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:

この問題はとても難しいです。

Kono mondai wa totemo muzukashii desu

This problem is very difficult.

This problem is very difficult.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 問題 - noun "problem"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 難しい - adjective "difficult"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この問題を解くのは難しいです。

Kono mondai o toku no wa muzukashii desu

Solving this problem is difficult.

It is difficult to solve this problem.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 問題 - noun that means "problem" or "issue".
• を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence.
• 解く - verb that means "to resolve" or "to solve".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• 難しい - adjective that means "difficult" or "complicated".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality in the Japanese language.

この問題は難しいです。

Kono mondai wa muzukashii desu

This problem is difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject 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, "is"

この題は難しいです。

Kono dai wa muzukashii desu

This question is difficult.

This title is difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 題 - noun that means "title" or "subject"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

このコースはとても難しいです。

Kono kōsu wa totemo muzukashii desu

This course is very difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• コース - noun that means "course"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

ネクタイを締めるのは難しいです。

Nekutai wo shimeru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to tighten the tie.

• ネクタイ (nekutai) - necktie
• を (wo) - object particle
• 締める (shimeru) - tighten, tie
• のは (nowa) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 難しい (muzukashii) - difficult
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

ややこしい問題を解決するのは難しいです。

Yayakoshii mondai wo kaiketsu suru no wa muzukashii desu

Solving complicated problems is difficult.

It is difficult to solve complicated problems.

• ややこしい - complicated, confusing
• 問題 - problem
• を - direct object particle
• 解決する - to resolve
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - difficult
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

予測は難しいです。

Yosoku wa muzukashii desu

Prediction is difficult.

It's hard to predict.

• 予測 - forecast, prognosis
• は - Topic particle
• 難しい - difficult
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

余程難しい問題だった。

Yohodo muzukashii mondai datta

It was a very difficult problem.

• 余程 - adverb meaning "a lot", "quite a lot".
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult".
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem".
• だった - verb "to be" in the past tense.

前途多難

zentotanan

The future is uncertain and full of difficulties.

How difficult it is

• 前途 (qiántú) - future, perspective
• 多 (duō) - many, very
• 難 (nán) - difficult, complicated