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:

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"

彼は災難から免れた。

Kare wa sainan kara manereta

He escaped disaster.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 災難 - Japanese noun meaning "disaster" or "calamity"
• から - Japanese particle that indicates "from" or "out of"
• 免れた - Japanese verb that means "escape" or "avoid"

彼女は私に追い付くのが難しいです。

Kanojo wa watashi ni oitsuku no ga muzukashii desu

She has a hard time reaching me.

She is difficult to talk to me.

• 彼女 - She
• は - Topic particle
• 私に - for me
• 追い付く - Achieve
• のが - Nominal particle
• 難しい - Difficult
• です - To be (polite)

有難うございます

arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you.

Thank you

• 有難う - "arigatou" means "thank you" in Japanese.
• ございます - "gozaimasu" is a polite way to say "to be" or "to stay" in Japanese.

末期がんは治療が難しい病気です。

Matsuki gan wa chiryou ga muzukashii byouki desu

Advanced stage cancer is a difficult disease to treat.

The last term cancer is a difficult disease to treat.

• 末期がん - advanced cancer
• 治療 - Treatment
• 難しい - difficult
• 病気 - disease

無難な選択をすることが大切です。

Bunan na sentaku wo suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to make safe choices.

It is important to make a safe choice.

• 無難な - means "safe" or "risk-free".
• 選択をする - means "to make a choice".
• ことが - it is a particle that indicates that the sentence is talking about something.
• 大切です - It means "it is important".

盗難が起こった。

Tōnan ga okotta

A theft occurred.

Theft occurred.

• 盗難 - theft, robbery
• が - subject particle
• 起こった - occurred, happened (past tense of the verb 起こる - okoru)

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.