Are you interested in learning how to say “harder” in Japanese? Whether you want to express the concept of difficulty or intensity, this guide will provide you with various formal and informal ways to convey this idea. We’ll also explore some tips and examples to help you understand and use these phrases effectively. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Harder” in Japanese
If you find yourself in a formal setting or having a conversation with someone you should address with respect, these phrases will come in handy:
1. もっと難しい (Motto muzukashii)
Usage: This phrase is commonly used to mean “more difficult.” It can be used in a broad range of contexts, such as academics, work-related tasks, or challenges in general.
Example: 日本語の文法はもっと難しいです。(Nihongo no bunpō wa motto muzukashii desu.)
Translation: Japanese grammar is more difficult.
2. さらに困難な (Sarani konnan na)
Usage: This phrase signifies something that is “even more difficult” or “further challenging.” It emphasizes the increase in intensity compared to a previous level.
Example: この問題はさらに困難なので、よく考えて解いてください。(Kono mondai wa sarani konnan na node, yoku kangaete toite kudasai.)
Translation: Please think carefully and solve this problem, as it is even more difficult.
3. より厳しい (Yori kibishii)
Usage: This phrase conveys the idea of something being “more severe” or “stricter.” It is commonly used in the context of rules, regulations, or challenging situations.
Example: このテストはより厳しい基準で採点されます。(Kono tesuto wa yori kibishii kijun de saiten saremasu.)
Translation: This test will be graded based on stricter criteria.
Informal Ways to Say “Harder” in Japanese
If you’re engaging in casual conversations or communicating with friends, family, or peers, these informal phrases will be more suitable:
1. もっと難しい (Motto muzukashii)
Usage: Similar to the formal usage, this phrase can be used to convey “more difficult” in informal settings as well.
Example: このビデオゲーム、もっと難しいバージョンもあるよ。(Kono bideogēmu, motto muzukashii bājon mo aru yo.)
Translation: This video game has a more difficult version too!
2. もっと大変な (Motto taihen na)
Usage: This phrase means “more challenging” or “more demanding.” It is suitable for describing tasks or situations that require extra effort.
Example: 今日の問題はもっと大変なので、頑張ってください。(Kyō no mondai wa motto taihen na node, ganbatte kudasai.)
Translation: Today’s problem is more challenging, so please do your best.
3. もっとキツい (Motto kitsui)
Usage: This phrase, which literally means “more tough,” is often used informally to express the concept of “harder.” It is commonly used among friends or peers.
Example: もっとキツいトレーニングをしよう！(Motto kitsui torēningu o shiyō!)
Translation: Let’s do a tougher workout!
Additional Tips and Examples
To further enhance your understanding of how to use these phrases, here are some additional tips and examples:
- Vary your vocabulary: In addition to using the direct translations of “harder,” consider using synonyms to expand your language repertoire. For example, you can use “厳しい” (kibishii) to mean “strict” or “harsh” in relation to a situation or task.
- Context is key: The appropriateness of each phrase depends on the specific context and relationship between the speaker and listener. Adapt your choice accordingly to express your desired level of politeness or familiarity.
- Gradual progression: If you want to express the idea of “becoming harder” gradually, you can add adverbs like “ますます” (masumasu) or “どんどん” (dondon) before the above phrases. These adverbs indicate an increasing level of difficulty over time.
Example: 漢字の勉強がますます難しくなってきました。(Kanji no benkyō ga masumasu muzukashiku natte kimashita.)
Translation: Studying kanji has gradually become more difficult.
With these phrases and tips in mind, you can confidently express the concept of “harder” in Japanese. Remember to practice using them in different contexts to improve your fluency and naturalness.
We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful in expanding your Japanese vocabulary. Best of luck with your language learning journey!
