Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a small word ending: 'にくい' (nikui). It means hard to do. Like, if a door is hard to open, we say 'open-hard-to-do'. Or if a food is hard to eat, we say 'eat-hard-to-do'. It's like saying 'difficult' for actions. For example, 'see-hard-to-do' means it's hard to see something. It's a simple way to say something is not easy!
The suffix 'にくい' (nikui) is added to verbs to show that the action is difficult. You take the verb stem (like 'tabe-' from 'taberu' - to eat) and add 'にくい'. So, 'tabenikui' means 'difficult to eat'. This is useful for describing things that are challenging. For example, 'kakinikui' (from 'kaku' - to write) means 'difficult to write'. It helps you explain why something might be inconvenient or requires more effort.
The Japanese suffix 'にくい' (nikui) is attached to the stem of a verb to indicate that the action is difficult to perform. For instance, 'yominikui' (from 読む - yomu, to read) means 'difficult to read'. This suffix is very common and adds important nuance to descriptions. It can refer to physical difficulty, like 'tsukaminikui' (掴みにくい - difficult to grasp), or more abstract challenges, such as 'wakarinikui' (分かりにくい - difficult to understand).
The suffix 'にくい' (nikui) is a valuable grammatical tool used with verb stems to express difficulty in performing an action. It's more than just saying 'difficult'; it often implies an inherent resistance or unpleasantness associated with the action. For example, 'kakinikui' (書きにくい - difficult to write) might describe a pen with poor ink flow, while 'wasureninikui' (忘れにくい - difficult to forget) suggests something memorable or impactful. Understanding the subtle difference between 'にくい' and simply saying 'muzukashii' (difficult) is key.
The suffix '-にくい' (-nikui), derived from an older adjective meaning 'hateful' or 'detestable', now primarily functions to denote difficulty in performing the action of the verb it attaches to. Its usage extends beyond mere physical impediment; it can convey a sense of aversion, awkwardness, or inherent resistance. For example, 'shinzui nikui' (進みにくい - difficult to advance) might describe a situation with significant obstacles, while 'shinjinikui' (信じにくい - difficult to believe) implies something is hard to accept due to its improbable nature. It adds a layer of subjective experience to the description of the action.
The suffix '-にくい' (-nikui) represents a fascinating semantic evolution from its historical roots related to 'hatred' and 'detestability'. When appended to verb stems, it signifies difficulty, but often carries connotations of awkwardness, resistance, or even a degree of aversion towards the action. This nuance distinguishes it from more neutral terms for difficulty. Consider 'taegurinikui' (耐え難いにくい - difficult to endure), which implies not just hardship but a strong sense of suffering. Its usage can be found in literature and formal discourse to express subtle degrees of challenge or discomfort associated with an action, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of the verb's implications.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Suffix 'にくい' (nikui) means 'difficult to do'.
- Attached to the masu-stem of verbs.
- Functions like an i-adjective.
- Used for practical and sometimes abstract difficulties.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese suffix 'にくい' (nikui). Think of it as a little helper that attaches to the end of verbs to tell you that the action is difficult to do. It's like adding a little 'ugh' or 'hmm, this is tricky!' to the verb. For example, if you have a verb that means 'to eat' (食べる - taberu), adding 'にくい' makes it 食べにくい (tabenikui), meaning 'difficult to eat'. This suffix is fantastic for describing situations where something isn't impossible, but it definitely takes extra effort or presents a challenge.
You'll often see 'にくい' used to describe physical difficulties, like something being hard to hold or hard to see. But it can also describe more abstract difficulties, such as something being hard to understand or hard to forgive. It adds a layer of nuance to your descriptions, letting you express the specific challenges you face. So, next time you encounter a verb that seems a bit tough, remember 'にくい' is probably there to tell you why!
The suffix 'にくい' has its roots in the adjective 'にくい' (nikui), which historically meant 'hateful' or 'detestable'. This older meaning is still preserved in expressions like '憎らしい' (nikurashii), which means 'hateful' or 'detestable'. Over time, the meaning evolved, and when used as a suffix attached to verb stems, it shifted from expressing an emotional response of hatred towards an action to describing the inherent difficulty or unpleasantness of performing that action.
This semantic shift is quite common in language development. The idea of something being 'hateful' or 'unpleasant' can easily bleed into the concept of it being 'difficult' or 'uncomfortable' to engage with. Think about it: if something is deeply unpleasant, you're naturally going to find it hard to approach or perform. This evolution makes 'にくい' a versatile suffix that conveys not just physical difficulty but also a sense of aversion or resistance towards the action itself.
The suffix 'にくい' is incredibly versatile and attaches to the masu-stem (the part of the verb that remains after removing '-masu') of most verbs. For example, with '書く' (kaku - to write), the masu-stem is '書き' (kaki), so you get 書きにくい (kakinikui - difficult to write). With '読む' (yomu - to read), it's 読み (yomi), leading to 読みにくい (yominikui - difficult to read).
It's commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. You might hear someone say, 'このペンは書きにくいです' (Kono pen wa kakininikui desu - This pen is difficult to write with), or 'この字は読みにくい' (Kono ji wa yominikui - These characters are difficult to read). It can also be used for more abstract concepts, like '理解しにくい' (rikai shi nikui - difficult to understand) or '忘れにくい' (wasureninikui - difficult to forget).
When forming sentences, 'にくい' acts like an i-adjective, so you can modify it with '-くて' (kute) for connecting clauses or use it directly as a predicate ending in '-い' (i). For instance, 'この本は内容が難しくて読みにくいです' (Kono hon wa naiyou ga muzukashikute yominikui desu - This book's content is difficult, making it hard to read).
While 'にくい' itself is a suffix and not typically part of standalone idioms, the concept it represents is woven into various expressions. The original meaning of 'hateful' or 'detestable' is more directly seen in phrases. However, we can look at how the *idea* of difficulty or aversion is expressed.
1. 手がつけられない (Te ga tsukerarenai): Literally 'hands cannot touch', meaning unmanageable or out of control. While not using 'にくい', it expresses extreme difficulty in dealing with something.
Example: 子供が言うことを聞かず、手がつけられない状態だ。(Kodomo ga iu koto o kikazu, te ga tsukerarenai joutai da. - The child wouldn't listen and is in an unmanageable state.)
2. 歯が立たない (Ha ga tatanai): Literally 'teeth cannot stand', meaning unable to cope with or overcome a challenge.
Example: 相手が強すぎて、全く歯が立たなかった。(Aite ga tsuyosugite, mattaku ha ga tatanakatta. - The opponent was too strong, and I couldn't cope at all.)
3. 気が進まない (Ki ga susumanai): 'Ki' (spirit/mind) doesn't advance, meaning unwilling or not feeling like doing something. This relates to the aversion aspect sometimes implied by 'にくい'.
Example: 疲れているので、今日は勉強する気が進まない。(Tsukarete iru node, kyou wa benkyou suru ki ga susumanai. - I'm tired, so I don't feel like studying today.)
4. 苦労する (Kurou suru): To struggle or have hardships. This verb directly describes the experience of difficulty.
Example: 新しい仕事に慣れるまで苦労した。(Atarashii shigoto ni nareru made kurou shita. - I struggled until I got used to the new job.)
5. 厄介だ (Yakkai da): Troublesome, burdensome. This adjective conveys a sense of difficulty and annoyance.
Example: この問題は非常に厄介だ。(Kono mondai wa hijou ni yakkai da. - This problem is extremely troublesome.)
Grammatically, 'にくい' functions as an i-adjective. This means it conjugates like other i-adjectives. For example, to connect it to another adjective or verb, you use the '-くて' (kute) form: 読みにくくて、書きにくい (yominikukute, kakininikui - difficult to read and difficult to write). To make it past tense, you change the final 'い' (i) to 'かった' (katta): 読みにくかった (yominikukatta - was difficult to read).
When negating it, you use '-くない' (kunai) for the present negative and '-くなかった' (kukunatta) for the past negative: 読みにくくない (yominikukunai - not difficult to read), 読みにくくなかった (yominikukunakatta - was not difficult to read).
Pronunciation: The pronunciation is straightforward: に (ni) - く (ku) - い (i). The stress is generally even across the syllables. In British English, it sounds like 'nee-koo-ee'. In American English, it's very similar: 'nee-koo-ee'. There isn't a strong stress on any particular syllable, making it relatively easy to pronounce.
Rhyming words: While 'にくい' is a suffix, the standalone word 'にくい' (meaning hateful) rhymes with words like 'つき' (tsuki - moon), 'すき' (suki - like/love), and 'ひき' (hiki - pull). However, as a suffix, its pronunciation is tied to the verb it modifies.
Fun Fact
The original meaning of 'にくい' was strongly negative, implying something you hated or found detestable. This emotional weight shifted over time to describe the difficulty or unpleasantness of an action, showing how language can evolve from emotional responses to practical descriptions.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'nee-koo-ee', with relatively even stress on each syllable.
Similar to British pronunciation, 'nee-koo-ee', with no strong stress.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ku' too strongly.
- Adding an unnecessary glottal stop between syllables.
- Making the 'ni' sound too aspirated.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read once the verb stem is identified.
Requires knowing verb stems and correct suffix usage.
Pronunciation is straightforward.
Can be confused with similar suffixes if not listened to carefully.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Masu-Stem Formation
食べる (taberu) -> 食べ (tabe)
I-Adjective Conjugation
にくい -> にくいくて, にくかった, にくない
Using ので (node) for reasons
使いにくいので、新しいものを買いました。
Examples by Level
これは たべにくい です。
This is eat-difficult is.
Basic verb + にくい + です structure.
この くつは はきにくい。
These shoes are wear-difficult.
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい.
その じは よみにくい。
Those characters are read-difficult.
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい.
ドアが あけにくい。
Door is open-difficult.
Subject + が + verb-stem + にくい.
ペンが かきにくい。
Pen is write-difficult.
Subject + が + verb-stem + にくい.
それは みにくい。
That is see-difficult.
Pronoun + は + verb-stem + にくい.
わかりにくい です。
Understand-difficult is.
Verb-stem + にくい + です.
こわれにくい かばん。
Break-difficult bag.
Verb-stem + にくい + Noun (describes the noun).
この ソフトウェアは つかいにくい です。
This software is use-difficult is.
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい + です.
この グラフは よみにくい ですね。
This graph is read-difficult is, isn't it?
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい + ですね.
この 料理は たべにくい かたちを しています。
This dish eat-difficult shape is doing.
Verb-stem + にくい + Noun + を + しています.
この ねじは しめにくかった。
This screw tighten-difficult was.
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい + かった (past tense).
それは ききにくい です。
That is hear-difficult is.
Verb-stem + にくい + です.
この じゅぎょうは わかりにくい。
This class understand-difficult.
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい.
それは すわりににくい いすです。
That sit-difficult chair is.
Verb-stem + にくい + Noun.
この じどうは こわれにくい と思います。
This toy break-difficult think.
Verb-stem + にくい + と + 思います.
この 薬は 苦くて飲みにくい です。
This medicine bitter-and drink-difficult is.
Adjective stem + くて + verb-stem + にくい + です.
彼の 説明は いつも わかりにくい。
His explanation always understand-difficult.
Noun + は + Adverb + verb-stem + にくい.
この 本は 文字が 小さくて読みにくい。
This book characters small-and read-difficult.
Noun + は + Noun + が + Adjective + くて + verb-stem + にくい.
この 道具は 使いにくいので、新しいものを買いました。
This tool use-difficult because, new one bought.
Verb-stem + にくい + ので + Sentence.
その 計画は 実行しにくい と思われます。
That plan carry-out-difficult think-is-likely.
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい + と + 思われます.
この 状況では、彼に頼みにくい。
This situation in, him ask-difficult.
Noun + では + Noun + に + verb-stem + にくい.
この ソフトウェアは 直感的に使いにくい。
This software intuitively use-difficult.
Noun + は + Adverb + verb-stem + にくい.
彼は 自分の 意見を 言いにくい タイプだ。
He his opinion say-difficult type is.
Noun + は + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい + Noun + だ.
この 複雑な 状況では、最適な 解決策を 見つけにくい。
This complex situation in, optimal solution find-difficult.
Noun + では + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
彼の 過去の 行動を 考えると、彼を 信用しにくい。
His past actions considering, him trust-difficult.
Noun + を + verb-stem + 考えると, Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
その 報告書は データが 不足しており、結論を 導き出しにくい。
That report data lacking, conclusion derive-difficult.
Noun + は + Noun + が + Adjective + しており, Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
現代社会では、昔ながらの 価値観を 維持しにくい。
Modern society in, old-fashioned values maintain-difficult.
Noun + では, Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
その 映画は 感情移入しにくかったが、映像は 美しかった。
That movie empathize-difficult was, visuals beautiful was.
Noun + は + verb-stem + にくかった + が + Sentence.
新しい 技術は 便利だが、習得しにくい 面もある。
New technology convenient but, learn-difficult aspect also.
Noun + は + Adjective + が, verb-stem + にくい + Noun + も + ある.
彼は 自分の 感情を 表に出しにくい 性格だ。
He his emotions out-show-difficult personality is.
Noun + は + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい + Noun + だ.
この 問題は 根が深く、解決しにくい 状況だ。
This problem root deep, solve-difficult situation is.
Noun + は + Noun + が + Adjective, verb-stem + にくい + Noun + だ.
その 政治的 状況下では、国民の 不満を 抑え込みにくい。
That political situation under, citizens' dissatisfaction suppress-difficult.
Noun + 下では, Noun + の + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
彼の 言葉足らずな 説明は、真意を 汲み取りにくい。
His insufficient explanation, true intention understand-difficult.
Noun + な + Noun + は, Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
この 芸術作品は 解釈の余地が多く、一義的に 理解しにくい。
This artwork interpretation room much, single-meaning understand-difficult.
Noun + は + Noun + の + Adjective + く, Adverb + に + verb-stem + にくい.
現代の 情報化社会では、真実を 見極め、誤情報に 惑わされにくい 環境を 作ることは 困難だ。
Modern information society in, truth discern, misinformation misled-difficult environment make is difficult.
Noun + では, Noun + を + verb-stem, Noun + に + verb-stem + にくい + Noun + を + 作ることは + 困難だ.
その 企業文化は 官僚的で、革新的な アイデアを 受け入れにくい。
That corporate culture bureaucratic, innovative ideas accept-difficult.
Noun + は + Adjective + で, Adjective + な + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
彼の 複雑な 心理描写は、読者が 共感しにくい 要因と なっている。
His complex psychological portrayal, readers empathize-difficult factor becoming.
Noun + は, Noun + が + verb-stem + にくい + Noun + と + なっている.
この 状況は 非常に流動的で、長期的な 予測を 立てにくい。
This situation very fluid, long-term prediction make-difficult.
Noun + は + Adverb + で, Adjective + な + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
その 哲学的な 問いは、単純な 言葉で 説明しにくい。
That philosophical question, simple words explain-difficult.
Noun + は, Adjective + な + Noun + で + verb-stem + にくい.
その 芸術家の 表現は 既存の カテゴリーに 収まりにくく、解釈に 苦慮することが多い。
That artist's expression existing categories fit-difficult, interpretation struggle often.
Noun + の + Noun + は + Noun + に + verb-stem + にくく, Noun + に + verb-stem + ることが + 多い.
現代の 多様な価値観が 錯綜する 中で、普遍的な 道徳律を 確立しにくい。
Modern diverse values intertwine amidst, universal moral code establish-difficult.
Noun + な + Noun + が + verb-stem + る + 中で, Adjective + な + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい.
彼の 文体は 独特で、模倣しにくいため、多くの 作家が 彼の 後を 追うことを 躊躇する。
His writing style unique, imitate-difficult because, many writers his footsteps follow hesitate.
Noun + は + Adjective + で, verb-stem + にくいため, Noun + が + Noun + を + verb-stem + ことを + 躊躇する.
その 歴史的 事件の 動機は 複雑怪奇で、単一の 要因に 帰結させにくい。
That historical event's motive complex mysterious, single factor attribute-difficult.
Noun + の + Noun + は + Adjective + Adjective + で, Adjective + な + Noun + に + verb-stem + にくい.
この 文学作品における 象徴表現の 多層性は、読者が その 深意を 容易に 読み解きにくい 要因と なっている。
This literary work's symbolic expression multi-layeredness, readers its deep meaning easily decipher-difficult factor becoming.
Noun + における + Noun + の + Noun + は, Noun + が + Noun + を + Adverb + に + verb-stem + にくい + Noun + と + なっている.
その 科学的 理論の 難解さは、専門家でさえも その 全貌を 把握しにくい ほどである。
That scientific theory's complexity, experts even its entirety grasp-difficult extent is.
Noun + の + Noun + は, Noun + でさえも + Noun + を + verb-stem + にくい + ほどである.
彼の 芸術的 探求は 既存の 美学の 枠に はまりにくく、その 独自性は 評価されにくい 面も 持っていた。
His artistic exploration existing aesthetics frame fit-difficult, its uniqueness appreciated-difficult aspect also had.
Noun + は + Noun + の + Noun + に + verb-stem + にくく, Noun + は + verb-stem + にくい + Noun + も + 持っていた.
この 社会的 課題の 根源は 多岐にわたり、単純な 解決策では 対処しにくい。
This social issue's root diverse, simple solution deal-difficult.
Noun + の + Noun + は + Adverb + に + わたり, Adjective + な + Noun + では + verb-stem + にくい.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"食べにくい (tabenikui)"
Difficult to eat, often due to shape, bones, or texture.
この魚は小骨が多くて食べにくい。
neutral"読みにくい (yominikui)"
Difficult to read, usually because of small print, poor handwriting, or complex characters.
この古い手紙は文字がかすれて読みにくい。
neutral"書きにくい (kakinikui)"
Difficult to write with, often referring to pens, pencils, or surfaces.
インクが出にくくて、このペンは書きにくい。
neutral"わかりにくい (wakarinikui)"
Difficult to understand or comprehend.
彼の説明は専門用語が多くてわかりにくい。
neutral"使いにくい (tsukainikui)"
Difficult to use or operate, often referring to tools, machines, or software.
このリモコンはボタンが小さくて使いにくい。
neutral"近寄りがたい (chikayorigatai)"
Difficult to approach; intimidating or unapproachable (uses がたい, a similar formal suffix).
社長は近寄りがたい雰囲気を持っている。
formalEasily Confused
Both are suffixes attached to verb stems indicating a quality of the action.
〜やすい means 'easy to do', while 〜にくい means 'difficult to do'. They are direct antonyms.
このペンは書きやすい。(Kono pen wa kakiyasui. - This pen is easy to write with.) vs. このペンは書きにくい。(Kono pen wa kakininikui. - This pen is difficult to write with.)
Both indicate difficulty and are attached to verb stems.
〜がたい is more formal, often used for abstract, emotional, or near-impossible situations. 〜にくい is more common and practical.
信じがたい話だ。(Shinjigatai hanashi da. - It's a hard-to-believe story.) vs. この字は読みにくい。(Kono ji wa yominikui. - These characters are hard to read.)
Both translate to 'difficult'.
難しい is a general adjective for 'difficult' (e.g., a difficult problem, a difficult person). 〜にくい specifically describes the difficulty of *performing an action*.
この問題は難しい。(Kono mondai wa muzukashii. - This problem is difficult.) vs. この問題は解きにくい。(Kono mondai wa tokiniikui. - This problem is difficult to solve.)
Very similar in meaning and usage to 〜にくい.
Often interchangeable. 'づらい' can sometimes imply a slightly more subjective or personal feeling of difficulty or aversion compared to the more objective difficulty implied by 'にくい'.
食べづらい (tabezurai - difficult to eat) vs. 食べにくい (tabenikui - difficult to eat). Both are common.
Sentence Patterns
Verb stem + にくい
それは 読みにくい。
Noun + は/が + Verb stem + にくい
このペンは 書きにくい。
Verb stem + にくい + Noun
読みにくい 文字。
Verb stem + にくい + です/でした
とても 使いにくい です。
Verb stem1 + にくくて + Verb stem2 + にくい
読みにくくて、書きにくい。
Word Family
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
にくい is a verb suffix. Adjectives have their own forms for expressing difficulty or related concepts.
These are direct antonyms in meaning.
The rule is to use the stem form, not the full dictionary form.
にくい is generally for more concrete or common difficulties, while 〜がたい is more formal and abstract.
難しい is a general term for difficult; にくい is specific to the action itself.
Tips
Connect to 'Niku' (Meat)
Imagine trying to chew tough MEAT (niku). It's hard to eat! This helps remember that 'にくい' is about difficulty, especially with actions like eating.
Focus on the Action
Remember that 'にくい' describes the difficulty of the *action* itself. It's not just that something *is* difficult, but that *doing* it is difficult.
Subtlety in Difficulty
Japanese culture often values indirectness. 'にくい' allows speakers to express difficulty without being overly blunt, conveying nuance.
Masu-Stem Rule
Always attach 'にくい' to the masu-stem! For example, 'nomu' (to drink) becomes 'nomi-nikui', not 'nomu-nikui'.
Smooth Flow
Pronounce 'ni-ku-i' smoothly. Avoid strong pauses between syllables for natural flow.
Don't Mix with やすい
Careful! 'にくい' means difficult, while 'やすい' means easy. They are opposites!
From Hateful to Hard
The original meaning of 'にくい' was 'hateful'. Over time, it shifted to mean 'difficult', showing how emotions can influence descriptions of actions.
Create Your Own Examples
Think of 5 verbs you know. For each, create a sentence using the 'にくい' form describing a real-life situation where that action is difficult.
Adjective Connection
To connect 'にくい' phrases, use the '-くて' form: '読みにくくて、書きにくい' (difficult to read and difficult to write).
にくい vs. づらい
While often interchangeable, 'づらい' can feel slightly more personal. Try using both and see which feels more natural in context!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine trying to EAT (taberu) something with a HUGE (nikui sound) fork - it's hard to eat!
Visual Association
Picture someone struggling to write with a pen that keeps skipping (kakinikui).
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing 3 everyday objects by saying why they are 'にくい' to use (e.g., 'This chair is 'にくい' to sit on because...').
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: Hateful, detestable.
Cultural Context
None.
In English, we often use phrases like 'hard to V', 'difficult to V', or 'awkward to V'. The Japanese 'にくい' captures a similar sense of inherent difficulty in performing an action, sometimes with a subtle undertone of aversion.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing everyday objects
- この椅子は座りにくい。(Kono isu wa suwariniikui. - This chair is difficult to sit on.)
- このボタンは押しにくい。(Kono botan wa oshiniikui. - This button is difficult to press.)
- このカバーは外しにくい。(Kono kabā wa hazushiniikui. - This cover is difficult to remove.)
Talking about food
- この魚は骨が多くて食べにくい。(Kono sakana wa hone ga ōkute tabenikui. - This fish has many bones and is difficult to eat.)
- この餅は硬くて噛みにくい。(Kono mochi wa katakute kaminikui. - This mochi is hard and difficult to chew.)
- この形は口に入れにくい。(Kono katachi wa kuchi ni irenikui. - This shape is difficult to put in the mouth.)
Expressing understanding or perception
- 彼の話はわかりにくい。(Kare no hanashi wa wakarinikui. - His story is difficult to understand.)
- この字は読みにくい。(Kono ji wa yominikui. - These characters are difficult to read.)
- その光景は見にくい。(Sono kōkei wa minikui. - That sight is unpleasant/difficult to see.)
Discussing tasks or work
- このソフトウェアは使いにくい。(Kono sofutowea wa tsukainikui. - This software is difficult to use.)
- この作業は一人ではやりにくい。(Kono sagyō wa hitori de yariniikui. - This task is difficult to do alone.)
- 新しいシステムは覚えにくい。(Atarashii shisutemu wa oboenikui. - The new system is difficult to learn.)
Conversation Starters
"What's something in your daily life that you find 'にくい' (difficult to do)?"
"Can you think of a food that is '食べにくい' (tabenikui)? Why?"
"Describe a tool or gadget you use that is '使いにくい' (tsukainikui)."
"Have you ever encountered writing that was '読みにくい' (yominikui)? What made it difficult?"
"What's something that is 'わかりにくい' (wakarinikui) in Japanese (or your native language)?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you struggled with a task because it was 'にくい'.
Describe an object you own that is '使いにくい' but you still use. Why?
Think about a concept or idea that you found 'わかりにくい'. How did you eventually understand it?
Reflect on something that is '忘れにくい' (wasureninikui - difficult to forget), whether it's good or bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsThey are very similar and often interchangeable, both meaning 'difficult to do'. 'づらい' (zurai) sometimes carries a slightly more personal or subjective feeling of difficulty, while 'にくい' (nikui) can sometimes imply a more inherent or objective difficulty. However, in many cases, either can be used.
Most verbs can take にくい, but there are exceptions. It's generally attached to the masu-stem. For verbs ending in する, you use しにくい (e.g., 理解しにくい). For verbs ending in くる, it's きにくい (e.g., 来にくい - difficult to come).
While it indicates difficulty, which can be seen as negative, it's a descriptive term. It's not inherently 'bad' but simply states that an action is hard to perform. For example, '忘れにくい' (wasureninikui - difficult to forget) can be positive if you want to remember something.
Like other i-adjectives, you change the final 'い' (i) to 'かった' (katta). So, '読みにくい' (difficult to read) becomes '読みにくかった' (yominikukatta - was difficult to read).
The most common opposite is 〜やすい (-yasui), which means 'easy to do'. For example, '食べにくい' (difficult to eat) vs. '食べやすい' (easy to eat).
Yes, indirectly. You might say someone is '近づきにくい' (chikazukinikui - difficult to approach) if they have an intimidating aura, or '言いにくい' (iininikui - difficult to say) if they are shy about expressing themselves.
Yes. 'にくい' is generally used for more common, practical difficulties. 'がたい' is more formal, often used for abstract concepts, emotional states, or strong impossibilities (e.g., '信じがたい' - difficult to believe). Think of 'にくい' as 'hard to do' and 'がたい' as 'hardly able to do' or 'almost impossible to do'.
Try describing objects around you. Why is your phone case 'にくい' to take off? Why is that particular font 'にくい' to read? Also, practice forming sentences with verbs you know, like 'drink', 'understand', 'use', etc., and add 'にくい'.
Test Yourself
このくつは __________ です。
The sentence describes shoes that are difficult to wear. 'はきにくい' (hakiniui) means 'difficult to wear'.
What does 'よみにくい' (yominikui) mean?
'読み' (yomi) comes from '読む' (yomu - to read), and 'にくい' means difficult. So, 'yominikui' means difficult to read.
The suffix 'にくい' is attached to the dictionary form of a verb.
The suffix 'にくい' is attached to the masu-stem (the stem before '-masu') of a verb, not the dictionary form.
Word
Meaning
These pairs correctly match the Japanese phrases with their English meanings.
The correct sentence is 'このソフトウェアは使いにくいです。' (Kono sofutowea wa tsukainikui desu - This software is difficult to use).
彼の説明は専門用語が多くて __________。
The sentence states that the explanation uses many technical terms, making it difficult to understand. 'わかりにくい' (wakarinikui) means difficult to understand.
Which suffix is most similar in meaning to 'にくい' but is generally more formal and used for abstract concepts?
'〜がたい' (-gatai) is a formal suffix often used for abstract or emotional difficulties, similar to 'にくい' but with a higher register.
その芸術作品は解釈の余地が多く、一義的に __________。
The sentence implies that due to many possible interpretations, the artwork is difficult to understand in a single, definitive way. '理解しにくい' (rikai shi nikui) means difficult to understand.
現代の多様な価値観が錯綜する中で、普遍的な道徳律を確立し__________。
The context discusses establishing universal moral codes amidst complex, diverse values, implying a high degree of difficulty, making the formal suffix 'がたい' (-gatai) the most appropriate choice.
The suffix 'にくい' can sometimes imply a sense of aversion or resistance towards the action.
While primarily meaning 'difficult', 'にくい' can carry connotations of resistance or unpleasantness, especially when compared to more neutral terms for difficulty.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 'にくい' adds a crucial layer of descriptive power, allowing you to express the inherent challenges in performing actions.
- Suffix 'にくい' (nikui) means 'difficult to do'.
- Attached to the masu-stem of verbs.
- Functions like an i-adjective.
- Used for practical and sometimes abstract difficulties.
Connect to 'Niku' (Meat)
Imagine trying to chew tough MEAT (niku). It's hard to eat! This helps remember that 'にくい' is about difficulty, especially with actions like eating.
Focus on the Action
Remember that 'にくい' describes the difficulty of the *action* itself. It's not just that something *is* difficult, but that *doing* it is difficult.
Subtlety in Difficulty
Japanese culture often values indirectness. 'にくい' allows speakers to express difficulty without being overly blunt, conveying nuance.
Masu-Stem Rule
Always attach 'にくい' to the masu-stem! For example, 'nomu' (to drink) becomes 'nomi-nikui', not 'nomu-nikui'.
Example
この字は読みにくい。
Related Content
Related Phrases
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.
