漢字は難しい
The English phrase "kanji is hard" is translated into Japanese as 漢字は難しい.
The phrase is used to express that kanji is difficult.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 漢字 (kanji), は (topic marker) and 難しい (difficult).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use 漢字は難しいです to make the phrase polite and suitable for use with teachers or strangers. The expression Kanji wa muzukashii ne. is an informal way to say "Kanji is difficult, isn't it?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that kanji was difficult in the past, change the adjective to its past form 難しかった.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 難しい (muzukashii) can sometimes be used as a polite euphemism to mean 'impossible' or 'no'.
- The term 漢字 literally translates to 'Han characters'. The 'Han' refers to the Han Dynasty of China, where the writing system was standardized.
- Because 漢字は難しい, many Japanese people now rely on 'digital kanji' and autocomplete on smartphones, leading to a phenomenon where people can read characters but can no longer write them by hand.
Examples in context
- 先生、漢字が難しいです。Teacher, kanji is difficult.
- この漢字、難しいね。This kanji is difficult, isn't it?
- 本当に難しくて覚えにくいよね。It's really hard to remember.
- 漢字は難しいと感じます。Kanji wa muzukashii to kanjimasu.I feel that kanji is hard.
- 日本語の漢字は難しい。Nihongo no kanji wa muzukashii.Japanese kanji is hard.
Example conversation
Two students are studying together in a library.
- 美咲 Misaki漢字は難しいですね。Kanji wa muzukashii desu ne.Kanji is hard, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい、本当に難しいです。Hai, hontou ni muzukashii desu.Yes, it really is hard.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは、どうですか？Kenta-san wa, dou desu ka?Kenta, how about you?
- 健太 Kenta私も漢字は難しいと思います。Watashi mo kanji wa muzukashii to omoimasu.I also think kanji is hard.
