tough time
وقت صعب
직역: Hard/Difficult period of time
Use it to describe a difficult period or to show you understand someone else's current struggle.
15초 만에
- Describes a period of struggle, stress, or difficulty.
- Used with 'having' or 'going through' for personal situations.
- Shows empathy when acknowledging someone else's problems.
뜻
This phrase describes a period when life feels difficult, stressful, or full of obstacles. It is like saying you are going through a rough patch where things aren't going smoothly.
주요 예문
3 / 6Checking in on a friend
I heard about the breakup; I'm sorry you're having such a tough time.
I'm sorry you're going through a difficult period.
Discussing work challenges
The team is having a tough time meeting the deadline this month.
The team is struggling to finish on time.
Texting a sibling about a cold
This flu is giving me a real tough time today.
This flu is making things very hard for me today.
문화적 배경
The phrase reflects the Western cultural value of 'toughing it out' or showing grit during adversity. It is often used as a bridge to offer support without being overly intrusive into someone's private life. In business, it is a standard way to acknowledge market downturns or project delays politely.
The 'Going Through' Boost
If you want to sound more empathetic, use 'going through a tough time'. It suggests the person is moving forward and the trouble is temporary.
Hard Time vs. Tough Time
Be careful! 'Giving someone a hard time' means teasing or bothering them. 'Having a tough time' just means life is hard right now.
15초 만에
- Describes a period of struggle, stress, or difficulty.
- Used with 'having' or 'going through' for personal situations.
- Shows empathy when acknowledging someone else's problems.
What It Means
Tough time is your go-to phrase for any period of struggle. It isn't just about one bad minute. It usually refers to a few days, weeks, or even months. Think of it as a heavy backpack you are carrying. It covers everything from a busy week at work to losing a pet. It is simple, honest, and very common.
How To Use It
You usually say you are having a tough time or going through a tough time. It acts like a noun in your sentence. You can also use it to describe a specific task. For example, I had a tough time fixing the sink. It tells people you are struggling without needing a long, dramatic story. It is the perfect 'short story' for a long problem.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be honest about your feelings. It works great when a friend asks how you are. It is also perfect for showing empathy to others. If a coworker looks stressed, say, I know you're having a tough time. It sounds kind and supportive. You can use it in texts, emails, or face-to-face chats. It is a very flexible 'Swiss Army knife' phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, 5-second problems. If you drop your pen, that’s not a tough time. That’s just a mistake. Also, avoid it in extremely formal legal documents. In those cases, use hardship or difficulties. If you are at a party and someone asks 'How's the cake?', don't say it's a tough time. That just sounds like the cake is trying to fight you.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the US and UK, value 'resilience'. We often use tough time to acknowledge pain while staying strong. It is a way to admit things are bad without sounding like you've given up. It became very popular in the mid-20th century. It matches the 'keep calm and carry on' spirit. It’s a polite way to share a burden.
Common Variations
You might hear rough time or hard time. They mean almost the same thing. Rough time feels a bit more like a bumpy road. Hard time can sometimes mean someone is being mean to you. For example, My boss is giving me a hard time. But tough time is almost always about the situation itself. It’s the classic version everyone understands.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is neutral and very safe to use. It works best with the verbs 'have', 'face', or 'go through'.
The 'Going Through' Boost
If you want to sound more empathetic, use 'going through a tough time'. It suggests the person is moving forward and the trouble is temporary.
Hard Time vs. Tough Time
Be careful! 'Giving someone a hard time' means teasing or bothering them. 'Having a tough time' just means life is hard right now.
The Understatement
English speakers often use 'a bit of a tough time' to describe something actually very terrible. It's a way of being modest about their suffering.
예시
6I heard about the breakup; I'm sorry you're having such a tough time.
I'm sorry you're going through a difficult period.
Shows empathy and emotional support.
The team is having a tough time meeting the deadline this month.
The team is struggling to finish on time.
Professional way to describe a workplace challenge.
This flu is giving me a real tough time today.
This flu is making things very hard for me today.
Informal use for physical illness.
I'm having a tough time convinced this printer isn't haunted.
I am struggling with this printer.
Uses the phrase to exaggerate a small frustration for humor.
Please excuse the delay, as our department has faced a tough time recently.
Please forgive us, we have had difficulties.
Softens the blow of a mistake in a professional setting.
We're all having a tough time, but we'll get through it together.
We are all struggling, but we will succeed.
Builds team spirit during a crisis.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
I've been ___ a tough time since I moved to the new city.
In English, we 'have' or 'go through' a tough time. We don't 'do' or 'make' one.
Select the best word to describe a long period of stress.
Exam season is always a ___ time for students.
`Tough time` is the standard collocation for a difficult period.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Tough Time'
Talking to family or friends.
I'm having a tough time with this puzzle.
Standard daily conversation.
He's had a tough time lately.
Professional emails or meetings.
The company is facing a tough time.
When to say 'Tough Time'
Grief/Loss
After a funeral
Financial
Losing a job
Academic
Failing a test
Health
Being sick
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it is a standard English collocation. You can use it in almost any setting, from a coffee shop to a business meeting like We are facing a tough time in the market.
Yes, difficult time is a perfect synonym. It sounds slightly more formal than tough time, which is more conversational.
They are often interchangeable. However, hard time is more common when someone is being mean to you, like My teacher gave me a hard time about my homework.
A kind response is I'm sorry to hear that or Is there anything I can do to help?. It acknowledges their struggle without being too nosy.
Usually, it refers to a duration of time. If you stub your toe, you wouldn't say you're having a tough time, but if you've been in pain all week, you would.
Yes, it is very common. For example, I know the department has had a tough time with the new software is a polite way to acknowledge problems.
Not at all. You can have a tough time with a math problem or a tough time finding a parking spot. It just means something is difficult.
No, that is incorrect. Timing refers to the specific moment something happens. Use tough time to describe the experience or period.
You could say someone is having an easy time or a great time. For example, He's having an easy time with the new job.
It is used equally in both! It is a universal English expression that everyone understands regardless of their dialect.
관련 표현
Rough patch
A short period of difficulty in a relationship or life.
Uphill battle
A very difficult task that requires a lot of effort.
Hardship
Severe suffering or lack of basic needs (more formal).
In a bind
Being in a difficult situation with few solutions.
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