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A2 verb #2,000 가장 일반적인 12분 분량

困る

komaru 상위 2,000

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 困る (komaru) as a simple, highly useful verb to express when something is wrong or when they need help. Beginners learn the basic polite form, 困ります (komarimasu), and the past tense, 困りました (komarimashita). It is often taught alongside basic survival phrases. For instance, if a student loses their ticket or cannot find their hotel, they can simply say '困っています' (Komatte imasu - I am in trouble) to signal to a Japanese speaker that they need assistance. At this stage, the grammatical focus is on recognizing it as a verb and using it as a standalone statement of distress. Teachers emphasize that it is a polite way to complain or show difficulty without being rude. Students practice scenarios like 'I don't have money' (お金がありません。困ります) or 'I don't understand Japanese' (日本語がわかりません。困ります). The goal is functional communication: enabling the learner to flag a problem effectively. Pronunciation practice focuses on the clear 'ko-ma-ru' sounds. Vocabulary lists at this level will pair it with words like お金 (money), 時間 (time), and 道 (road/way).

At the A2 level, learners begin to integrate 困る into more complex sentence structures. They learn to use the particle に (ni) and で (de) to specify the cause of their trouble. For example, '漢字に困っています' (Kanji ni komatte imasu - I am troubled by kanji) or '雨で困りました' (Ame de komarimashita - I was troubled by the rain). The te-form, 困って (komatte), is heavily practiced, especially in the continuous state '困っています' (komatte imasu - I am currently in trouble). Learners also start using conditional forms like '困ったら' (komattara - if you are in trouble) to offer help to others, such as '困ったら、言ってください' (Komattara, itte kudasai - If you are in trouble, please tell me). This level expands the word's utility from merely asking for help to discussing daily inconveniences and offering support. Reading exercises will feature short dialogues where characters face minor everyday problems, like missing a train or forgetting homework, and use 困る to express their dismay. The distinction between 困る (practical trouble) and other basic adjectives like 悲しい (sad) is also solidified here.

At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 困る becomes much more nuanced and integrated with other verbs. Learners are introduced to the '[Verb-te] 困る' pattern, which is crucial for expressing annoyance or difficulty caused by someone else's actions. For example, '夜中に電話されて困る' (Yonaka ni denwa sarete komaru - I am troubled by being called in the middle of the night). This often involves the passive voice, highlighting the speaker as the victim of the inconvenience. Students also learn to use 困る as a noun modifier, such as '困った問題' (komatta mondai - a difficult problem) or '困った人' (komatta hito - a troublesome person). The vocabulary surrounding 困る expands to include abstract concepts, such as '返事に困る' (henji ni komaru - at a loss for an answer) or '扱いに困る' (atsukai ni komaru - difficult to handle). Cultural context is deepened, explaining how 困る is used in Japanese society to politely refuse requests or express disagreement indirectly, maintaining social harmony. Listening exercises will feature more complex narratives where 困る is used to describe ongoing societal or workplace issues.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners master the subtle communicative strategies involving 困る. They learn how it functions in formal and business environments as a tool for polite refusal or negotiation. Phrases like 'そう言われましても困ります' (Sou iwaremashite mo komarimasu - Even if you say that, it puts me in a difficult position) become part of their active repertoire. The focus shifts to understanding the unspoken implications when a Japanese person says '困りましたね' (Komarimashita ne). It often means 'No, we cannot do that,' rather than just 'This is difficult.' Learners also explore advanced collocations and idiomatic expressions. They differentiate 困る from highly similar words like 悩む (nayamu), 迷う (mayou), and 焦る (aseru) with precision, knowing exactly which word fits the psychological or practical reality of the situation. Writing tasks require students to describe complex problems, such as environmental issues or economic hardships, using 困る alongside advanced vocabulary. Reading comprehension involves analyzing opinion pieces or news articles where the 'trouble' is a broad societal challenge.

At the C1 advanced level, 困る is utilized with near-native fluency, embedded in complex grammatical structures and highly formal registers. Learners encounter and produce derivatives like 困窮 (konkyuu - destitution) or 困難 (konnan - difficulty), understanding their etymological links to the kanji 困. They can effortlessly navigate situations where 困る is used sarcastically, rhetorically, or in literature. For instance, understanding a phrase like '困ったものだ' (Komatta mono da - What a pain / Good grief) as an expression of exasperation rather than literal trouble. Students at this level can write persuasive essays or conduct business negotiations where they strategically use the concept of 'trouble' to leverage a point or gracefully decline a proposal without causing offense. The focus is on the sociolinguistic appropriateness of the word across varying degrees of formality, from casual banter with friends ('マジ困るんだけど' - Maji komarun dakedo) to highly sensitive customer service interactions where even the word 困る might be considered too direct, requiring euphemisms.

At the C2 mastery level, the learner's understanding of 困る is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. They grasp the deepest cultural and psychological underpinnings of the word, recognizing its role in the Japanese collective consciousness regarding burden and social responsibility (meiwaku). They can analyze classical or modern literature where the state of 'komaru' drives character development or plot. They effortlessly switch between regional dialects or slang variations of expressing trouble. At this stage, 困る is not just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which to understand Japanese interpersonal dynamics. The learner can debate the philosophical implications of 'trouble' in Japanese society, using 困る alongside highly specialized academic or literary vocabulary. They can perceive the micro-expressions and tonal shifts that accompany the word, knowing exactly when 'komarimasu' means a slight hiccup versus a catastrophic failure. Their production is flawless, employing the word with perfect timing, appropriate grammatical framing, and exact cultural resonance in any conceivable situation.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

困る 30초 만에

Expresses being in a difficult or troublesome situation.
Used to politely refuse or show disagreement in Japan.
Often paired with particles に (ni) or で (de).
Does NOT mean to be angry or emotionally sad.

The Japanese verb 困る (komaru) is an essential and highly versatile word that translates primarily to 'to be troubled,' 'to be in difficulty,' 'to be inconvenienced,' or 'to be at a loss.' It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb that encapsulates a wide range of negative or challenging situations where a person feels stuck, unsure of what to do, or negatively affected by external circumstances. Understanding the depth of 困る requires recognizing that it is not just about physical difficulty, but deeply tied to the psychological state of not having an immediate solution to a problem. When a Japanese speaker says 困ります (komarimasu), they are expressing a genuine sense of being put in a tough spot. This can range from minor inconveniences, such as forgetting an umbrella on a rainy day, to major life crises, such as losing a job or facing severe financial hardship. The beauty of this word lies in its broad applicability across various contexts, making it a staple in daily conversation.

Core Meaning: To experience a situation where one is unable to proceed smoothly due to an obstacle, lack of resources, or unexpected negative event.

雨が降って困る。

In Japanese culture, expressing direct anger or frustration is often avoided to maintain social harmony (wa). Therefore, 困る serves as a polite and socially acceptable way to express dissatisfaction or to request someone to stop a bothersome behavior. For instance, if someone is playing loud music, instead of saying 'Stop it, you are annoying me,' a Japanese person might say 'It troubles me' (困ります). This indirect approach softens the confrontation while clearly communicating that the action is causing a problem.

Social Function: Acts as a buffer word to express displeasure or request a change in behavior without resorting to aggressive or confrontational language.

そんなことをされては困る。

Furthermore, 困る is frequently used in the past tense, 困った (komatta), to describe a state of being in trouble that has already occurred or a realization of a problematic situation. 'Komatta na...' is a common muttering when someone encounters a sudden issue, akin to saying 'Oh dear' or 'What should I do now?' in English. The word can also be modified by various adverbs to indicate the degree of difficulty. For example, '本当に困る' (hontou ni komaru) means 'really troubled,' while '少し困る' (sukoshi komaru) means 'a little troubled.'

お金がなくて本当に困る。

It is also important to note that 困る is an intransitive verb. This means it does not take a direct object with the particle を (wo). Instead, the cause of the trouble is usually marked by the particle に (ni) or で (de). For example, 'お金に困る' (okane ni komaru) means 'to be troubled by a lack of money,' and '雪で困る' (yuki de komaru) means 'to be troubled by the snow.'

Grammar Note: Always use に (ni) or で (de) to indicate the source of the trouble, never を (wo).

返事に困る質問だ。

In summary, 困る is a multifaceted word that goes beyond simple difficulty. It is a cultural tool for maintaining harmony, a psychological indicator of being at a loss, and a grammatical cornerstone for expressing negative circumstances in Japanese. Mastering its nuances will significantly enhance your ability to navigate both daily conversations and complex social interactions in Japan.

道に迷って困る。

Using 困る (komaru) correctly involves understanding its conjugation patterns, the particles it pairs with, and the specific contexts in which it is most appropriate. As a Godan (Group 1) verb ending in 'ru', its conjugations follow standard rules: the polite non-past is 困ります (komarimasu), the negative is 困らない (komaranai), the te-form is 困って (komatte), and the past tense is 困った (komatta).

Conjugation: Godan verb: 困る (dictionary), 困ります (masu), 困って (te), 困った (ta), 困らない (nai).

今は困っています。

One of the most common ways to use 困る is with the particle に (ni) to specify what exactly is causing the trouble or what you are lacking. For example, '生活に困る' (seikatsu ni komaru) means 'to have difficulty making a living,' and '言葉に困る' (kotoba ni komaru) means 'to be at a loss for words.' The particle に points directly to the source of the dilemma.

Particle Ni: Used to indicate the specific domain or item that is lacking or causing the state of being troubled.

水不足に困る。

Another frequent usage is with the te-form of other verbs to describe a situation that is causing trouble. The pattern is '[Verb-te] 困る'. For instance, '泣かれて困る' (nakarete komaru) means 'I am troubled because (someone) is crying.' This structure is incredibly useful for expressing that someone else's actions are inconveniencing you. It often employs the passive form of the preceding verb to emphasize the adverse effect on the speaker.

急に休まれては困る。

You will also frequently encounter 困る in conditional forms, such as 困れば (komareba) or 困ったら (komattara), meaning 'if you are in trouble.' This is often used when offering help: '困ったら、いつでも電話してください' (Komattara, itsudemo denwa shite kudasai - If you are in trouble, please call me anytime). This demonstrates the supportive and community-oriented aspect of Japanese communication.

Conditional Usage: Using 困ったら (komattara) is the standard way to offer assistance to someone who might face difficulties in the future.

困った時はお互い様です。

Furthermore, 困る can be used as a noun modifier in the form of 困った (komatta). A '困った人' (komatta hito) is a troublesome person or someone who causes problems for others. A '困った問題' (komatta mondai) is a difficult or thorny problem. This adjectival use of the past tense is very common in descriptive narratives.

彼は本当に困った人だ。

By mastering these various structures—particles, te-form connections, conditionals, and noun modifiers—you can express a vast array of nuanced difficulties and inconveniences smoothly and naturally in Japanese.

The verb 困る (komaru) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, echoing through homes, workplaces, schools, and media. Its prevalence is due to its function as a polite yet clear indicator of a problem. In a business environment, 困る is frequently used to discuss logistical issues, budget constraints, or scheduling conflicts without pointing fingers or sounding overly aggressive. For example, if a supplier is late with a delivery, a manager might say, '納期が遅れると困ります' (Nouki ga okureru to komarimasu - It will be a problem if the delivery is late). This conveys the seriousness of the situation while maintaining professional decorum.

Business Context: Used to professionally express that a delay, error, or change in plans will cause operational difficulties.

予算が足りなくて困っています。

In daily life and casual conversations, you will hear 困る constantly. Friends might use it when trying to decide where to eat and finding everywhere closed: 'お店が閉まっていて困ったね' (Omise ga shimatte ite komatta ne - We're in trouble since the shops are closed). Parents use it with children to correct behavior: 'そんなに騒ぐと困るよ' (Sonna ni sawagu to komaru yo - It's a problem if you make that much noise). It is a gentle but firm way of setting boundaries.

鍵をなくして困った。

In news broadcasts and formal reporting, 困る is used to describe societal issues. You might hear reports about citizens '生活に困窮している' (seikatsu ni konkyuu shite iru - a more formal derivative) or simply '生活に困っている' (seikatsu ni komatte iru - struggling to make a living) due to economic downturns or natural disasters. The word effectively captures the plight of those facing hardship.

News & Media: Frequently used to describe populations affected by disasters, inflation, or policy changes.

停電で多くの人が困っている。

Customer service is another area where 困る appears, often in the negative or polite forms. A shop clerk might say '少々困りかねます' (shoushou komarikanemasu - a highly polite way of saying 'that is difficult/troublesome for us to do') when refusing an unreasonable request. This avoids a direct 'no' while making it clear that the request cannot be accommodated.

Customer Service: Employed as a polite refusal strategy to maintain excellent customer relations while denying a request.

返品されては困ります。

Whether you are watching a slice-of-life anime, reading a newspaper, or navigating a Japanese office, 困る is a word that accurately reflects the daily frictions and challenges of life, expressed in a culturally appropriate manner.

漢字が読めなくて困る。

While 困る (komaru) is a fundamental vocabulary word, learners frequently make mistakes regarding its nuance, grammatical structure, and appropriate context. One of the most common errors is confusing 困る with words that express emotional distress, such as 悲しい (kanashii - sad) or 怒る (okoru - angry). 困る does not mean you are crying or furious; it strictly means you are in a difficult situation and don't know how to resolve it. If you lose your wallet, you are 困る (troubled/in a bind). If your friend insults you, you are 怒る (angry). Using 困る when you mean to express deep emotional pain sounds unnatural and overly detached.

Nuance Error: Using 困る to express emotional sadness or anger instead of situational difficulty or inconvenience.

❌ 友達が死んで困る。(Incorrect nuance)

Another frequent grammatical mistake is using the object particle を (wo) with 困る. Because 困る is an intransitive verb (it describes a state of being rather than an action done to an object), it cannot take a direct object. Learners often try to say 'I am troubled by the homework' as '宿題を困る' (shukudai wo komaru). The correct phrasing uses で (de) for cause or に (ni) for the source: '宿題で困っている' (shukudai de komatte iru) or '宿題に困っている' (shukudai ni komatte iru).

Particle Error: Incorrectly attaching the direct object particle を (wo) to 困る.

⭕ 宿題に困っている。

Learners also sometimes confuse 困る with 悩む (nayamu). While both involve a problem, 悩む implies deep internal worrying, pondering, or agonizing over a decision. 困る is more about the external situation causing a practical blockage. If you don't know which university to choose, you are 悩む (worrying/agonizing). If you don't have enough money to pay for university, you are 困る (in a practical bind).

進路に悩む。(Worrying about future path)

Vocabulary Confusion: Mixing up the practical difficulty of 困る with the psychological worrying of 悩む.

学費が払えなくて困る。

Finally, a subtle mistake is overusing 困る in formal situations where a more specific or humble expression is required. While 困ります is polite, telling a superior 'それは困ります' (That troubles me) can sound a bit direct or uncooperative. In strict business contexts, softer phrases like '対応いたしかねます' (We are unable to accommodate) or '少々難しいです' (It is a bit difficult) are preferred.

明日の会議に出られないと困ります。

The Japanese language is rich with vocabulary to describe difficulties, worries, and obstacles. While 困る (komaru) is the most general term for 'to be troubled,' several other words share similar meanings but carry distinct nuances. Understanding these synonyms will greatly enhance your descriptive abilities and allow you to express your exact state of mind or situation. The most commonly confused synonym is 悩む (nayamu). As mentioned previously, 悩む means 'to worry,' 'to be troubled mentally,' or 'to agonize over a decision.' The key difference is internal versus external. 困る is an external situation causing a practical problem (e.g., a flat tire), while 悩む is an internal psychological struggle (e.g., deciding whether to quit a job).

悩む (Nayamu): To worry, to agonize. Focuses on mental distress and decision-making rather than practical obstacles.

人間関係で悩む。(To worry about relationships)

Another related word is 迷う (mayou), which translates to 'to get lost' or 'to hesitate/be undecided.' You use 迷う when you literally lose your way (道に迷う - michi ni mayou) or when you are wavering between two or more choices (どれを買うか迷う - dore wo kau ka mayou). While being lost or undecided can certainly cause you to be 困る (troubled), 迷う specifically highlights the lack of direction or choice.

迷う (Mayou): To lose one's way, to hesitate. Focuses on a lack of direction or inability to choose.

道に迷って困る。

苦しむ (kurushimu) is a much stronger word meaning 'to suffer' or 'to groan.' It is used for severe physical pain, intense mental anguish, or extreme financial hardship. While 困る implies an inconvenience or a tough spot, 苦しむ implies actual suffering. You might be 困る if you have a mild headache and forgot your medicine, but you are 苦しむ if you have a severe migraine.

苦しむ (Kurushimu): To suffer. A much more intense word indicating physical or deep emotional pain.

病気で苦しむ。(To suffer from an illness)

焦る (aseru) means 'to be in a hurry,' 'to panic,' or 'to feel pressured.' This describes the feeling of rushing because time is running out or a sudden problem has occurred. If you oversleep on the day of an important exam, you will definitely 焦る (panic/rush), and as a result of the situation, you are 困る (in a bad spot).

時間がなくて焦る。(To panic because there is no time)

Finally, 戸惑う (tomadou) means 'to be bewildered' or 'to be perplexed.' It is used when you encounter something unexpected or unfamiliar and don't know how to react. For example, if someone suddenly starts speaking to you in a language you don't know, you would 戸惑う. This bewilderment often leads to a state of 困る. By distinguishing between these words, you can paint a much clearer picture of exactly what kind of difficulty you are facing.

突然の質問に戸惑う。(To be bewildered by a sudden question)

How Formal Is It?

격식체

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

お金がなくて困ります。

I am troubled because I have no money.

Te-form of nai (nakute) + komarimasu.

日本語がわからなくて困っています。

I am in trouble because I don't understand Japanese.

Te-form of wakaranai + komatte imasu (current state).

道に迷って困りました。

I was troubled because I lost my way.

Past tense polite form: komarimashita.

雨が降って困る。

I am troubled because it is raining.

Casual non-past form: komaru.

パスポートがなくて困っています。

I am in trouble because I don't have my passport.

Using nakute (don't have) to show cause.

困った時は電話してください。

Please call me when you are in trouble.

Komatta toki (when troubled).

とても困っています。

I am very troubled.

Adverb 'totemo' (very) modifying the verb.

困ります！

That's a problem! / I'm in trouble!

Direct exclamation in polite form.

漢字が読めなくて、生活に困っています。

I am troubled in my daily life because I cannot read kanji.

Noun + ni komaru (troubled with/in [noun]).

電車が止まって、本当に困りました。

The train stopped, and I was really in trouble.

Te-form connecting two clauses.

明日のテストが難しくて困る。

I'm troubled because tomorrow's test is difficult.

Adjective te-form (muzukashikute) causing trouble.

何か困っていることはありませんか。

Is there anything you are troubled with?

Komatte iru koto (things you are troubled by).

水が出なくて困っています。

I am troubled because the water won't come out.

Negative te-form of deru (denakute).

あの人はいつも遅刻するので困ります。

That person is always late, so it's a problem.

Node (because) explaining the reason for trouble.

困ったら、先生に聞いてください。

If you are in trouble, please ask the teacher.

Conditional 'tara' form (komattara).

仕事がなくて困っている人が多いです。

There are many people who are troubled because they have no jobs.

Modifying a noun: komatte iru hito (troubled people).

急に予定を変更されては困ります。

It troubles me if you suddenly change the schedule.

Passive te-form + wa komarimasu (troubled by someone doing X).

彼はいつも言い訳ばかりして、本当に困った人だ。

He always makes excuses; he's a really troublesome person.

Komatta hito (troublesome person).

質問の答えに困って、黙ってしまった。

I was at a loss for an answer to the question and fell silent.

Kotae ni komatte (troubled for an answer).

そんなに大声で泣かれては困るよ。

I'm in a bind if you cry that loudly.

Passive te-form of naku (nakarete).

駐車場が狭くて、車を停めるのに困った。

The parking lot was narrow, and I had trouble parking the car.

Verb dictionary form + no ni komaru (trouble doing X).

経済的に困っている学生を支援する制度があります。

There is a system to support students who are financially troubled.

Adverbial use: keizaiteki ni (financially).

どう対応していいか分からず、困り果てた。

Not knowing how to handle it, I was completely at a loss.

Compound verb: komari-hateru (to be completely troubled).

このパソコンはよくフリーズするので、扱いに困る。

This computer freezes often, so it's hard to handle.

Atsukai ni komaru (trouble handling/dealing with).

お客様にそのような態度をとられては、私どもも困惑し、困ります。

If a customer takes such an attitude, we are also perplexed and troubled.

Formal business context, combining konwaku (perplexed) and komaru.

資金繰りに困り、会社は倒産の危機に直面した。

Troubled by cash flow, the company faced the crisis of bankruptcy.

Shikinguri ni komari (troubled by cash flow) using masu-stem for conjunction.

彼の無責任な発言には、周囲の人間が皆困っている。

Everyone around him is troubled by his irresponsible remarks.

Noun + ni wa (emphasizing the source of trouble).

今更そんなことを言われても困るというのが本音だ。

To be honest, it puts me in a difficult position to be told that at this late stage.

Te-mo komaru (troubled even if...).

高齢化社会において、介護の担い手不足は困った問題である。

In an aging society, the shortage of caregivers is a troublesome problem.

Komatta mondai (a difficult/troublesome issue).

どちらの条件も捨てがたく、選択に困っている。

Both conditions are hard to give up, and I am at a loss to choose.

Sentaku ni komaru (trouble choosing).

この機械は古いので、部品の調達に困ることが多い。

Because this machine is old, we often have trouble procuring parts.

Choutatsu ni komaru (trouble procuring).

突然の来客で、おもてなしの準備に困ってしまった。

Due to a sudden visitor, I was troubled with preparing hospitality.

Junbi ni komatte shimatta (regret/completion of being troubled).

政府の場当たり的な対応に、現場の人間は困り果てている。

The people on the ground are completely at a loss due to the government's ad-hoc responses.

Komari-hatete iru (continuous state of extreme trouble).

彼の才能は認めるが、あの協調性のなさには少々困ったものだ。

I acknowledge his talent, but his lack of cooperativeness is a bit of a headache.

Komatta mono da (idiomatic: what a pain / it's a problem).

倫理的なジレンマに直面し、判断に困るケースが多発している。

Cases where one is at a loss for judgment due to facing ethical dilemmas are occurring frequently.

Handan ni komaru (trouble making a judgment).

これ以上予算を削減されては、プロジェクトの存続に関わり困ります。

If the budget is cut any further, it will affect the survival of the project and put us in a severe bind.

Sarete wa... komarimasu (conditional passive causing severe trouble).

遺産相続を巡る親族間の争いは、第三者としては対応に困る。

Disputes among relatives over inheritance are difficult for a third party to handle.

Taiou ni komaru (trouble dealing with/responding to).

専門用語を多用されても、素人には理解に困るだけだ。

Even if you use many technical terms, it just leaves amateurs at a loss to understand.

Rikai ni komaru (trouble understanding).

あの政治家の度重なる失言には、党内からも「困った」との声が漏れている。

Voices saying 'this is a problem' are leaking even from within the party regarding that politician's repeated gaffes.

Quoting 'komatta' as a noun phrase representing a state of dismay.

生活に困窮する人々への支援策が急務となっている。

Support measures for people suffering from severe livelihood difficulties have become an urgent task.

Konkyuu suru (formal/advanced derivative meaning extreme destitution).

自己のアイデンティティの喪失という、実存的な問いに直面し困惑する。

One is perplexed and troubled when facing the existential question of the loss of one's identity.

Using related advanced vocabulary (konwaku) alongside the concept of komaru.

彼の奇行は今に始まったことではないが、今回ばかりは周囲も対応に困りあぐねている。

His eccentric behavior is nothing new, but this time around, those around him are completely at a loss as to how to handle it.

Komari-aguneru (to be completely exhausted from being troubled/at a loss).

法整備が技術の進歩に追いつかず、現場が解釈に困るという事態が常態化している。

The situation where the legal framework cannot keep up with technological progress, leaving practitioners at a loss for interpretation, has become the norm.

Kaishaku ni komaru (trouble interpreting).

善意からの行動であっても、結果的に相手を困らせてしまうことは往々にしてある。

Even if an action is born of goodwill, it is often the case that it ends up troubling the other party.

Causative form: komaraseru (to make someone troubled).

この難局をどう乗り切るか、識者たちも一様に答えに困っている様子だ。

It seems that even the experts are uniformly at a loss for an answer on how to overcome this difficult situation.

Kotae ni komatte iru yousu da (appears to be at a loss for an answer).

文化的な背景の違いから生じる摩擦は、単なる語学力では解決に困る問題である。

Friction arising from differences in cultural backgrounds is a problem that is difficult to solve with mere language skills.

Kaiketsu ni komaru mondai (a problem difficult to solve).

あまりに突飛な提案に、役員会は一時、反応に困り沈黙が支配した。

Faced with such an eccentric proposal, the board of directors was momentarily at a loss for a reaction, and silence reigned.

Hannou ni komari (troubled for a reaction).

「困ったときの神頼み」とはよく言ったもので、普段は無神論者を自称する彼も神社に足を運んでいた。

It is well said that 'one turns to God only in times of trouble,' as even he, who usually calls himself an atheist, visited the shrine.

Proverb: Komatta toki no kamidanomi (praying to God when in trouble).

자주 쓰는 조합

生活に困る

お金に困る

返事に困る

扱いに困る

反応に困る

対応に困る

判断に困る

資金繰りに困る

場所に困る

置き場所に困る

자주 쓰는 구문

困ったな

困っています

困ります

困った人

困った問題

困ったことに

困った時はお互い様

〜されては困る

〜に困る

〜で困る

자주 혼동되는 단어

困る vs 悩む (nayamu - to worry mentally)

困る vs 怒る (okoru - to get angry)

困る vs 疲れる (tsukareru - to be tired)

관용어 및 표현

혼동하기 쉬운

困る vs

문장 패턴

사용법

note

While 困る is very common, overusing it to complain about minor things can make you sound negative. Use it when there is a genuine obstacle or when you need to politely set a boundary.

자주 하는 실수

Using を (wo) instead of に (ni) or で (de).
Using 困る to mean 'sad' or 'angry'.
Confusing 困る (practical trouble) with 悩む (mental worry).
Using 困ります too directly to a superior instead of a softer refusal.
Forgetting to use the te-form when connecting a reason (e.g., saying 雨困る instead of 雨が降って困る).

팁

No 'Wo' Particle

Never use を (wo) with 困る. It is always に (ni) or で (de).

The Polite Refusal

Use 困ります to say 'no' politely in business or formal situations.

Adjective Use

Use 困った (komatta) before a noun to describe something troublesome, like 困った問題 (komatta mondai).

Muttering

Say 'Komatta na...' while scratching your head to look like a native speaker facing a problem.

Passive Te-form

Listen for words like 言われて (iwarete) before 困る. It means 'troubled by being told...'

External vs Internal

Remember: 困る is an external problem (no money). 悩む is an internal problem (can't decide).

Kanji Memory

Remember the kanji 困: A tree (木) stuck in a box (囗).

Mutual Help

Learn the phrase '困った時はお互い様' (We help each other in times of trouble).

Common Pairings

Memorize 'お金に困る' (troubled for money) and '返事に困る' (troubled for an answer).

Not for Anger

Do not use 困る to show you are furious. Use 怒る (okoru) instead.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a tree (木) trapped in a box (囗). It is in TROUBLE (困る - komaru) because it cannot grow. It might fall into a COMA (koma-ru) from the stress!

어원

The kanji 困 (kon/koma) depicts a tree (木) enclosed in a box (囗).

문화적 맥락

Often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head, scratching the back of the head, or a sharp intake of breath through the teeth.

困る is standard polite. For higher politeness (e.g., customer service), use 困りかねます (komarikanemasu) or 致しかねます (itashikanemasu).

Using 困る is the preferred way to refuse a request softly.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"最近、何か困っていることはありますか？ (Are you troubled by anything recently?)"

"日本語の勉強で一番困ることは何ですか？ (What is the most troubling thing about studying Japanese?)"

"道に迷って困った経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had the experience of being troubled by getting lost?)"

"お金に困ったら、どうしますか？ (What do you do if you are troubled for money?)"

"友達が困っていたら、どうやって助けますか？ (If a friend is in trouble, how do you help them?)"

일기 주제

Write about a time you were in a difficult situation (困ったこと) while traveling.

Describe a 'komatta hito' (troublesome person) you have encountered.

Explain a current societal problem in your country using 困る.

Write a dialogue where you politely refuse an invitation using 困ります.

List three things you would do if you were 'okane ni komatte iru' (troubled for money).

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 困る does not mean sad. It means you are in a difficult situation and don't know what to do. If you are sad, use 悲しい (kanashii).

Directly saying 'No' (いいえ) can be considered too blunt or confrontational in Japanese culture. Saying 'It troubles me' (困ります) is a softer, more polite way to refuse while maintaining harmony.

に (ni) usually points to the specific thing you lack or struggle with (e.g., お金に困る - troubled for money). で (de) points to the cause or reason for the trouble (e.g., 雨で困る - troubled because of the rain).

No, 困る is an intransitive verb and cannot take the object particle を (wo). You must say 宿題で困る (troubled because of homework) or 宿題に困る (troubled with homework).

It is a casual phrase muttered to oneself meaning 'Oh dear,' 'What a problem,' or 'I'm in a bind.' The 'na' particle indicates speaking to oneself or seeking agreement.

The dictionary form 困る is casual. The masu-form 困ります is polite and safe for most daily interactions. For highly formal business, other expressions are preferred.

You can say '困らせないで' (Komarasenaide), which uses the causative form meaning 'Don't make me troubled.'

It translates to 'a troubled person' but usually means 'a troublesome person'—someone who causes problems for others.

Generally no. For physical pain, use 痛い (itai) or 苦しむ (kurushimu). 困る is for situational or logistical difficulties.

You can say '困ったことがあったら、言ってください' (If there is anything troubling you, please tell me).