difficult question
سؤال صعب
Use 'difficult question' to acknowledge complexity and give yourself a moment to think before answering.
In 15 Seconds
- A query that is hard to answer or requires deep thought.
- Used to buy time or acknowledge a complex topic.
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
Meaning
This phrase refers to a question that is hard to answer because it requires a lot of thinking or has no simple solution.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
That is a difficult question, but I believe my experience fits well.
That is a difficult question, but I believe my experience fits well.
Talking to a partner about the future
Where do I see myself in ten years? That's a difficult question.
Where do I see myself in ten years? That's a difficult question.
A student during a math class
Teacher, number five is a very difficult question for me.
Teacher, number five is a very difficult question for me.
Cultural Background
In Western communication, acknowledging a 'difficult question' is a common social lubricant. It allows the speaker to validate the complexity of the topic while signaling that they are being honest about their struggle to provide an immediate answer.
Buying Time
If you are stuck in an interview, say 'That's a difficult question' slowly. It sounds smart and gives you five seconds to think!
Don't Overuse It
If you call every question 'difficult,' people might think you aren't prepared or don't know your topic.
In 15 Seconds
- A query that is hard to answer or requires deep thought.
- Used to buy time or acknowledge a complex topic.
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
What It Means
Difficult question is a very common way to describe a query that makes you pause. It might be hard because the topic is complex. Or, it might be hard because you don't want to share the answer. It is the opposite of an easy question or a simple question.
How To Use It
You can use it to buy yourself some time. If someone asks you something tough, say, "That is a difficult question." This gives your brain a few seconds to catch up. You can also use it to describe a test or an interview. It usually goes right before the noun it describes. You can say "This is a difficult question" or "He asked me a difficult question."
When To Use It
Use it in school when the teacher asks something tricky. Use it at work when a boss asks about a project deadline. It is perfect for deep conversations with friends about life or love. If a child asks where babies come from, that is definitely a difficult question! It works in almost any situation where you need to think deeply.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are just annoying. If someone asks for the salt, it is not a difficult question. Avoid using it if the answer is obvious. If you use it for simple things, people might think you are being sarcastic or rude. Also, in very high-level academic writing, people might prefer complex inquiry, but difficult question is still fine.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, calling something a difficult question is often a compliment. It tells the speaker, "You are thinking deeply." It shows you are taking their words seriously. In job interviews, it is a polite way to show you are being thoughtful. It is a very honest and direct phrase used worldwide.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say tough question or hard question. These are more informal and very common in daily speech. If a question is almost impossible, people might call it a stumper or a trick question. If the question is about a sensitive topic, they might call it a loaded question.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for all levels of formality. Be careful not to confuse it with 'problem'—a 'question' is something you ask, while a 'problem' is something you solve.
Buying Time
If you are stuck in an interview, say 'That's a difficult question' slowly. It sounds smart and gives you five seconds to think!
Don't Overuse It
If you call every question 'difficult,' people might think you aren't prepared or don't know your topic.
The 'Tough' Alternative
In the US, people often say 'Tough question' instead. It sounds a bit more casual and 'cool' than 'difficult'.
Examples
6That is a difficult question, but I believe my experience fits well.
That is a difficult question, but I believe my experience fits well.
Used to show the speaker is taking the interview seriously.
Where do I see myself in ten years? That's a difficult question.
Where do I see myself in ten years? That's a difficult question.
Expresses that the topic requires deep personal reflection.
Teacher, number five is a very difficult question for me.
Teacher, number five is a very difficult question for me.
Asking for help with a specific problem.
Pizza or tacos? Wow, that's a difficult question!
Pizza or tacos? Wow, that's a difficult question!
Using the phrase playfully for a small decision.
The reporter asked a difficult question about the new budget.
The reporter asked a difficult question about the new budget.
Describing a challenging inquiry from the media.
Why did I do it? That's a difficult question to answer right now.
Why did I do it? That's a difficult question to answer right now.
Used when the speaker is still processing their own actions.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The exam was very hard because every ___ was a difficult question.
While 'page' works, 'item' or simply the concept of the question itself is what makes it difficult.
Complete the phrase used to buy time.
That's a ___ question. Let me think for a second.
'Difficult' is the natural collocation used when you need a moment to think.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Difficult Question'
Used with friends for small choices.
Tough question!
The standard way to describe a hard query.
That's a difficult question.
Used in professional or academic settings.
You've raised a difficult question.
When to say 'Difficult Question'
Job Interview
Answering about weaknesses.
School Exam
Struggling with a math problem.
Deep Talk
Discussing the meaning of life.
Daily Choice
Deciding what to eat for dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means a question that is not easy to answer. It usually requires a lot of thought or knowledge, like What is the square root of 1,444?.
Yes, it is very polite. It shows you are trying to understand but find the topic challenging, like saying This is a difficult question for me.
Absolutely! Hard question is very common in spoken English. Difficult question sounds just a tiny bit more formal.
Avoid it when the answer is very simple. If someone asks What is your name?, saying That's a difficult question sounds like a joke or very strange.
No. Sometimes it just means the answer is long or complicated. You might know the answer but still call it a difficult question.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or with the President of a company.
It is exactly the same as a difficult question. Tough is just a slightly more casual word often used in the US and UK.
Yes. If someone asks Do you still love your ex?, that is a difficult question because it is hard to talk about feelings.
You can say I know, take your time or Yes, it's a tricky one. This shows you agree that the topic is complex.
Yes, these two words are very frequently used together in English. It is one of the most natural ways to describe a hard query.
Related Phrases
Tough question
A more informal way to say a question is hard.
Tricky question
A question that is designed to confuse you or has a hidden difficulty.
Good question
Often used when you don't have the answer but like the thought behind it.
Stumper
A very informal word for a question that no one can answer.
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