困難
The state or quality of being hard to do or to accomplish; a situation that is hard to deal with.
Examples
3 of 5外国語で自分の意見を伝えるのは困難だ。
It is difficult to convey your opinion in a foreign language.
経済危機により、多くの企業が経営困難に陥っている。
Due to the economic crisis, many companies are falling into financial difficulty.
今回のプロジェクト、ちょっと困難そうだね。
This project looks a bit difficult, doesn't it?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Kon (Distress) + Nan (Trouble). Doubling the distress to show how hard it is.
Quick Quiz
大雨の影響で、交通機関の復旧は（ ）を極めている。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 困難
Examples
外国語で自分の意見を伝えるのは困難だ。
everydayIt is difficult to convey your opinion in a foreign language.
経済危機により、多くの企業が経営困難に陥っている。
formalDue to the economic crisis, many companies are falling into financial difficulty.
今回のプロジェクト、ちょっと困難そうだね。
informalThis project looks a bit difficult, doesn't it?
発展途上国における教育普及には、多くの困難が伴う。
academicThe spread of education in developing countries is accompanied by many difficulties.
資金調達が困難なため、計画を中止した。
businessThe plan was cancelled because fundraising was difficult.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
生活困難者
people in need/difficulty
困難を極める
to be extremely difficult
予測困難
difficult to predict
Often Confused With
Muzukashii is a general adjective; Konnan is a noun/na-adjective often used for more serious, situational hardships.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal writing and news to describe serious obstacles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that 'konnan' can be a 'na-adjective' (konnan-na).
Memory Tip
Kon (Distress) + Nan (Trouble). Doubling the distress to show how hard it is.
Word Origin
From 'kon' (to be distressed/surrounded) and 'nan' (difficult/trouble).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
大雨の影響で、交通機関の復旧は（ ）を極めている。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 困難
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
該当
B1To fall under a certain category, rule, or condition; to correspond to something.
模索
B1The act of searching for a solution, a way out, or a better method when the path forward is unclear. It implies a process of trial and error.
利便性
B1The quality of being convenient or useful for a particular purpose. Often used when discussing urban development, technology, or transportation in IELTS.
寄与
B2To contribute to a result or cause. It is a formal synonym for 'kouken' (contribution), often used when a factor helps bring about a specific outcome.
整備
B2To put something in good condition or to prepare a system, infrastructure, or legal framework for use. It covers everything from car maintenance to urban planning.
多角的
B2Multifaceted or many-sided; involving or considering many different aspects or viewpoints.
柔軟
B2Capable of bending easily without breaking; in a social or mental context, it refers to being adaptable to new situations or changing circumstances.
居住地
B2The place where someone lives or resides permanently or for a long time.
選択
B1The act of picking between two or more possibilities. It can refer to simple choices or complex strategic decisions.
不可避
B2That cannot be avoided; certain to happen; inevitable.
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