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:

非難されることは辛いです。

Hinansareru koto wa tsurai desu

It's hard to be criticized.

It's hard to be blamed.

• 非難される - be criticized
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 辛い - Painful, difficult
• です - is

麻痺した手で物を持つのは難しいです。

Mahi shita te de mono wo motsu no wa muzukashii desu

It is difficult to hold objects with a paralyzed hand.

It's hard to hold things with paralyzed hands.

• 麻痺した (as a verb) - paralyzed
• 手 - hand
• で - particle that indicates the means or tool used
• 物 - object
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 持つ - hold, carry
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - difficult
• です - verb to be in the polite form

避難する必要があります。

Hinan suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to evacuate.

You need to evacuate.

• 避難する - means "evacuate" or "flee to a safe place" in Japanese.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential" in Japanese.
• が - is a grammatical particle that indicates the subjectivity of the sentence.
• あります - is a verb that means "to exist" or "to have" in Japanese.

雪崩が起こる前に避難しましょう。

Yukinami ga okoru mae ni hinan shimashou

Evacuate before the avalanche occurs.

• 雪崩 - avalanche
• が - partícula que indica o sujeito da frase
• 起こる - ocorrer
• 前に - before
• 避難 - evacuação
• しましょう - vamos fazer

高価な商品を買うのは難しいです。

Takaka na shouhin wo kau no wa muzukashii desu

It is difficult to buy expensive products.

• 高価な - adjective meaning "expensive"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 買う - verb meaning "to buy"
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - linking verb indicating the polite and formal form of speech

私は毎日何を食べるか選ぶのが難しいです。

Watashi wa mainichi nani wo taberu ka erabu no ga muzukashii desu

It's hard to choose what to eat every day.

It's hard to choose what to eat every day.

• 私 (watashi) - I
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 毎日 (mainichi) - every day
• 何 (nani) - what
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 食べる (taberu) - Eat
• か (ka) - interrogative particle
• 選ぶ (erabu) - Choose
• のが (noga) - Nominal particle
• 難しい (muzukashii) - Difficult
• です (desu) - Ser/estar (polite form)

有難いです。

Arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

• 有難い - "thank you" thankful, grateful
• です - desu - yes, it is

数学は難しいです。

Sūgaku wa muzukashii desu

Mathematics is difficult.

Mathematics is difficult.

• 数学 (sūgaku) - Mathematics
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 難しい (muzukashii) - Difficult
• です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

彼女を引き止めるのは難しいです。

Kanojo wo hikitomeru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to stop her from leaving.

It's hard to stop her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend"
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引き止める (hikitomeru) - verb meaning "to stop, prevent, withhold"
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 難しい (muzukashii) - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です (desu) - copulative verb that indicates "to be" or "to be"

彼を説得するのは難しいです。

Kare wo settoku suru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to convince him.

It is hard to convince him.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 説得する - Japanese verb that means "to convince".
• のは - subjectivity particle in Japanese
• 難しい - Japanese adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in Japanese