'Sore wa konnan da to omoimasu.' It sounds much more professional than just saying 'No' or 'Muri'.

Essay Level-Up

Replacing 'muzukashii' with 'konnan na' in your JLPT essays or formal reports will immediately make your writing look more advanced and serious.

The Double N

The 'nn' in konnan is a full beat. If you say it too fast, it sounds like 'konan'. Practice by saying 'kon' then 'nan' with a tiny pause in between.

Common Pairs

Memorize the pair 'konnan na joukyou' (difficult situation). It is used in almost every context and will make you sound very natural.

The Ganbaru Spirit

When you talk about 'overcoming difficulties' (konnan wo kokufuku suru), you are tapping into a deeply respected Japanese value. Use this phrase to show determination.

Kanji Recognition

Look for the 'box' in 困. If you see a tree trapped in a box, you know it's a 'difficult' or 'distressing' word immediately.

Efficiency

In written Japanese, you can just add 'konnan' to the end of a noun to mean 'difficulty with [noun]'. Example: 歩行困難 (difficulty walking).

Avoid Drama

Don't use 'konnan' for small things like a broken pencil. It makes you sound like a drama queen. Keep it for the big life hurdles.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a **tree** (木) trapped in a **box** (口) — it's in **distress** (困). Then imagine a **bird** (隹) trying to fly through a **fire** (represented by the left of 難) — that's a **hardship** (難). A trapped tree and a bird in fire? That's definitely **KONNAN** (Difficult)!

시각적 연상

A person standing before a massive stone wall that blocks the entire road. The wall has the word 'KONNAN' carved into it.

Word Web

Hardship Obstacle Serious Formal Crisis Barrier Struggle Problem

챌린지

Try to write three sentences about a global issue (like climate change or poverty) using '困難な' at least once in each. This will help you associate the word with its proper formal register.

어원

Derived from Middle Chinese (Sino-Japanese reading). The word entered Japan over a thousand years ago as part of the Buddhist and administrative vocabulary.

원래 의미: To be distressed by adversity or trapped in a hard situation.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'konnan' to describe people's lives (e.g., 'seikatsu konnan'). It is a serious term and should be used with empathy, not as a casual label.

In English, we use 'difficult' for almost everything. In Japanese, 'konnan' is specifically for the 'heavy' stuff. Don't use it for small things like 'this coffee is difficult to drink'.

The phrase 'Kunan no michi' (Path of suffering) in Japanese literature. News reports on 'Kitaku-konnan-sha' (People unable to return home) during disasters. Business books on 'Konnan wo kokufuku suru riidaashippu' (Leadership to overcome difficulties).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Business Strategy

実行は困難です
困難な課題の解決
市場参入の困難さ
資金調達の困難

News / Weather

通行が困難な状態
救助は困難を極める
帰宅困難者
外出は困難な見込み

Social Issues

生活困難な家庭
就職困難な状況
自立が困難な方
解決の困難な問題

Personal Growth

困難を乗り越える
困難に立ち向かう
困難な経験を糧にする
困難に屈しない心

Medical / Science

手術は困難でした
治療が困難な病気
分析が困難なデータ
再現が困難な実験

대화 시작하기

"最近、何か困難な課題に直面していますか？ (Have you faced any difficult challenges lately?)"

"日本語の勉強で一番困難なことは何ですか？ (What is the most difficult thing about studying Japanese?)"

"困難な状況を乗り越えるための、あなたの秘訣は何ですか？ (What is your secret to overcoming difficult situations?)"

"今の社会で、最も解決が困難な問題は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the most difficult problem to solve in today's society?)"

"困難な道と簡単な道、どちらを選ぶタイプですか？ (Are you the type to choose the difficult path or the easy path?)"

일기 주제

過去に経験した「困難な状況」と、それをどう乗り越えたかについて書いてください。 (Write about a 'difficult situation' you experienced in the past and how you overcame it.)

もし自分がリーダーだったら、困難な決断を迫られたときに何を大切にしますか？ (If you were a leader, what would you value when forced to make a difficult decision?)

「困難は人を成長させる」という言葉について、自分の意見を述べてください。 (State your opinion on the phrase 'Difficulty makes a person grow'.)

現在、世界が直面している困難な課題について一つ選び、その解決策を提案してください。 (Choose one difficult challenge the world is currently facing and propose a solution.)

自分にとって「困難なこと」が「簡単なこと」に変わった経験はありますか？ (Do you have an experience where something 'difficult' for you turned into something 'easy'?)

将来、どのような困難が予想されますか？それに対してどう準備しますか？ (What difficulties do you foresee in the future? How will you prepare for them?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Not really. If a person is hard to deal with, use 'muzukashii hito' or 'atsukai-nikui hito'. 'Konnan na hito' would sound like the person is a disaster or a systemic problem, which is very strange.

Use 'konnan' in formal writing, speeches, or when describing serious problems like poverty, natural disasters, or major business obstacles. Use 'muzukashii' for daily things like homework, games, or simple tasks.

It is both! 'Konnan' is a noun (meaning 'difficulty'), but it becomes a na-adjective ('konnan-na') when you put 'na' after it to describe something else. For example, 'konnan' (noun) and 'konnan-na situation' (adjective).

In Japanese business culture, saying 'konnan desu' is often a very polite way to say 'it is impossible' without being rude. However, literally, it just means 'very difficult'.

The formal opposite is 'youi' (容易 - easy). The casual opposite is 'kantan' (簡単) or 'yasashii' (易しい).

No. For a hard rock or tough steak, use 'katai' (硬い or 固い). 'Konnan' is only for difficulty and hardship.

You can say 'Konnan ni chokumen shite imasu' (I am facing a difficulty) or 'Konnan ga arimasu' (There is a difficulty).

Yes, usually when a character is facing a huge, epic challenge or when a narrator is describing a dark period in history. It adds a sense of drama and importance.

It is a specific term used during disasters like earthquakes to describe people who are stranded and cannot return home because trains have stopped.

It has 18 strokes! It's a great example of the word it represents. Just remember the 'bird' (隹) on the right and the 'adversity' on the left.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기