When you hear 困り (komari), think about a situation where you're having trouble or difficulty. It's like feeling stuck or perplexed about something.
For example, if you can't open a jar, you might say it's a 困りごと (komarigoto), meaning a troublesome matter.
It's often used when something isn't going smoothly or when you face an unexpected problem that makes you wonder what to do next.
When you encounter the word 困り (komari), it generally refers to a state of trouble, difficulty, or being perplexed. It's often seen as part of a larger phrase, such as 困り事 (komarigoto), meaning 'a problem or trouble,' or 困り顔 (komarigao), meaning 'a troubled or distressed face.' While 困る (komaru) is the verb 'to be troubled' or 'to be in a difficulty,' 困り (komari) is its noun form, directly pointing to the trouble itself. Understanding this nuance helps in recognizing how Japanese speakers express and describe various challenging situations.
困り 30초 만에
- difficulty
- trouble
- perplexed
§ Understanding 困り (komari)
Let's break down how to use 困り (komari) effectively in Japanese. This word is a noun, and it refers to a state of trouble, difficulty, or being perplexed. It’s not something you *do*, but rather a *state* you or someone else is in. Think of it as “trouble” or “distress” itself, rather than “troubling” or “distressed.”
- Japanese Word
- 困り (komari)
- CEFR Level
- B1
- Definition
- Trouble or difficulty; a state of being perplexed.
§ Basic Sentence Structures with 困り
Since 困り is a noun, it often appears with particles that connect nouns to other parts of a sentence. Here are some common ways you'll see it used:
-
困りがあります (Komari ga arimasu): This literally means "there is trouble/difficulty." It's a straightforward way to express that a problem exists.
何か困りがありますか？
Translation hint: Is there any trouble? / Do you have any problems?
-
困りの点 (Komari no ten): This phrase means "points of difficulty" or "troublesome points." You use it when you want to specify aspects that are causing trouble.
その件について、いくつかの困りの点があります。
Translation hint: Regarding that matter, there are a few points of difficulty.
-
困りごと (Komarigoto): This is a very common and natural way to say "a problem" or "a matter of concern." The ごと (goto) suffix essentially turns a state or action into a concrete matter or thing. This is perhaps the most practical way to use 困り as a standalone concept of "a problem."
何か困りごとはありませんか？
Translation hint: Do you have any problems/concerns?
彼の困りごとを聞いた。
Translation hint: I heard about his trouble/problem.
§ Distinguishing 困り from related words
It’s important to note the difference between 困り (komari) and related forms like 困る (komaru) and 困った (komatta).
-
困る (komaru): This is the verb "to be troubled," "to be in difficulty," or "to be perplexed." It describes the action or state of becoming troubled.
雨で困りました。
Translation hint: I was troubled by the rain.
-
困った (komatta): This is the past tense of 困る (komaru), but it also frequently functions as an adjective meaning "troublesome" or "problematic." When you hear 「困ったことだね」 (Komatta koto da ne), it means "That's a troublesome thing, isn't it?"
困った状況ですね。
Translation hint: It's a troublesome situation, isn't it?
While 困る and 困った describe *being* in trouble or a *troublesome* situation, 困り as a noun is the *trouble itself* or *the state of being perplexed* as a concept. Think of it like the difference between "to be difficult" (困る), "a difficult thing" (困ったこと), and "difficulty" (困り).
§ Formal vs. Informal Usage
困り can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, using it in phrases like 困りごと (komarigoto) tends to be a bit more polite and appropriate for general use, especially when asking someone if they have any problems. Simply saying 「困り？」 is too abrupt and informal.
§ Common phrases with 困り
-
お困りの際は (O-komari no sai wa): This is a very polite and common phrase used in customer service or official contexts, meaning "In case of trouble/difficulty" or "If you have any problems."
お困りの際は、こちらまでご連絡ください。
Translation hint: In case of trouble, please contact us here.
-
困り顔 (Komari-gao): This means a "troubled face" or a "perplexed expression." It’s a compound noun.
彼は困り顔で私を見た。
Translation hint: He looked at me with a troubled expression.
By understanding these distinctions and common phrases, you'll be able to use 困り more naturally and accurately in your Japanese conversations. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to make mistakes – that's how we learn!
재미있는 사실
The kanji 困 (kon/komu) is composed of 囗 (kuni/kuchi/mouth/border) and 木 (ki/tree). One interpretation is that a tree confined within a border struggles to grow, symbolizing difficulty or being trapped.
수준별 예문
困ります。
I am troubled. / This is a problem.
A polite way to express trouble or difficulty. Often used in situations where something is inconvenient.
それは困ります。
That is a problem for me.
Adds 'sore wa' (that) to specify what is causing the trouble.
少し困っています。
I am a little troubled.
'Sukoshi' (a little) softens the expression. 'Komatte imasu' is the -te form of 'komaru' (to be troubled) indicating an ongoing state.
お金がなくて困る。
I am troubled because I have no money.
'Okane ga nakute' (without money) explains the reason for the trouble.
道が分からなくて困った。
I was troubled because I didn't know the way.
'Michi ga wakaranakute' (not knowing the way) gives the reason. 'Komatta' is the past tense of 'komaru'.
困った人ですね。
They are a troublesome person, aren't they?
'Komatta hito' (a troubled/troublesome person) describes someone who causes trouble or is in a difficult situation.
手伝ってあげましょうか、何かお困りですか？
Shall I help you? Are you in some kind of trouble?
'O-komari desu ka?' is a polite way to ask if someone is in trouble, using the honorific prefix 'o-'.
宿題が多くて困る。
I am troubled because there is a lot of homework.
'Shukudai ga ookute' (having a lot of homework) provides the reason for being troubled.
困りごとがあります。
I have a problem/trouble.
この困りは大きいですね。
This trouble is big, isn't it?
何に困っていますか？
What are you having trouble with?
困ったときは助けてください。
Please help me when I'm in trouble.
彼の困った顔を見てください。
Look at his troubled face.
この問題で困っています。
I'm having trouble with this problem.
困りません、大丈夫です。
I'm not in trouble, it's okay.
皆に困りごとを話しました。
I told everyone about my troubles.
困ったことがあったら、いつでも言ってください。
If you have any trouble, please tell me anytime.
これはちょっと困りものです。
This is a bit of a problem.
彼の行動には困り果てている。
I'm at my wits' end with his behavior.
急な雨で、洗濯物が困り状態だ。
With the sudden rain, the laundry is in a difficult state.
この問題は私にとって大きな困りです。
This problem is a big trouble for me.
友達の困り事を解決してあげたい。
I want to help my friend solve their problem.
彼の冗談はいつも困り顔になる。
His jokes always make me show a troubled face.
困り事を抱えている人は多い。
Many people have troubles.
困ったことに、財布を家に忘れてきてしまいました。
To my dismay, I forgot my wallet at home.
「困ったことに」is a common phrase meaning "to my surprise/dismay" or "unfortunately".
この問題には本当に困っています。
I'm really having trouble with this problem.
「困っています」is the progressive form of 「困る」 (to be troubled/in difficulty).
彼の行動は私たちを大いに困らせた。
His behavior caused us a lot of trouble.
「困らせる」is the causative form of 「困る」, meaning "to trouble/cause difficulty for someone".
困った顔をしているね。何かあったの？
You have a troubled look on your face. Is something wrong?
「困った顔」literally means "a troubled face".
彼の遅刻にはいつも困らされている。
His tardiness always causes me trouble.
「困らされている」is the passive-causative form, implying that someone is being bothered by another's actions.
困った時の神頼み。
When in trouble, pray to the gods. (A Japanese proverb)
This is a common proverb. It highlights seeking help in difficult situations.
困っている人がいたら助けてあげましょう。
If there's someone in trouble, let's help them.
「困っている人」means "people in trouble".
こんなに困ったことは初めてだ。
I've never been in such a predicament before.
「こんなに困ったこと」means "such a troubled/difficult situation".
困ります、それはちょっとできません。
That's a bit difficult; I can't do that.
お困りのことがあれば、いつでもお声がけください。
If you have any trouble, please feel free to call out to me anytime.
急な変更で、少々困っております。
Due to the sudden change, I'm in a bit of a predicament.
この問題には、多くの人が困っているようです。
It seems many people are troubled by this problem.
彼の無責任な行動には、本当に困り果てた。
His irresponsible actions really left me at my wit's end.
困り果てる (komarihateru) means to be at one's wit's end.
困ったときは、一人で抱え込まずに相談してください。
When you're in trouble, please don't keep it to yourself; consult with someone.
突然の雨で、傘がなくて困った。
It suddenly rained, and I was in trouble because I didn't have an umbrella.
彼女の度重なる遅刻には、もう困りものだ。
Her repeated tardiness is really a problem now.
困りもの (komarimono) refers to something that is a nuisance or problem.
자주 혼동되는 단어
This is the verb form. 困り (komari) is the noun form.
This is a noun meaning 'difficulty' or 'hardship', often used for more significant challenges. 困り (komari) can be for smaller, everyday troubles too.
This is an adjective meaning 'painful', 'difficult', or 'distressing', often referring to a physical or emotional state. 困り (komari) is a noun.
혼동하기 쉬운
Often confused with '困る' (komaru), which is the verb form.
困り is a noun meaning 'trouble' or 'difficulty'. 困る is a verb meaning 'to be troubled' or 'to be in a difficulty'.
困り事 (komarigoto) - something troublesome, a matter of difficulty.
Both 困り and 悩み can refer to problems, but they have different nuances.
悩み (nayami) refers to worries or concerns, often emotional or mental. 困り (komari) is more general difficulty or trouble, which might or might not involve strong emotional distress.
彼の悩みは尽きない (kare no nayami wa tsukinai) - His worries are endless.
Both 困り and 問題 can refer to problems.
問題 (mondai) is a broader term for 'problem', 'question', or 'issue'. It can be a mathematical problem, a social issue, or a personal problem. 困り (komari) specifically refers to a state of being troubled or in difficulty.
この問題は難しい (kono mondai wa muzukashii) - This problem is difficult.
苦労 also means hardship or trouble.
苦労 (kurō) often implies effort, toil, or suffering endured over a period to achieve something or overcome a difficulty. 困り (komari) is a more immediate state of trouble or perplexity.
彼は多くの苦労を経験した (kare wa ōku no kurō o keikenshita) - He has experienced many hardships.
迷惑 also relates to trouble or inconvenience.
迷惑 (meiwaku) specifically means 'annoyance', 'inconvenience', or 'bother', often caused by others. 困り (komari) is a personal state of being troubled.
ご迷惑をおかけしてすみません (go-meiwaku o okakeshite sumimasen) - I apologize for the inconvenience.
어휘 가족
명사
동사
암기하기
기억법
Imagine a 'komari'-ed (troubled) samurai who accidentally sat on his 'haori' (kimono jacket) and can't get up.
시각적 연상
Picture a person scratching their head with a puzzled expression, surrounded by question marks, symbolizing their '困り' (trouble/perplexity).
Word Web
챌린지
Describe a time you experienced 困り (komari) using at least two related words from the word web. For example: 新しい仕事で、多くの困難に直面し、困りを感じました。 (At my new job, I faced many difficulties and felt troubled.)
어원
困り (komari) comes from the verb 困る (komaru), meaning to be troubled, to be in a fix, or to be perplexed.
원래 의미: The original meaning of 困る (komaru) involved being hemmed in or cornered, leading to the sense of being in difficulty.
Japonic문화적 맥락
In Japanese culture, acknowledging one's 'komari' (trouble or difficulty) is common and can be a way to express humility or seek understanding. It's often used in everyday conversation to describe minor inconveniences as well as more significant problems. Understanding this nuance can help you better navigate social interactions.
셀프 테스트 54 질문
私は___があります。 (I have a problem.)
「困り」は「問題」や「困難」を意味します。
この状況は私にとって少し___です。 (This situation is a bit of a difficulty for me.)
ここでは「困り」が「困難」という意味で使われます。
何か___があったら、教えてください。 (If you have any trouble, please let me know.)
「何か困りがあったら」は「何か問題があったら」と同じ意味です。
彼は___顔をしています。 (He has a troubled look on his face.)
「困り顔」は「困っている顔」という意味です。
私は漢字の勉強で___を感じています。 (I am feeling difficulty with studying Kanji.)
この文脈では「困り」が「困難」という意味で適切です。
あの問題は私の___です。 (That problem is my difficulty.)
「私の困り」は「私が困っていること」という意味になります。
This sentence means 'I am having trouble with food' or 'I am struggling with food.' The particle に indicates the object of the trouble.
This sentence means 'He is in trouble with money' or 'He is struggling financially.' The particle に indicates the source of the trouble.
This is a polite way to ask 'Are you in some kind of trouble?' or 'Can I help you?' お困り is the honorific form of 困り.
この問題を解決するのは少し___です。 (Kono mondai o kaiketsu suru no wa sukoshi ___ desu.)
The sentence means 'Solving this problem is a bit difficult/troublesome.' '困り' (komari) fits perfectly here.
何か___ごとがあったら、いつでも相談してください。 (Nanika ___ goto ga attara, itsudemo soudan shite kudasai.)
The sentence means 'If you have any troubles, please consult me anytime.' '困り' (komari) is the correct word for 'trouble'.
彼の突然の欠席は、私たちにとって大きな___でした。 (Kare no totsuzen no kesseki wa, watashitachi ni totte ookina ___ deshita.)
The sentence means 'His sudden absence was a big trouble/difficulty for us.' '困り' (komari) expresses this meaning.
この状況では、どうすればいいか___ますね。 (Kono joukyou de wa, dousureba ii ka ___ masu ne.)
The sentence means 'In this situation, I'm at a loss as to what to do.' '困り' (komari) as in '困ります' (komarimasu) is used to express being perplexed or in difficulty.
新しいシステムを使うのに少し___を感じています。 (Atarashii shisutemu o tsukau no ni sukoshi ___ o kanjiteimasu.)
The sentence means 'I'm feeling a bit of trouble/difficulty using the new system.' '困り' (komari) conveys this sense of trouble.
彼の意見はいつも私たちを___させます。 (Kare no iken wa itsumo watashitachi o ___ sasemasu.)
The sentence means 'His opinions always trouble/perplex us.' '困ら' (komara) is the causative form of '困る' (komaru), meaning to make someone troubled or perplexed.
If something troublesome happens, please tell me.
This problem is troubling, isn't it?
You have a troubled look. Did something happen?
Read this aloud:
困ったときは助けを求めましょう。
Focus: こまったときはたすけをもとめましょう。
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
この状況は少し困ります。
Focus: このじょうきょうはすこしこまります。
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼の困り事が解決してよかったです。
Focus: かれのこまりごとがかいけつしてよかったです。
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
この状況では、どうすればいいか本当に___ものです。
The sentence expresses a state of perplexity or trouble, making '困り' (komari - trouble/difficulty) the most suitable word.
彼の突然の辞任は、会社にとって大きな___をもたらした。
A sudden resignation would likely cause trouble or difficulty for a company, so '困り' fits here.
こんなに難しい問題に直面して、彼は___顔をしていた。
Facing a difficult problem would typically result in a troubled or perplexed expression, hence '困り顔' (komari-gao - troubled face).
新しいシステム導入のせいで、多くの従業員が___を抱えている。
New system introductions often come with difficulties or troubles for employees, so '困り' is appropriate.
この複雑なパズルは、私にとってかなりの___です。
A complex puzzle can be a source of perplexity or trouble, making '困り' a good fit.
予期せぬ出費は家計に___を生じさせた。
Unexpected expenses would typically cause financial trouble or difficulty, hence '困り'.
You are facing a technical issue with your computer and need to explain the problem to a Japanese-speaking IT support person. Describe the trouble you are experiencing, using the word 困り.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
パソコンが起動しなくて困っています。何かエラーメッセージが出ているのですが、どうしたらいいかわかりません。
You missed your train and will be late for an important meeting. Write a short email to your Japanese colleague explaining your situation and expressing your regret, using the word 困り.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
山田様 お世話になっております。先ほど電車に乗り遅れてしまい、会議に遅刻しそうです。大変困っておりますが、すぐに参ります。ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。
Your friend is feeling down and you want to offer support. Write a message to them in Japanese, acknowledging their difficulties and offering help, using the word 困り.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
元気がないと聞いて心配しています。何か困っていることがあったら、いつでも話してね。私にできることがあれば手伝うよ。
この人は何に困っていますか？
Read this passage:
最近、仕事で新しいプロジェクトを担当することになりました。新しい技術を使うので、色々と調べたり学んだりすることが多く、正直少し困っています。しかし、この困難を乗り越えれば、きっと大きく成長できると信じています。
この人は何に困っていますか？
パッセージには「新しい技術を使うので、色々と調べたり学んだりすることが多く、正直少し困っています」と書かれています。
パッセージには「新しい技術を使うので、色々と調べたり学んだりすることが多く、正直少し困っています」と書かれています。
友人は何に困っているようです
Read this passage:
友人が急に海外転勤になり、引っ越しの手伝いを頼まれました。彼女は日本語があまり得意ではないので、手続きなどで困ることが多いようです。できる限りサポートしてあげたいと思っています。
友人は何に困っているようです
パッセージには「彼女は日本語があまり得意ではないので、手続きなどで困ることが多いようです」と書かれています。
パッセージには「彼女は日本語があまり得意ではないので、手続きなどで困ることが多いようです」と書かれています。
この人は海外旅行でどのような困りごとを経験しましたか？
Read this passage:
先日、初めて一人で海外旅行に行きました。道に迷ったり、言葉が通じなかったりして、困ることがたくさんありました。でも、それも良い経験になったと思います。
この人は海外旅行でどのような困りごとを経験しましたか？
パッセージには「道に迷ったり、言葉が通じなかったりして、困ることがたくさんありました」と書かれています。
パッセージには「道に迷ったり、言葉が通じなかったりして、困ることがたくさんありました」と書かれています。
この状況は私にとって大きな___です。
「困り」は「困難な状況」や「問題」を意味します。この文脈では、「この状況は私にとって大きな困難です」という意味になります。
彼の突然の辞職は、会社に多くの___をもたらしました。
「困り」は「困難」や「問題」を意味し、この文脈では「彼の突然の辞職は、会社に多くの問題をもたらしました」という意味になります。
新しいプロジェクトは技術的な___が山積しています。
「困り」は「困難」や「問題」を意味し、この文脈では「新しいプロジェクトは技術的な困難が山積しています」という意味になります。
思わぬ___で、旅行の計画を立て直す必要がありました。
「困り」は「予期せぬ困難」や「問題」を意味し、この文脈では「思わぬ困難で、旅行の計画を立て直す必要がありました」という意味になります。
彼の言動は周囲に___を与えています。
「困り」は「迷惑」や「困惑」を意味し、この文脈では「彼の言動は周囲に迷惑を与えています」という意味になります。
急な変更で、業務に___が生じています。
「困り」は「問題」や「支障」を意味し、この文脈では「急な変更で、業務に支障が生じています」という意味になります。
The speaker is expressing a feeling of being at a loss due to many recent troubles.
The speaker usually doesn't have trouble with his actions, but this time it's different.
The speaker wants to help after seeing someone's troubled expression.
Read this aloud:
困り事を抱えている友人を励ます時、何と言いますか？
Focus: こまりごと (komarigoto)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
あなたが最近経験した「困り」について話してください。
Focus: こまり (komari)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
仕事で困った時、どのように対処しますか？
Focus: こまった (komatta)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes someone facing serious trouble and unable to find a solution.
This sentence illustrates someone falling into deep trouble when facing a complex problem.
This sentence explains that project delays are a significant problem for the company.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
困り (komari) describes a state of trouble or difficulty, often implying a feeling of being bothered.
- difficulty
- trouble
- perplexed
관련 콘텐츠
이 단어를 다른 언어로
관련 문법 규칙
emotions 관련 단어
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
