Translation and Meaning of: 困難 - konnan

The Japanese word 困難[こんなん] is a term that frequently appears in everyday conversations, formal texts, and even in media like animes and dramas. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its meaning, usage, and cultural context can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the translation and writing to practical tips for memorization and real-life usage examples.

In addition to being a common word in challenging situations, 困難 carries interesting nuances that reflect aspects of the Japanese mindset. Whether for those looking to expand their vocabulary or for curious individuals seeking to better understand the culture, this guide will provide accurate and relevant information, without fabrications or misconceptions.

Meaning and translation of 困難 [こんなん]

In Portuguese, 困難[こんなん] can be translated as "difficulty," "problem," or "adversity." Unlike more generic terms such as 問題[もんだい] (which means "issue" or "problem" in a broader sense), 困難 has a stronger connotation, indicating obstacles that require significant effort to overcome.

An important detail is that this word is not limited to physical situations. It can describe everything from emotional challenges to complications in projects or tasks. For example, in a professional context, saying "このプロジェクトは困難です" (kono purojekuto wa konnan desu) implies that the project is particularly arduous, not just filled with minor setbacks.

Origin and writing in kanji

Analyzing the kanjis that compose 困難, we have 困 (meaning "affliction" or "difficulty") and 難 ("difficulty" or "challenge"). The combination reinforces the idea of a complicated situation, almost as if the two characters are amplifying the same concept. This intentional redundancy is common in Japanese words that aim to emphasize a characteristic.

It is worth noting that 困 by itself appears in other related terms, such as 困る[こまる] (to be in trouble). The kanji 難 is versatile, present in words like 非難[ひなん] (criticism) and 災難[さいなん] (disaster). Understanding these components helps to memorize not only 困難 but also to expand vocabulary in an organic way.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, where perseverance (我慢[がまん]) is highly valued, 困難 is not a word used lightly. It frequently appears in motivational speeches, news about natural disasters, or even in business contexts when discussing overcoming crises. Its presence in headlines such as "経済的な困難" (economic difficulties) illustrates its significance in serious discussions.

Interestingly, in word frequency research, 困難 is not among the most commonly used terms in casual day-to-day conversations. This does not mean that it is rare, but rather that its use tends to be more deliberate – when someone employs it, they are usually highlighting a genuinely complex situation, not a mere inconvenience.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 困難 is to associate it with real-life situations where you faced significant challenges. For example, think of "going through financial difficulties" (経済的な困難を経験する) or "overcoming obstacles at work" (仕事の困難を乗り越える). Contextualizing in this way makes learning more natural.

Another strategy is to observe how the word appears in authentic materials. In animes like "Attack on Titan" or "Vinland Saga," where characters face extreme adversities, 困難 appears in impactful dialogues. Noting down these scenes (with the complete sentence, not just the isolated word) creates more lasting mental connections.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 苦難 (kunan) - Significant difficulties and suffering.
• 難儀 (nangi) - Difficulties, especially in complicated situations.
• 苦境 (kukyou) - A difficult and distressing situation.
• 苦悩 (kunou) - Mental suffering or anguish.
• 苦渋 (kujyu) - Difficult and bitter dilemma.
• 苦痛 (kutsuu) - Physical pain or extreme suffering.
• 苦労 (kurou) - Effort and hard work, often with difficulties.
• 難事 (nanji) - A complicated subject or situation.
• 難局 (nankyaku) - Difficult scenario or critical situation.
• 難題 (nandai) - A difficult problem that needs to be solved.
• 難易度高い (nan'ido takai) - High difficulty level.
• 難しい (muzukashii) - Difficult, complicated.
• 難点 (nanten) - Problematic points or difficulties.
• 難易度 (nan'ido) - Level of difficulty, usually in tasks or problems.
• 難易度の高い (nan'ido no takai) - Of high difficulty, refers to something challenging.
• 難易度の低い (nan'ido no hikui) - Of low difficulty, more accessible.

困難

Romaji: konnan
Kana: こんなん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: difficulty; anguish

Meaning in English: difficulty;distress

Definition: Something difficult or hard to solve.

Example Sentences - (困難) konnan

See below some example sentences:

困難を乗り越える力を持っています。

Konnan wo norikoeru chikara wo motteimasu

I have the power to overcome difficulties.

• 困難 (kunnan) - Difficulty
• を (wo) - object particle
• 乗り越える (norikoeru) - overcome
• 力 (chikara) - strength
• を (wo) - object particle
• 持っています (motteimasu) - to possess

彼は困難を遣り通すことができた。

Kare wa konnan o yaritōsu koto ga dekita

He managed to overcome the difficulties.

He was able to pass on difficulties.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 困難 - Japanese noun meaning "difficulty"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 遣り通す - Japanese verb meaning "to overcome" or "to pass through"
• こと - Japanese noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• できた - Japanese verb meaning "to be able to" or "to achieve"

私は困難な状況に耐えることができます。

Watashi wa konnan na joukyou ni taeru koto ga dekimasu

I can withstand difficult situations.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 困難な (konnan na) - Japanese adjective meaning "difficult"
• 状況 (joukyou) - Japanese noun that means "situation"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle that indicates the grammatical function of "place" or "time."
• 耐える (taeru) - Japanese verb that means "to endure" or "to hold on."
• ことができます (koto ga dekimasu) - Japanese expression meaning "to be able to"

私たちは困難に対して強く立ち向かわなければなりません。

Watashitachi wa konnan ni taisuru tsuyoku tachimukawanakereba narimasen

We must strongly face the difficulties.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 困難に - "Difficulty" in Japanese, followed by the particle "ni" which indicates the relationship with the previous word.
• 対して - "In relation to" in Japanese
• 強く - "Strongly" in Japanese, an adverb that modifies the following verb.
• 立ち向かわなければなりません - "We need to face" in Japanese, verb in the negative conditional form indicating an obligation.