Translation guide
The English word 'adversities' refers to difficult situations, hardships, or misfortunes. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through nouns like 逆境 (gyakkyō) or 苦難 (kunan), but natural usage depends on context. This guide covers common ways to talk about facing, overcoming, or enduring adversities.
Referring to adverse conditions, tough times, or misfortune in a broad sense.
The most direct and common word for 'adversity' or 'adverse circumstances'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は逆境に負けなかった。
He didn't give in to adversity.
逆境を乗り越える。
Overcome adversity.
Emphasizes suffering and hardship. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
多くの苦難を経験した。
I experienced many hardships.
Means 'difficulty' or 'hardship'. Very common and versatile, but slightly less specific than 逆境.
困難に立ち向かう。
Face difficulties.
Focusing on unlucky events or unfortunate circumstances.
Emphasizing the process of going through and enduring hardships, often with a moral or spiritual nuance.
Means 'trial', 'test', or 'ordeal'. Often used when adversities are seen as tests of character.
人生の試練を乗り越える。
Overcome the trials of life.
Literary term for 'hardships' or 'privations'. Not common in daily conversation.
辛苦をなめる。
Go through hardships.
逆境 (gyakkyō) specifically means adverse circumstances or a hostile environment. 苦難 (kunan) focuses on the suffering aspect. 困難 (konnan) is the most general term for difficulty and can be used for tasks as well as life situations.
Common verbs include 乗り越える (norikoeru, overcome), 立ち向かう (tachimukau, confront), 耐える (taeru, endure), and 経験する (keiken suru, experience).
He was struck by many misfortunes.