Meaning
Expressing that something is hard to do or understand.
Cultural Background
In business, '難しいです' is often a code for 'no'. It is rarely followed by a 'but' because the 'no' is already understood. Students often use '難しいです' to express that they don't understand a concept, which is a signal for the teacher to explain again. Using this phrase helps maintain 'wa' (harmony) by avoiding direct confrontation.
The 'Soft No'
Use '難しいです' to decline invitations without being rude. It is the gold standard for Japanese politeness.
Don't describe people
Never call a person '難しい'. It suggests they are difficult to get along with.
Meaning
Expressing that something is hard to do or understand.
The 'Soft No'
Use '難しいです' to decline invitations without being rude. It is the gold standard for Japanese politeness.
Don't describe people
Never call a person '難しい'. It suggests they are difficult to get along with.
Context is key
In Japan, the difficulty is often in the situation, not the person. This phrase helps you shift the blame to the situation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'This book is difficult'.
この本は＿＿＿＿。
Adjectives end in 'です' for polite speech.
Complete the sentence for a polite refusal.
明日、会うのは＿＿＿＿。
This is the standard phrase for declining an invitation.
Match the Japanese phrase to its English meaning.
1. 難しいです 2. 難しかったです 3. 難しくないです
Standard conjugation practice.
How do you respond to a request you can't do?
Boss: 'Can you finish this today?' You: '＿＿＿＿。'
This is the most professional way to decline.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesこの本は＿＿＿＿。
Adjectives end in 'です' for polite speech.
明日、会うのは＿＿＿＿。
This is the standard phrase for declining an invitation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Standard conjugation practice.
Boss: 'Can you finish this today?' You: '＿＿＿＿。'
This is the most professional way to decline.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is very versatile, but use '重い' for weight and '大変' for being overworked.
No, it is actually the correct way to express that a task is challenging.
Add '少々' (a little) before it: '少々難しいです'.
Just '難しい' or 'ムズい' (slang).
To preserve harmony and avoid direct rejection.
Yes, '気持ちを伝えるのは難しいです' (It is hard to express my feelings).
Related Phrases
大変です
similarIt is tough/serious
無理です
builds onIt is impossible
簡単です
contrastIt is easy
複雑です
specialized formIt is complex
