Difficult describes anything that requires significant effort to achieve or comprehend.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe something not easy to do or understand.
- Commonly used to politely decline requests in Japanese culture.
- Applicable to both physical tasks and abstract concepts.
Overview
- 1概要：『難しい』は日本語で最も頻繁に使われる形容詞の一つです。物理的な困難さだけでなく、心理的なハードルや、複雑で理解しにくい状況に対しても広く用いられます。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する場合（難しい問題）や、述語として使う場合（この課題は難しい）があります。また、「〜するのが難しい」という形で動詞と組み合わせることで、特定の動作の困難さを表現できます。3) 一般的な文脈：学業や仕事の場面で「試験が難しい」「仕事が難しい」と使うのが一般的です。また、相手の誘いを断る際に「それは難しいです」と言うと、直接的な拒絶を避ける丁寧な表現になります。4) 類語との比較：『困難（こんなん）』はより硬い表現で、ニュースや公的な文章で使われます。『複雑（ふくざつ）』は、難易度よりも「入り組んでいる」という構造に焦点を当てます。『難しい』は最も汎用性が高く、日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く対応できる便利な言葉です。
Examples
この問題はとても難しいです。
everydayThis problem is very difficult.
ご提案いただいた条件での契約は難しいです。
formalIt is difficult to sign the contract under the proposed conditions.
これ、ちょっと難しいかも。
informalThis might be a bit difficult.
理論的に証明することは難しい。
academicIt is difficult to prove theoretically.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
難しい顔をする
to look troubled or concerned
難しい年頃
difficult age (adolescence)
難しい注文
a difficult request
Often Confused With
This is a formal noun/na-adjective. It is used in written documents or serious contexts rather than daily speech.
This refers to something being complicated or intricate. It does not necessarily mean 'hard to do,' but rather 'hard to understand due to many parts.'
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Muzukashii is a versatile adjective used in both formal and informal settings. In formal contexts, it is often used to decline requests politely. When used informally, it can express a personal feeling of inability or challenge.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'muzukashii' to describe physical tiredness, which is incorrect. Avoid using it for 'I am tired,' for which 'tsukareta' is appropriate. Also, ensure you don't use it to describe simple tasks.
Tips
Use it to soften your refusals
Japanese culture values harmony. Saying 'it is difficult' is a polite way to decline an invitation without being blunt.
Distinguish between skill and effort
Don't confuse 'difficult' (skill) with 'hard/tiring' (effort). Use 'muzukashii' for complexity and 'taihen' for stress.
Contextual nuance in business
In business, 'muzukashii' is a code word for 'no.' Listeners will understand you cannot do the task.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Japanese 'muzukashi', originally meaning 'gloomy' or 'unpleasant'. Over time, it evolved to signify the difficulty that causes such feelings.
Cultural Context
The Japanese concept of 'Enryo' (reserve) often leads to the use of 'muzukashii' instead of a hard 'no.' It is a cultural tool to maintain social harmony.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Moo-zoo' (cow-zoo) being hard to manage. It is 'Muzukashii' to keep all the animals in order!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「難しい」は技術や理解の難易度を指しますが、「大変」は苦労や負担の大きさを表します。例えば「難しい仕事」は技術的にハードルが高いことを意味し、「大変な仕事」は忙しくて疲れる仕事を指します。
はい、非常に一般的です。「それは難しいです」と言うことで、相手を傷つけずにやんわりと拒絶することができます。日本文化において、直接的な「いいえ」を避けるための重要なフレーズです。
はい、「難しかった」と活用できます。過去の経験や、終わった出来事について感想を述べる際に使用します。
「難しくない」となります。また、より丁寧な表現では「難しくありません」と言います。
Test Yourself
この漢字はとても___です。
漢字の習得に関する文脈なので、難易度を表す「難しい」が適切です。
「それは難しいですね」という表現の意図は？
ビジネスや日常会話において、このフレーズは拒絶を意味することが多いです。
（テストが / 昨日の / 難しかった）
「昨日のテスト」という名詞句が主語となり、述語が最後に来るのが正しい語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Difficult describes anything that requires significant effort to achieve or comprehend.
- Used to describe something not easy to do or understand.
- Commonly used to politely decline requests in Japanese culture.
- Applicable to both physical tasks and abstract concepts.
Use it to soften your refusals
Japanese culture values harmony. Saying 'it is difficult' is a polite way to decline an invitation without being blunt.
Distinguish between skill and effort
Don't confuse 'difficult' (skill) with 'hard/tiring' (effort). Use 'muzukashii' for complexity and 'taihen' for stress.
Contextual nuance in business
In business, 'muzukashii' is a code word for 'no.' Listeners will understand you cannot do the task.
Examples
4 of 4この問題はとても難しいです。
This problem is very difficult.
ご提案いただいた条件での契約は難しいです。
It is difficult to sign the contract under the proposed conditions.
これ、ちょっと難しいかも。
This might be a bit difficult.
理論的に証明することは難しい。
It is difficult to prove theoretically.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
