Translation and Meaning of: 苦しむ - kurushimu

The Japanese word 苦しむ (くるしむ, kurushimu) carries a deep emotional weight, often associated with feelings of suffering, distress, or difficulty. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about this expression, understanding its meaning, usage, and cultural context can enrich your knowledge of the language. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to everyday situations in which the Japanese use this term.

In addition to unveiling the translation of 苦しむ, we will explore how it appears in real conversations and what nuances differentiate it from similar words. Suki Nihongo, one of the best online Japanese dictionaries, provides practical examples for those who want to memorize this term effectively. Shall we dive into the details?

Meaning and composition of 苦しむ

苦しむ is a verb that means "to suffer," "to be in agony," or "to go through difficulties." Its kanji, 苦, represents the idea of bitterness or pain, composed of the radicals for "grass" (艹) and "ancient" (古), suggesting a persistent and ingrained sensation. The kun'yomi reading くるしむ (kurushimu) is the most common in everyday use, while the on'yomi ク (ku) appears in compound terms.

Unlike terms like 痛む (itamu), which refers to physical pain, 苦しむ has a more emotional or psychological character. It can describe anything from suffering due to a loss to struggling against challenging circumstances. In sentences like 彼は心で苦しんでいる (Kare wa kokoro de kurushinde iru, "He is suffering in his heart"), this internal dimension becomes clear.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, where open expression of emotions is not always encouraged, 苦しむ frequently arises in contexts of resilience or reflection. Dramas and literature often use it to depict internal conflicts, such as in narratives about social pressure or personal dilemmas. A survey by the National Institute of Japanese Language shows that this word appears with moderate frequency in both formal and informal texts, but less than synonyms like 悩む (nayamu, "to worry").

Interestingly, 苦しむ also appears in Buddhist proverbs, reflecting the philosophy of accepting suffering as part of life. Expressions like 苦しみは悟りのもと (Kurushimi wa satori no moto, "Suffering is the foundation of enlightenment") illustrate this view. It is no coincidence that the kanji 苦 is part of terms like 苦労 (kurou, "painful effort") and 苦手 (nigate, "weak point").

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 苦しむ is to associate it with concrete situations. Write down sentences like 試験に失敗して苦しんだ (Shiken ni shippai shite kurushinda, "I suffered for failing the exam") in your notebook or review app. The radical 艹 (grass) in 苦 can be remembered as something that "grows" and persists, just like certain types of suffering.

Avoid confusing 苦しむ with 辛い (tsurai), which, although it also denotes difficulty, has a broader usage (ranging from spicy foods to painful experiences). Pay attention to the kanji pairs: while 苦 emphasizes emotional pain, 痛 (in 痛む) specifically refers to physical sensations. With practice, these differences become clear.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

苦悩する (kunō suru) - to go through great mental suffering or anguish.
苦しめる (kurushimeru) - to cause someone suffering; to make someone suffer.
苦しむ (kurushimu) - to suffer; to go through difficulties.
苦しみを味わう (kurushimi o ajiwau) - to experience or feel suffering.
苦しみに耐える (kurushimi ni taeru) - to support or endure suffering.
苦痛を感じる (kutū o kanjiru) - to feel pain or physical suffering.
苦悶する (kumon suru) - to be in a state of extreme anguish.
苦しんでいる (kurushinde iru) - to be suffering; going through a moment of pain.
苦しみを抱える (kurushimi o kakaeru) - bear or endure inner suffering.
苦しみに悩む (kurushimi ni nayamu) - to worry or be troubled by suffering.
苦しい思いをする (kurushii omoi o suru) - having painful or distressing experiences.
苦しい状況にある (kurushii jōkyō ni aru) - to be in a difficult or distressing situation.
苦しい立場にある (kurushii tachiba ni aru) - to find oneself in a complicated or difficult position.
苦しい境遇にある (kurushii kyōgu ni aru) - to be in an unfavorable or difficult circumstance.
苦しい状態にある (kurushii jōtai ni aru) - experience a state of suffering or anguish.