difícil
/diˈfiθil/
The Spanish word for 'difficult' is difícil. Wiktionary also lists dificultoso.
Meaning: hard, not easy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| difícil | /diˈfiθil/ /diˈfisil/ |
| dificultoso | /difikulˈtoso/ |
Both difícil and dificultoso are used to describe things that are hard or not easy. While difícil is the standard term, dificultoso is used when something is specifically cumbersome, problematic or full of complications.
Which one should you use?
Difícil is the standard, general-purpose word for 'difficult'. In contrast, dificultoso is used to imply that something is troublesome or complicated.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective difícil must agree in number with the noun it modifies. Use the plural form difíciles when describing multiple things.
How do you pronounce it?
/diˈfiθil/
Did you know?
- In some dialects, the expression ser un hueso difícil is used to describe a person or problem that is particularly stubborn and hard to crack.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying a person is difícil often refers to their personality being stubborn or demanding rather than their skill level.
- In Spanish, you can use the phrase está difícil to comment on a high price, implying that the cost makes the purchase 'difficult' to justify.
Examples in context
- Sé que es difícil.I know it's difficult.Tatoeba #2412462 by marcelostockle, translation #2376047 by CK
- Sé que era difícil.I know it was difficult.Tatoeba #2412442 by marcelostockle, translation #2376029 by CK
- Ha sido muy difícil.It's been very difficult.Tatoeba #7921567 by Seael, translation #5744843 by CM
- La tarea es complicadaThe task is difficult
- El examen es difícilThe exam is difficult
- El proyecto es un trabajo arduoThe project is hard work
- Esa tarea está muy duraThat task is really difficult
- 615 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing a new project at work.
- Sofía¿Te parece difícil el nuevo proyecto, Mateo?Does the new project seem difficult to you, Mateo?
- MateoSí, es un poco difícil para mí.Yes, it is a bit difficult for me.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, yo te puedo ayudar.Do not worry, I can help you.
- MateoGracias, Sofía, eres muy amable.Thanks, Sofía, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “difficult” translations and entries difícil, dificultoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
