hard time

You usually pair it with the verb have. You can say "I am having a hard time." If you want to be specific, add with or an -ing verb. For example, "I'm having a hard time with this new software." Or, "I'm having a hard time waking up early." It is like a Lego brick that fits into almost any sentence about struggle. Just don't forget the a in the middle!

Use this when you want to be sincere but not overly dramatic. It works perfectly when a friend asks how you are. It is great for explaining why a project is late to a boss. You can also use it to describe someone else's behavior. If your toddler is crying, they are just having a hard time. It shows empathy. It is a soft way to admit things aren't perfect.

Avoid using it for tiny, 2-second inconveniences. If you drop your pen, that is not a hard time. That is just a clumsy moment. Also, be careful in very high-stakes legal or medical documents. In those cases, words like complications or adversity sound more professional. Don't use it to brag about how busy you are. It should sound honest, not like a humble-brag.

In English-speaking cultures, admitting you are having a hard time is a sign of vulnerability. It is often used to 'break the ice' in deep conversations. Historically, it relates to the idea of 'hard labor' or difficult physical work. Today, it is mostly mental or emotional. Americans often use it as a polite way to say "I'm stressed out" without sharing too many private details.

You might hear people say they are giving someone a hard time. This is different! That means they are teasing or bothering someone. If your friends joke about your bad haircut, they are giving you a hard time. You can also say rough time or tough time. These mean exactly the same thing. They just add a little more 'texture' to your struggle.