Translation and Meaning of: 難 - nan

The Japanese word 難[なん] is a term that arouses curiosity both for its meaning and its application in everyday life. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how this word is used can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and contexts of use, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition, we will see how 難[なん] appears in common expressions and its relationship with other kanjis. If you have ever wondered why this word is so present in challenging situations, keep reading to discover more about its role in the Japanese language.

Meaning and use of 難[なん]

The kanji 難 can be read as "nan" and carries the meaning of "difficulty," "problem," or "adversity." It is frequently used in compound words such as 困難[こんなん] (difficulty) or 災難[さいなん] (disaster). Its presence in terms related to obstacles shows how it is connected to challenging situations.

In everyday sentences, 難[なん] can appear alone or combined with other kanji. For example, someone might say "これは難しい[むずかしい]" (this is difficult), where the same kanji is present in the form 難. This versatility makes it an essential word for those who want to communicate in Japanese.

Origin and composition of the kanji 難

The kanji 難 has an interesting history. It is composed of the radical 隹, which represents a bird, and the component 堇, which formerly had a connection to religious ceremonies. This combination suggests an idea of something that is "difficult to attain," like a bird flying high. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass obstacles in general.

It is worth noting that 難 is not one of the more complex kanjis, but its writing requires attention. The stroke order is important to avoid mistakes when writing it. One tip is to practice its form alongside words that contain it, such as 非難[ひなん] (criticism) or 避難[ひなん] (evacuation), to better reinforce its use.

Tips for memorizing 難[なん]

An effective way to remember this kanji is to associate it with difficult situations. For example, think of "a bird (隹) that is hard to catch," reinforcing the idea of challenge. Another strategy is to use it in practical sentences, like "この問題は難しい[このもんだいはむずかしい]" (this problem is difficult), to see its usage in context.

Additionally, flashcard apps like Anki can help review 難[なん] regularly. Including real examples and pronunciation audio also improves retention. With consistent practice, this kanji will no longer be an obstacle and will become part of your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 困難 (konnan) - Difficulty, complicated situation
• 難題 (nandai) - Difficult problem, complex question
• 難儀 (nangi) - Difficulty, suffering, usually in contexts related to personal challenges.
• 苦難 (kunan) - Suffering, severe difficulties, usually linked to adverse circumstances.
• 難易度 (nan'ido) - Level of difficulty, degree of challenge of a task or situation
• 難しい (muzukashii) - Difficulty in understanding or solving something; complicated
• 辛い (tsurai) - Tough, difficult, often referring to emotionally or physically draining situations.

難

Romaji: nan
Kana: なん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: difficulty; difficulties; defect

Meaning in English: difficulty;hardships;defect

Definition: be difficult.

Example Sentences - (難) nan

See below some example sentences:

出題は難しいです。

Shutsudai wa muzukashii desu

The questions are tough.

The question is difficult.

• 出題 - means "question" or "issue".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 難しい - means "difficult".
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense.

分数を計算するのは難しいです。

Bunsuu wo keisan suru no wa muzukashii desu

Calculating fractions is difficult.

It is difficult to calculate fractions.

• 分数 - means "fraction" in Japanese.
• を - object particle.
• 計算する - verb meaning "to calculate".
• のは - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult".
• です - verb that indicates the polite form of "to be" or "to be" in Japanese.

ローマ字を覚えるのは難しいです。

Rōmaji wo oboeru no wa muzukashii desu

Learning romaji is hard.

It's hard to learn roman letters.

• ローマ字 - "romaji" - Japanese writing system that uses the Latin alphabet
• を - direct object particle
• 覚える - "oboeru" - remember, memorize
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - "muzukashii" - difficult
• です - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"

とんだ災難だ。

Ton da sainan da

What a disaster.

It's a terrible disaster.

• とんだ - an expression that means "great" or "terrible"
• 災難 - a term that means "disaster" or "calamity"
• だ - a particle that indicates the conclusion of a sentence

この問題の判定は難しいです。

Kono mondai no hantei wa muzukashii desu

Assessing this problem is difficult.

It is difficult to judge this issue.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "問題" belongs to something or someone
• 判定 - noun that means "judgment" or "evaluation"
• は - topic particle indicating that "判定" is the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - adjective that means "difficult" or "complicated"
• です - linking verb that indicates the existence or state of something, in this case, that "判定" is difficult

この細い線を描くのは難しいです。

Kono hosoi sen wo egaku no wa muzukashii desu

Drawing that fine line is difficult.

It's hard to draw that fine line.

• この - indicates that what follows refers to something close to the speaker, in this case, "this"
• 細い - adjective that means "thin" or "narrow"
• 線 - noun that means "line"
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "the line"
• 描く - verb that means "to draw" or "to paint"
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "draw the fine line"
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is a polite statement

この役の台詞はとても難しいです。

Kono yaku no serifu wa totemo muzukashii desu

The lines of this paper are very difficult.

The line of this role is very difficult.

• この - this
• 役 - paper
• の - of
• 台詞 - speak
• は - is
• とても - very
• 難しい - difficult
• です - is (politeness)

この病気の診断は難しいです。

Kono byōki no shindan wa muzukashii desu

Diagnosing this disease is difficult.

The diagnosis of this disease is difficult.

• この - this
• 病気 - disease
• の - of
• 診断 - diagnosis
• は - is
• 難しい - difficult
• です - is

この棒を曲げるのは難しいです。

Kono bou wo mageru no wa muzukashii desu

Folding this stick is difficult.

It's hard to double this baton.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• 棒 - means "stick"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 曲げる - verb meaning "to bend"
• の - particle that transforms the verb into a noun, in this case, "fold"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb that indicates the polite and polished way of speaking, in this case, "é"

このネジを外すのは難しいです。

Kono neji o hazusu no wa muzukashii desu

It is difficult to remove this screw.

It's hard to remove this screw.

• この - this
• ネジ - screw
• を - object particle
• 外す - remove
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 難しい - difficult
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense