難しい
この問題はとても難しいです。
This problem is very difficult.
Difficult to understand, do, or achieve; requiring much effort or skill.
日本語は私にとって難しいです。
Japanese is difficult for me.
このテストは難しすぎる。
This test is too difficult.
Commonly used to describe tasks, subjects, or situations that are challenging.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use '難しい' to describe both tangible and intangible difficulties, such as tasks, emotions, or decisions.
Gold Rule
Adjective Form
'難しい' is an i-adjective (形容詞) and must be conjugated appropriately in sentences.
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 'nan' (難) meaning 'difficult' or 'hardship', with the suffix '-shii' indicating an adjective form.
Usage Notes
Often used with the adverbs 'とても' (very) or '非常に' (extremely) to emphasize the degree of difficulty. Can also be used to describe abstract concepts like emotions or relationships.