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B1 adjective 7 min read

飲み込みにくい

nomikominikui
Examples 飲み込みにくい in 30 Seconds
Explanation 飲み込みにくい in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic vocabulary. Concepts like 'difficult to swallow' are likely too abstract. They would focus on very concrete actions and objects, so this word is beyond their scope.
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A2 learners can understand simple sentences and common phrases related to immediate needs and familiar topics. While they might encounter the literal meaning of 'hard to swallow' in contexts like eating, the figurative use of 飲み込みにくい would be too complex for this level.
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B1 learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. The literal meaning of 飲み込みにくい (hard to swallow food/medicine) is accessible, and they can begin to understand and use the figurative meaning in common contexts like accepting bad news or difficult explanations.
B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. At this level, they can fully grasp and utilize both the literal and figurative meanings of 飲み込みにくい, employing it in discussions about nuanced social issues, personal challenges, and complex academic subjects.
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C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use 飲み込みにくい with precision, understanding its subtle connotations and employing it in sophisticated arguments or descriptive writing, possibly even in literary contexts.
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C2 learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. At this level, 飲み込みにくい can be used with complete mastery, including understanding its historical etymology and its precise application in highly specialized or idiomatic contexts.
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Examples

飲み込みにくい in 30 Seconds

  • Hard to swallow (literal/figurative).
  • Describes physical difficulty in eating or swallowing.
  • Also describes mental/emotional difficulty in accepting or understanding.
  • Used for bad news, complex ideas, or unpleasant truths.
Many things in life are hard to swallow, both literally and figuratively. The Japanese adjective 飲み込みにくい (nomikominikui) perfectly captures this idea. On a physical level, it can describe food that is dry, tough, or too large to easily go down your throat. Think about trying to swallow a large, chalky pill without water – that's definitely 飲み込みにくい. It can also apply to food textures that are unusual or unpleasant, making them difficult to ingest.

この薬は大きすぎて飲み込みにくいです。

Kono kusuri wa ookisugite nomikominikui desu.
But the more common and nuanced use of 飲み込みにくい is figurative. It’s used when something is difficult to accept, understand, or digest emotionally or mentally. This could be bad news that you don't want to believe, a complex explanation that's hard to grasp, or a situation that goes against your principles. For instance, if someone is fired, the news might be very 飲み込みにくい for them.

彼の言い訳はあまりにも不自然で、飲み込みにくかった。

Kare no iiwake wa amarini mo fushizen de, nomikominikukatta.
The word implies a resistance, a feeling of being stuck or unable to process something smoothly. It’s a very relatable adjective because everyone encounters situations or things that are hard to swallow at some point.
Physical Swallow
This refers to the act of passing something down the throat. Examples include large pills, dry food, or sticky substances.
Figurative Swallow
This refers to accepting or understanding something, often when it is unpleasant, difficult, or complex. Examples include bad news, criticism, or a challenging concept.
Emotional Resistance
The feeling of being unable to accept or process something due to its emotional impact.
Cognitive Difficulty
The challenge of understanding or processing information that is complex or abstract.

That difficult truth was hard to swallow.

The dry bread was very hard to swallow.

Mastering 飲み込みにくい (nomikominikui) involves understanding its dual meaning and applying it appropriately. For physical swallowing, you'll often see it describing food or medicine. For example, if you're trying to give medicine to a child who struggles with the taste or texture, you might say it's 飲み込みにくい.

この錠剤は大きすぎて、子供には飲み込みにくいだろう。

Kono jouzai wa ookisugite, kodomo ni wa nomikominikui darou.
In cooking, a dish with a very unusual or unpleasant texture might be described as 飲み込みにくい.

この珍味は食感が独特で、人によっては飲み込みにくいかもしれない。

Kono chinmi wa shokkan ga dokutoku de, hito ni yotte wa nomikominikui kamoshirenai.
The figurative use is more prevalent in daily conversation. When someone receives criticism that is hard to accept, they might feel it's 飲み込みにくい.

上司からの厳しいフィードバックは、すぐに飲み込みにくいものだった。

Joushi kara no kibishii feedback wa, sugu ni nomikominikui mono datta.
Similarly, complex or abstract concepts in academic settings can be 飲み込みにくい.

この哲学書は内容が難解で、飲み込みにくい。

Kono tetsugakusho wa naiyou ga nankai de, nomikominikui.
You can also use it to describe a situation that is difficult to come to terms with, such as a betrayal or a significant loss.
Describing Difficult Food
Example: This dry bread is very hard to swallow. (この乾いたパンはとても飲み込みにくいです。)
Describing Unpleasant News
Example: The news of the company's bankruptcy was hard to swallow.
Describing Complex Explanations
Example: The scientist's theory was difficult to swallow for the general public.
Describing Difficult Situations
Example: It was a hard pill to swallow when my friend betrayed my trust.
You'll encounter 飲み込みにくい (nomikominikui) in a variety of everyday situations in Japan. In the kitchen or at the dinner table, people might comment on the texture or size of food. For instance, a parent might say to a child, "This piece of mochi is a bit chewy, it might be 飲み込みにくい for you."

このお餅は少し硬いから、飲み込みにくいかもしれないね。

Kono omochi wa sukoshi katai kara, nomikominikui kamoshirenai ne.
In discussions about health or medicine, it's common to hear about pills or supplements that are 飲み込みにくい due to their size or coating. Doctors might ask patients if a particular medication is easy or difficult to swallow.

この薬は苦くて、子供にとっては飲み込みにくい味ですね。

Kono kusuri wa nigakute, kodomo ni totte wa nomikominikui aji desu ne.
Beyond the literal, the figurative use is abundant. In news reports or casual conversations about societal issues, economic downturns, or political decisions, you might hear that a particular policy or event is 飲み込みにくい for the public.

増税のニュースは、多くの人にとって飲み込みにくいものでした。

Zouzei no nyuusu wa, ooku no hito ni totte nomikominikui mono deshita.
When people are discussing something they find hard to accept, like a friend's difficult decision or a personal setback, they might use this adjective.
In a Restaurant
Someone might say a dish has a texture that is difficult to eat.
At the Pharmacy
A patient might complain about large or bitter pills.
In a News Discussion
A commentator might describe a policy as hard for the public to accept.
In Personal Conversations
People might talk about difficult personal truths or situations.

The movie's ending was quite difficult to swallow.

Learners of Japanese sometimes make mistakes when using 飲み込みにくい (nomikominikui). One common error is overusing it for situations that are simply unpleasant but not necessarily difficult to accept or understand. For example, calling a slightly spicy dish 飲み込みにくい might be an exaggeration; it might just be 辛い (karai, spicy).

Mistake: この料理は少し辛いから、飲み込みにくい。

(This dish is a little spicy, so it's hard to swallow.)

Correct: この料理は少し辛い。

(This dish is a little spicy.)
Another mistake is confusing it with words that mean 'difficult to understand' but don't carry the same nuance of resistance or acceptance. For instance, 難しい (muzukashii) means 'difficult' in a general sense, but 飲み込みにくい implies a specific kind of difficulty related to ingestion or internalizing.

Mistake: この説明は難しくて、飲み込みにくい。

(This explanation is difficult, and hard to swallow.)

Correct: この説明は難しくて、理解しにくい。

(This explanation is difficult and hard to understand.)
Also, remember that 飲み込みにくい is an adjective. It should be used to modify nouns or as a predicate. Incorrectly using it as a verb or adverb would be a grammatical error.
Overuse for Minor Discomfort
Using 飲み込みにくい for things that are merely slightly unpleasant, like a bit of spice or a mild inconvenience.
Confusing with General Difficulty
Using 飲み込みにくい when 難しい (muzukashii) or 理解しにくい (rikai shi nikui - difficult to understand) would be more appropriate.
Grammatical Errors
Treating it as a verb or adverb instead of an adjective.
While 飲み込みにくい (nomikominikui) is quite versatile, several other words and phrases can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
理解しにくい (rikai shi nikui)
This phrase specifically means 'difficult to understand' and is more cognitive than emotional. It's used for complex theories, abstract concepts, or unclear explanations.
Example: この科学理論はとても理解しにくい。(Kono kagaku riron wa totemo rikai shi nikui. - This scientific theory is very difficult to understand.)
受け入れがたい (ukeiregatai)
This means 'unacceptable' or 'hard to accept' and focuses heavily on the emotional or moral aspect of not being able to come to terms with something. It's often used for news, decisions, or actions that are morally reprehensible or deeply upsetting.
Example: 彼の裏切りは受け入れがたい事実だった。(Kare no uragiri wa ukeiregatai jijitsu datta. - His betrayal was an unacceptable fact.)
食べにくい (tabe nikui)
This is more specific to food and means 'difficult to eat'. It can refer to texture, shape, or the way it's served, but it doesn't carry the figurative meaning of being hard to accept.
Example: この魚は骨が多くて食べにくい。(Kono sakana wa hone ga ookute tabe nikui. - This fish has many bones and is difficult to eat.)
忍びがたい (shinobigatatai)
This means 'difficult to bear' or 'unbearable', typically used for suffering, pain, or emotional distress. It's a stronger, more dramatic term than 飲み込みにくい.
Example: その悲惨な光景は忍びがたかった。(Sono hisan na koukei wa shinobigatatta. - That tragic scene was unbearable.)
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Examples by Level

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1

この薬は大きいです。飲み込みにくいです。

This medicine is big. It is hard to swallow.

Simple sentence structure. Adjective used predicatively.

2

このパンは乾いています。飲み込みにくいです。

This bread is dry. It is hard to swallow.

Adjective describing food.

3

あまり食べられません。飲み込みにくいです。

I can't eat much. It's hard to swallow.

Connecting actions and feelings.

4

この味が好きではありません。飲み込みにくいです。

I don't like this taste. It's hard to swallow.

Expressing dislike and difficulty.

5

この説明は難しいです。飲み込みにくいです。

This explanation is difficult. It's hard to swallow (understand).

Beginning to use figuratively for understanding.

6

そのニュースは悲しいです。飲み込みにくいです。

That news is sad. It is hard to swallow (accept).

Figurative use with emotional context.

7

この食べ物は硬いです。飲み込みにくい。

This food is hard. It's hard to swallow.

Simple statement about food texture.

8

この話は本当ですか？飲み込みにくいです。

Is this story true? It's hard to swallow (believe).

Expressing disbelief.

1

この錠剤は大きすぎて、子供には飲み込みにくいだろう。

This pill is too big, it will probably be hard for children to swallow.

Using ～すぎて (too much) with the adjective.

2

彼の言い訳はあまりにも不自然で、飲み込みにくかった。

His excuse was too unnatural, and it was hard to swallow.

Using past tense and connecting clauses.

3

その会社の突然の倒産は、多くの従業員にとって飲み込みにくい事実だった。

The company's sudden bankruptcy was a fact that was hard for many employees to swallow.

Applying to a serious event.

4

この哲学書は内容が難解で、飲み込みにくい。

This philosophy book is difficult in content and hard to swallow (understand/digest).

Using with abstract concepts.

5

新しい政策の発表は、国民にとって受け入れがたい、つまり飲み込みにくいものだった。

The announcement of the new policy was something unacceptable, meaning hard for the public to swallow.

Using with alternative phrasing (つまり).

6

この食感は独特で、人によっては飲み込みにくいと感じるかもしれない。

This texture is unique, and some people might feel it's hard to swallow.

Expressing potential difficulty for others.

7

彼が犯した過ちを認めるのは、彼自身にとっても飲み込みにくいことだっただろう。

Admitting the mistake he made was probably something hard for him to swallow himself.

Referring to self-acceptance.

8

この乾燥したパンは、水なしでは本当に飲み込みにくい。

This dry bread is really hard to swallow without water.

Specifying conditions for difficulty.

1

その政治家の演説は、一部の聴衆にとっては非常に飲み込みにくい内容を含んでいた。

The politician's speech contained content that was very hard for some of the audience to swallow.

Using with more complex sentence structures and specific contexts.

2

人生において、時には残酷な真実を飲み込みにくいと感じることがある。

In life, sometimes cruel truths can be felt as hard to swallow.

Philosophical and reflective use.

3

複雑な科学的概念を一般の人々に説明するのは、しばしば飲み込みにくい作業である。

Explaining complex scientific concepts to the general public is often a difficult task to swallow (to convey/for them to accept).

Describing a process as difficult.

4

彼の率直すぎる批判は、受け取る側にとっては飲み込みにくいものだった。

His overly frank criticism was something hard for the recipient to swallow.

Focusing on the impact on the recipient.

5

この歴史的出来事の解釈は、当時の社会状況を考えると、現代の私たちには飲み込みにくい部分がある。

Considering the social conditions of the time, the interpretation of this historical event has parts that are hard for us today to swallow (understand/accept).

Connecting with historical context and modern perspective.

6

その医薬品は効果が高い反面、副作用が強く、患者にとっては飲み込みにくい選択肢となることがある。

While that medication is highly effective, its side effects are strong, and it can sometimes be a difficult choice for patients to swallow.

Weighing pros and cons, making a difficult choice.

7

彼の芸術作品は、その斬新さゆえに、当初は多くの批評家にとって飲み込みにくいものだった。

Due to its novelty, his artwork was initially hard for many critics to swallow.

Discussing artistic reception.

8

組織の改革案は、長年の慣習を変える必要があったため、内部の人間には飲み込みにくいものだった。

The proposed organizational reforms were hard for insiders to swallow because they required changing long-standing practices.

Resistance to change within an organization.

1

その文学作品における社会風刺は、現代社会の矛盾を鋭く突いており、読者によっては飲み込みにくいと感じるかもしれない。

The social satire in that literary work sharply points out the contradictions of modern society, and might be felt as hard to swallow by some readers.

Analyzing literary themes and reader reception.

2

現代の複雑な国際情勢を鑑みると、特定の国家間の対立は、その歴史的背景を理解しない限り、我々には飲み込みにくい現実である。

Considering the complex international situation of today, the conflicts between certain nations are a reality that is hard for us to swallow (comprehend/accept) unless we understand their historical background.

Discussing geopolitics and historical context.

3

彼の長編小説は、その実験的な語り口と非線形的な時間軸ゆえに、読解にかなりの集中力を要し、一部の読者には飲み込みにくいものとなっている。

His novel, due to its experimental narrative and non-linear timeline, requires considerable concentration to read and has become something hard for some readers to swallow (digest/comprehend).

Critiquing literary style and its impact on readers.

4

経済学におけるある種の理論は、その抽象性と数理モデルへの依存性から、専門外の人間にとっては極めて飲み込みにくい。

Certain theories in economics, due to their abstractness and reliance on mathematical models, are extremely hard for non-specialists to swallow (grasp).

Discussing academic disciplines and accessibility of concepts.

5

我々が直面している倫理的なジレンマは、その両義性ゆえに、単純な解決策を提示することが難しく、多くの人々にとって飲み込みにくい問題提起となっている。

The ethical dilemmas we are facing, due to their ambiguity, make it difficult to present simple solutions and pose a problem that is hard for many people to swallow (accept/resolve).

Addressing complex ethical issues.

6

その芸術家の前衛的な作品群は、伝統的な美意識からはかけ離れており、保守的な層にとっては容易に飲み込みにくいものであった。

The artist's avant-garde body of work is far removed from traditional aesthetics, and was not easily digestible for conservative segments of society.

Analyzing artistic reception across different societal groups.

7

過去の過ちから目を背け、それを矮小化しようとする態度は、真摯な反省を促す上では極めて飲み込みにくい。

The attitude of turning away from past mistakes and trying to downplay them is extremely hard to swallow when trying to encourage sincere self-reflection.

Critiquing attitudes towards past mistakes.

8

このSF小説は、その深遠な哲学的テーマと、現実離れした世界観の融合により、一部の読者には知的な挑戦であり、飲み込みにくい作品となっている。

This science fiction novel, due to the fusion of its profound philosophical themes and its detached worldview, is an intellectual challenge for some readers and a difficult work to swallow (digest).

Discussing complex genres and their intellectual demands.

1

その歴史学者の大胆な仮説は、既存の学説に真っ向から異を唱えるものであり、保守的な学界にとっては容易に飲み込みにくいものであったが、その後の研究でその妥当性が次第に認められていった。

The historian's bold hypothesis directly challenged existing academic theories, making it difficult for the conservative academic community to swallow, but its validity was gradually recognized in subsequent research.

Nuanced discussion of academic debate and paradigm shifts.

2

現代社会におけるポストモダニズムの浸透は、かつて確固たるものと考えられていた価値観や物語の基盤を揺るがし、多くの人々にとってその意味するところを完全に飲み込むことは、未だに困難な課題である。

The penetration of postmodernism in modern society shakes the foundations of values and narratives once considered solid, and for many people, fully swallowing (comprehending) its implications remains a difficult challenge.

Discussing philosophical movements and their societal impact.

3

その芸術家のパフォーマンスアートは、しばしば社会規範や道徳観念に挑戦し、その挑発的な性質ゆえに、一部の観客にとっては理解を超えた、あるいは受け入れがたい、つまり飲み込みにくい体験となる。

The artist's performance art often challenges social norms and moral concepts, and due to its provocative nature, it becomes an experience that is beyond comprehension or unacceptable, that is to say, hard to swallow for some audience members.

Analyzing avant-garde art and its reception.

4

この経済モデルの前提条件は、現実の複雑な要因を過度に単純化しているため、その結論をそのまま鵜呑みにすることは、熟練した経済学者にとっても飲み込みにくい。

The preconditions of this economic model oversimplify the complex factors of reality, making it difficult even for experienced economists to swallow (accept) its conclusions at face value.

Critiquing economic models and their assumptions.

5

我々が共有する集合的無意識の深淵に横たわる、人類の根源的な衝動や葛藤は、しばしば個人の理性や社会的な規範によっては容易に飲み込めない、根深いものである。

The fundamental drives and conflicts of humanity that lie in the abyss of our shared collective unconscious are often deep-seated and not easily swallowed (comprehended/integrated) by individual reason or social norms.

Discussing psychology and the subconscious.

6

その作家の叙述トリックは、読者の認識を巧みに操作し、物語の終盤で明かされる真実は、それまでの前提を覆すものであり、多くの読者にとっては一度では飲み込みにくい衝撃であった。

The author's narrative trick skillfully manipulates the reader's perception, and the truth revealed at the end of the story overturns previous assumptions, making it a shock that was difficult for many readers to swallow in one go.

Analyzing literary techniques and their impact on reader perception.

7

この技術革新は、既存の産業構造を根本から覆す可能性を秘めており、その影響の大きさを考えると、関係者にとっては容易に飲み込みにくい変革である。

This technological innovation holds the potential to fundamentally overturn existing industrial structures, and considering the magnitude of its impact, it is a transformation that is not easily swallowed by those involved.

Discussing disruptive innovation and its implications.

8

我々が進化の過程で獲得した、時に非合理的に見える本能的反応は、理性的な思考によって完全に説明・納得することが困難であり、しばしば自己理解において飲み込みにくい側面となっている。

The instinctive reactions we acquired during the process of evolution, which sometimes appear irrational, are difficult to fully explain and rationalize through logical thought, and often become aspects of self-understanding that are hard to swallow.

Exploring the tension between instinct and reason in human nature.

Common Collocations

話が飲み込みにくい
ニュースが飲み込みにくい
薬が飲み込みにくい
説明が飲み込みにくい
事実が飲み込みにくい
理論が飲み込みにくい
食感が飲み込みにくい
状況が飲み込みにくい
真実が飲み込みにくい
変化が飲み込みにくい

Common Phrases

飲み込みにくい薬

— Medicine that is difficult to swallow, usually due to its size, taste, or texture.

子供向けのシロップは、飲み込みにくい錠剤よりも良い選択肢です。

飲み込みにくい話

— A story or piece of information that is hard to believe, accept, or understand.

彼の突然の告白は、聞いている私たちにとって飲み込みにくい話だった。

飲み込みにくい事実

— A fact that is unpleasant, difficult, or shocking to accept.

会社の経営不振という事実は、従業員にとって飲み込みにくい事実でした。

飲み込みにくい説明

— An explanation that is too complex, vague, or poorly delivered to be easily understood.

専門用語ばかりで、その説明は一般の人には飲み込みにくいものだった。

飲み込みにくい真実

— A truth that is difficult to face, accept, or come to terms with, often because it is painful or goes against one's beliefs.

彼は、自分自身の過ちという飲み込みにくい真実と向き合わなければならなかった。

飲み込みにくい食感

— A food texture that is unpleasant or difficult to chew and swallow.

この珍味は、独特のぬめりがあり、飲み込みにくい食感をしている。

飲み込みにくい決断

— A decision that is hard to make or accept, often due to its difficult consequences.

リストラは経営者にとって、非常に飲み込みにくい決断です。

飲み込みにくい教訓

— A lesson learned that is difficult to accept or internalize, often because it involves pain or failure.

失敗から得た教訓は、時に飲み込みにくいものですが、成長には不可欠です。

飲み込みにくい現実

— A reality that is harsh, unpleasant, or difficult to accept.

経済の低迷という飲み込みにくい現実が、我々の生活に影響を与えている。

飲み込みにくいユーモア

— Humor that is dark, satirical, or relies on complex understanding, making it difficult for some to appreciate.

彼のブラックユーモアは、飲み込みにくいと感じる人もいるだろう。

Idioms & Expressions

"腹に落ちない"

— To not sit well with one; to be hard to accept or understand logically or intuitively. It implies a sense of disbelief or unease.

彼の説明は理路整然としていたが、私には腹に落ちなかった。

Neutral
"喉に刺さった骨"

— A persistent problem or a difficult issue that cannot be easily resolved or forgotten. Similar to 'a thorn in one's side'.

この未解決の事件は、地域住民にとって喉に刺さった骨のような存在だ。

Neutral
"丸呑みする"

— To swallow something whole, often used figuratively to mean accepting something uncritically or without question, especially if it's a lie or manipulation. This is the opposite of being critical.

彼は嘘を丸呑みして信じてしまった。

Informal
"飲み込む"

— To swallow (literally). Figuratively, it can mean to understand, accept, or internalize something. When used with 'にくい', it becomes 'hard to swallow'.

この情報をすぐに飲み込むのは難しい。

Neutral
"咀嚼する"

— To chew (literally). Figuratively, it means to ponder, digest, or carefully consider something, especially complex ideas or information.

この難しい問題について、じっくり咀嚼する必要がある。

Formal/Neutral
"呑み込みが悪い"

— To be slow to understand or learn; to have difficulty grasping new information or instructions. It refers to a person's capacity to absorb knowledge.

彼は新しい技術の呑み込みが悪いようだ。

Informal/Neutral
"二の句が継げない"

— To be speechless or unable to say anything further, often due to shock, surprise, or the difficulty of responding. Similar to finding something hard to 'swallow' in terms of a response.

その予期せぬ知らせに、彼は二の句が継げなかった。

Neutral
"頭でっかち"

— Someone who is overly intellectual or theoretical but lacks practical sense or the ability to apply knowledge. Their 'head is big' but they struggle to 'swallow' or integrate knowledge practically.

彼は理論は詳しいが、実践となると頭でっかちで役に立たない。

Informal
"腹を割る"

— To speak frankly or reveal one

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