Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| тяжёлый | tjažólyj | [tʲɪˈʐoɫɨj] (narrow) | |
| тру́дный | trúdnyj | masculine |
In Russian, the adjective is used to describe something that requires a lot of effort to do or understand. The related adverb си́льно can be used to express performing an action with much force or effort, particularly in the context of thinking.
What does it mean word for word?
The word тяжёлый literally means 'heavy'. It is used metaphorically to express 'hard' when referring to things like a hard year or hard work.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the type of difficulty. Use тяжёлый when describing something that is hard due to its weight, burden or physical and emotional strain. Use тру́дный when describing something that is hard because it is complex, complicated or requires mental effort to solve. The noun form of тру́дный is трудность, which means 'difficulty'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tjažólyj
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use тру́дный to mean 'hard' in the sense of physical weight or a heavy burden. Use тяжёлый instead.
Did you know?
- Russian speakers use тяжёлый to describe a 'hard' sleeper, meaning someone who is very difficult to wake up.
- In Russian, a 'hard' character or a 'hard' personality is often described using тяжёлый, implying they are a burden to be around rather than mentally tough.
- While 'hard' in English can mean 'solid' or 'firm', the Russian word тяжёлый cannot be used to describe the texture of a hard diamond.
Examples in context
- Это был тяжёлый год.It's been a hard year.This sentence is useful for describing a difficult period of time using тяжёлый.Tatoeba #3285616 by odexed, translation #1894598 by CK
- Спасибо за ваш тяжёлый труд.Thank you for your hard work.This sentence is useful for expressing gratitude for labor using тяжёлый.Tatoeba #13188331 by atitarev, translation #2284315 by CK
- Тяжёлый труд окупился сторицей.The hard work paid off.This sentence is useful for noting that arduous labor has been rewarded using тяжёлый.Tatoeba #13813841 by marafon, translation #5013005 by CK
- Мне сложно понять эту концепцию.I find it hard to understand this concept.
- Тяжело поверить, что ты уже заканчиваешь!It's hard to believe you're already graduating!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Olga are discussing a difficult exam at university.
- Сергей SergeyЭто был очень тяжёлый экзамен.Eto byl ochen' tyazholyy ekzamen.It was a very hard exam.
- Ольга OlgaДа, он был действительно сложным.Da, on byl deystvitel'no slozhnym.Yes, it was truly difficult.
- Сергей SergeyТы справилась с ним, Ольга?Ty spravilas' s nim, Ol'ga?Did you manage it, Olga?
- Ольга OlgaДа, но это было тяжело.Da, no eto bylo tyazhelo.Yes, but it was hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hard” translations and entries тяжёлый, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
