Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| duro | /ˈdu.ro/ | masculine |
| intenso | /inˈtɛn.so/ | |
| arduo | /ˈar.du.o/ /ˈar.dwo/ |
|
| difficile | /difˈfi.t͡ʃi.le/ | feminine, masculine |
Depending on the context, several different words can be used to express the idea of 'hard'. Use duro to describe physical hardness or texture, such as solid objects or to describe a life that is harsh and tough. Use intenso when 'hard' refers to the strength or degree of a sensation, such as intense work or intense light. Use sodo as an adverb to describe doing something with much force or effort, particularly in relation to the act of thinking.
Which one should you use?
Choose your word based on what kind of 'hard' you mean. Use difficile for tasks or concepts that are difficult to understand or complete. In contrast, duro often implies physical hardness or a harsh, grueling experience. While difficile means 'difficult', duro can mean 'hard' in a physical or emotional sense. Use intenso for the degree of a sensation, and arduo for tasks that are extremely difficult.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word arduo is used in formal or literary contexts to describe a task that is extremely difficult or requires great effort. The word intenso is used to describe intensity of sensation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective duro must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: duro (masculine singular), dura (feminine singular), duri (masculine plural) and dure (feminine plural). The word difficile is used for both masculine and feminine singular forms.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈdu.ro/', 'syllables': 2, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 2'}
Did you know?
- The word duro is a cognate of the Greek word δηρός, which also relates to the concept of being 'long'.
- The term capotesta is used to describe a 'hard-headed' person who is stubborn, rather than using duro.
- While duro means 'hard', the expression fare il duro means to act tough or pretend to be unaffected by emotion.
Examples in context
- È lungo e duro.It's long and hard.This sentence uses duro to describe something long and hard.Tatoeba #2808268 by Guybrush88, translation #2808263 by nimfeo
- È duro da fare?Is that hard to do?This sentence uses duro to ask if a task is hard to do.Tatoeba #6765381 by Guybrush88, translation #2548657 by CK
- Il pane è duro.The bread is hard.This sentence uses duro to describe the physical texture of bread.Tatoeba #10703104 by Guybrush88, translation #9510442 by sundown
- Questo problema è molto difficile da risolvere.This problem is very hard to solve.
- La lezione di matematica era difficile ma interessante.The math lesson was difficult but interesting.
- Capire la teoria della relatività è complicato.Understanding the theory of relativity is hard.
- Scrivere una tesi di laurea è un compito arduo.Writing a thesis is a hard task.
- Salire quella montagna è un'impresa ardua.Climbing that mountain is a hard feat.
- Quel quiz era difficilissimo!That quiz was so hard!
- Svegliarsi presto stamattina è stato pesante.Waking up early this morning was hard.
- Fare yoga è un'attività impegnativa.Doing yoga is a hard activity.
- Quella prova di matematica è stata davvero dura.That math test was really hard.
- Ho trovato difficile imparare a suonare la chitarra.I found it hard to learn how to play the guitar.
- È complicato preparare una buona cena quando si è in fretta.It's hard to prepare a good dinner when you're in a hurry.
- Questo esercizio è piuttosto arduo, ma con un po' di pratica lo imparerai.This exercise is quite hard, but with some practice, you'll learn it.
- 793 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are studying for a university exam.
- ChiaraQuesto esercizio è davvero duro.This exercise is really hard.
- LorenzoHai ragione, non lo capisco.You're right, I don't understand it.
- ChiaraÈ un lavoro duro, ma serve.It's hard work, but it's necessary.
- LorenzoProviamo a farlo insieme, Lorenzo.Let's try to do it together, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hard” translations and entries duro, intenso, arduo, difficile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arduo, difficile, duro, intenso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
