Translation and Meaning of: 難しい - muzukashii

The Japanese word 「難しい」 (muzukashii) is an adjective that generally means "difficult" or "complicated." This word is widely used in everyday Japanese to describe situations, tasks, or issues that present some degree of difficulty. The kanji writing 「難しい」 is composed of the kanji 「難」 which, by itself, also means "difficult" or "problem." It is often used in combinations that imply challenges or complications.

Regarding etymology, the kanji 「難」 is associated with the concept of difficulty and is composed of two main radicals: 「隹」 (sui), which represents a small bird, and 「災」 (sai), which denotes calamity or disaster. This combination suggests the image of a bird facing a storm, symbolizing a scenario of difficulties or adversities. The ending 「しい」 in 「難しい」 is a form of adjectivation in Japanese known as 「形容詞」 (keiyōshi), which is used to describe attributes or states.

Usage in Daily Life

Task or problem evaluation: Describing something as 「難しい」 implies that effort or skill will be required to overcome it.
Personal expression: Frequently used to express feelings of frustration or challenge in relation to everyday life situations.

In addition to its literal use, 「難しい」 also has more subjective and cultural connotations that can vary depending on the context in which it is applied. For example, in more formal or academic contexts, it can be used to describe complex intellectual issues. In emotional contexts, it can mean that something is problematic or emotionally demanding.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

困難 (Konnan) - Difficulty or challenge in a situation.
複雑 (Fukuzatsu) - Complexity, something that is difficult due to many elements involved.
手強い (Tegowai) - Difficult to deal with, often used to describe situations or people that show resistance.
難解 (Nankai) - Something that is difficult to understand, especially a complex text or concept.
難儀 (Nangi) - Difficulty that causes discomfort or disturbance.
難点 (Danten) - Difficult point or weakness in a situation or argument.
難易度が高い (Nan'ido ga takai) - High difficulty level.
難しいことが多い (Muzukashii koto ga ooi) - There are many difficult things.
難しい問題 (Muzukashii mondai) - Complicated problem that requires skill to solve.
難しい課題 (Muzukashii kadai) - Task or challenge that is difficult to complete.
難しい漢字 (Muzukashii kanji) - Complicated kanji that can be difficult to learn or write.
難しい言葉 (Muzukashii kotoba) - Difficult words that may require a greater understanding.
難しいテスト (Muzukashii tesuto) - A test that is challenging and requires rigorous preparation.
難しい試験 (Muzukashii shiken) - Exam of significant difficulty, usually in an academic context.
難しい仕事 (Muzukashii shigoto) - Work that presents substantial challenges.
難しい技術 (Muzukashii gijutsu) - Technique that requires a high level of skill to be performed.
難しい状況 (Muzukashii jōkyō) - Situation that is complex and challenging.
難しい選択 (Muzukashii sentaku) - Difficult choice that can have significant consequences.
難しい決断 (Muzukashii ketsudan) - Complicated decision that requires careful thought.
難しい場面 (Muzukashii bamen) - A scenario that is challenging or complicated to manage.
難しい人 (Muzukashii hito) - A person who is difficult to deal with because of their complexity or personality.
難しい教科 (Muzukashii kyōka) - School subject that is considered complicated.
難しい科目 (Muzukashii kamoku) - Difficult subject in an educational context.
難しいレベル (Muzukashii reberu) - Difficulty level that is high or complex.