Learning a new language can be a challenge. At times, you might find yourself struggling to express your thoughts or emotions. If you ever feel like saying “This is hard” in Korean, this guide will help you navigate the formal and informal ways to express this phrase. We will also provide you with various useful tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “This is Hard”
When speaking in a formal or polite context, such as with elders or in professional settings, it is essential to use the appropriate language. Here’s how you can politely convey “This is hard” in Korean:
1. 어렵습니다 (Eoryeopseumnida)
Using the verb “어렵다” (eoryeopda), meaning “to be difficult,” adds formality to the phrase. By conjugating it in the polite form, you can say “This is hard” politely. The formal phrase in Korean is “이것은 어렵습니다” (igeoseun eoryeopseumnida).
Note: The subject marker “은” (eun) is used after “이것” (igeot) meaning “this.” This marker helps specify that “this” is the subject of the sentence.
Example: 이번 과제는 정말 어렵습니다.
(Ibeon gawjeneun jeongmal eoryeopseumnida)
(This assignment is really hard.)
Informal Way to Say “This is Hard”
When speaking with friends, peers, or in informal settings, you can use a more casual form to express that something is difficult. Here’s how to say “This is hard” informally in Korean:
1. 어려워 (Eoryeowo)
By dropping the formal ending “-습니다” (seumnida) and using the casual and informal verb stem “어렵다” (eoryeopda), you can say “This is hard” in an informal way. The informal phrase in Korean is “이건 어려워” (igeon eoryeowo).
Tips:
- When speaking with close friends, you can also shorten the phrase to just “어려워” (eoryeowo).
- In informal settings, dropping subject markers like “이” (i) or “이건” (igeon) is acceptable as the context is understood.
- Consider adding a particle like “너무” (neomu) before “어려워” (eoryeowo) to emphasize that something is “too hard.”
Example: 오늘 수업은 정말 어려워.
(Oneul sueobeun jeongmal eoryeowo)
(Today’s class is really hard.)
Regional Variations
While there are no significant regional variations when expressing “This is hard” in Korean, you may find slight differences in dialects. These variations often depend on accent, pronunciation, or regionalisms. It’s crucial to note that Korean, whether spoken in Seoul, Busan, or any other city, is generally understood by all Koreans. Therefore, the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier can be used throughout the country.
Summary
Mastering how to express the difficulty of something in Korean will undoubtedly help you communicate more effectively. Remember that the formal way to say “This is hard” is “이것은 어렵습니다” (igeoseun eoryeopseumnida), while the informal way is “이건 어려워” (igeon eoryeowo). Don’t hesitate to use these phrases in both formal and informal situations to convey the level of difficulty you are facing.
With the tips and examples provided in this guide, you now have a better understanding of how to say “This is hard” in Korean. Keep practicing and don’t be discouraged – learning a new language is undoubtedly challenging, but with perseverance, you’ll surely overcome any difficulties that come your way.
