難しい
muzukashii[mɯ̟zɨka̠ɕii]
The English word 'difficult' is expressed in Japanese as 難しい (muzukashii). Wiktionary also lists 困難な (konnan na).
Meaning: hard, not easy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 難しい | muzukashii | [mɯ̟zɨka̠ɕii] (narrow) |
| 困難な | konnan na |
難しい is a common and simple way to say that something is hard or not easy. In certain social contexts, 難しい can also be used euphemistically to mean 'no' or 'impossible' when a person is asked to do something that is socially or practically difficult to fulfill.
Which one should you use?
While 難しい describes something that is hard to do or understand, 困難な is a more formal term used to describe situations characterized by hardship or obstacles.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the word as an adverb to modify a verb, change it to 難しく.
How do you pronounce it?
muzukashii
When do people say it?
When someone makes a request that is difficult to fulfill, a speaker might use 難しい as a polite way to suggest that the request is impossible or will be met with a 'no'.
Did you know?
- The word 難しい can describe a person's personality, suggesting they are fussy, hard to please or overly demanding.
- The word 難しい shares an ancient root with the verb 'muzukaru', which involves feelings of irritation or being vexed by something.
- In certain contexts, calling a task 難しい can be a form of 'humblebragging' if the speaker eventually succeeds, highlighting their skill.
Examples in context
- 禁煙は難しい。It is difficult to give up smoking.This sentence shows how to use 難しい to describe the difficulty of a habit.Tatoeba #179958 by wat, translation #18817 by CK
- 難しい状況です。This is a difficult situation.This sentence demonstrates using 難しい to describe a situation.Tatoeba #123195 by KK_kaku_, translation #280804 by CK
- チェスは難しい。Chess is difficult.This sentence shows using 難しい to describe a game.Tatoeba #9431904 by small_snow, translation #9431906 by CK
- 「この問題は非常に 難しい です。」This problem is very difficult.
- 「彼らは困難な状況に立ち向かっています。」They are facing a difficult situation.
- 「今度の試験は 大変 だよ。」The upcoming exam is challenging.
- 255 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Himari and Ren are studying for a test together.
- 陽葵 Himariこの問題、すごく難しいね。Kono mondai, sugoku muzukashii ne.This problem is very difficult, isn't it?
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。全然わからないよ。Hontō da. Zenzen wakaranai yo.You're right. I don't understand it at all.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮に聞いたら、わかるかな？Ren ni kitara, wakaru kana?I wonder if Ren would know if we asked him?
- 蓮 Ren僕に聞いても難しいと思うよ。Boku ni kite mo muzukashii to omou yo.I think it'll be difficult even if you ask me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “difficult” translations and entries 難しい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 難しい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
