어렵다
eoryeopda[ʌ̹ɾjʌ̹p̚t͈a̠]
In Korean, there are different ways to say 'difficult' depending on the context. The default form is 어렵다 (eoryeopda). Wiktionary also lists 힘들다 (himdeulda).
Meaning: hard, not easy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 어렵다 | eoryeopda | [ʌ̹ɾjʌ̹p̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 힘들다 | himdeulda | [çimdɯɭda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
어렵다 is used when something is difficult because it is complex or requires mental effort to understand. 힘들다 is used when something is difficult because it is exhausting, strenuous or causes hardship.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 힘들다 is a compound of 힘 (strength/effort) and 들다 (to enter/consume), literally meaning that a task consumes much strength.
Which one should you use?
Use 어렵다 for tasks involving complexity or mental difficulty. Use 힘들다 for tasks that are physically or emotionally taxing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 어렵다 changes to 어려워요 in standard polite speech due to the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation rule. The adjective 힘들다 changes to 힘들어요 in standard polite speech.
How do you pronounce it?
eoryeopda
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, 어렵다 can be used as a polite euphemism to say 'no' or 'that is impossible' when refusing a request, rather than saying it is simply 'hard' to do.
- While 힘들다 means 'difficult' or 'exhausting', it is also the standard way to tell someone you are emotionally overwhelmed or struggling in life without needing to specify why.
- Because 힘들다 is rooted in the word 힘, meaning both 'strength' and 'power', the phrase can describe anything from lifting a heavy box to fighting a systemic political struggle.
Examples in context
- 그리스어를 배우는 것은 어렵다.Greek is difficult to learn.This sentence shows how to use 어렵다 when discussing the difficulty of learning a language.Tatoeba #11110809 by intertime, translation #63105 by CN
- 어떤 사람들은 만족시키기가 힘들다.Some people are difficult to please.This sentence demonstrates the use of 힘들다 to describe a person who is difficult to please.Tatoeba #11597080 by cherryband, translation #36513 by CK
- 나로서는 그 질문에 대답하기 어렵다.It is difficult for me to answer the question.This sentence uses 어렵다 to express the difficulty of performing a specific task.Tatoeba #11105988 by intertime, translation #46918 by CK
- 이 문제는 어렵습니다This problem is difficult.
- 이 책은 읽기가 까다로워요This book is difficult to read.
- 이 과제는 어려워This assignment is difficult.
- 이 게임은 너무 까다롭다This game is too difficult.
- 이번 시험은 정말 어렵습니다.This exam is really difficult.
- 이 노래는 가사가 너무 어려워.The lyrics of this song are too difficult.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are studying for a test together.
- 민준 Min-jun이 문제는 너무 어렵다.i munje-neun neomu eoryeopda.This problem is too difficult.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 저도 잘 모르겠어요.majay-o, jeodo jal moreugesseoyo.You're right, I don't really know either.
- 민준 Min-jun정답을 찾기가 정말 어렵다.jeongdabeul chat-giga jeongmal eoryeopda.It is really difficult to find the answer.
- 지은 Ji-eun함께 다시 읽어봐요.hamkke dasi ilgeobway-o.Let's try reading it again together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “difficult” translations and entries 어렵다, 힘들다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
