Translation guide
The concept of adversity in Japanese is often expressed through words that emphasize hardship, difficulty, or misfortune. The most common and versatile term is 困難 (konnan), which covers a wide range of difficult situations. Other words like 逆境 (gyakkyō) specifically refer to adverse circumstances one must overcome, while 苦難 (kunan) highlights suffering. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the difficulty itself, the unfavorable situation, or the emotional/physical toll.
Expressing a difficult situation or state of affairs in a broad sense.
The most common and neutral word for 'difficulty' or 'hardship'. It can refer to both tangible problems (financial, physical) and abstract challenges. Suitable for most contexts.
He overcame many adversities.
We are facing a difficult situation.
Emphasizes suffering and hardship, often with an emotional or physical toll. More intense than 困難. Commonly used in narratives about enduring trials.
Specifically means 'adverse circumstances' or 'adversity' as an opposing force. Often used in contexts of overcoming challenges, personal growth, or sports.
Refers to a difficult situation or crisis, often used in political, business, or formal contexts. Implies a critical juncture that must be navigated.
Referring to unfortunate events or bad luck that cause adversity.
Means 'misfortune' or 'bad luck'. It focuses on the unlucky aspect of adversity rather than the difficulty itself.
Unfortunately, I had an accident.
Means 'unhappiness' or 'misfortune'. It can refer to both the state of being unhappy and the events causing it. Broader than 不運.
Viewing adversity as a challenge to overcome, often with a positive or growth-oriented nuance.
Means 'trial' or 'test'. It frames adversity as a challenge that tests one's character or abilities, often with a connotation of personal growth.
Overcome life's adversities.
Refers to hardships, troubles, or toil. It often implies effort and endurance through difficult times. Very common in daily speech.
困難 is the most general and neutral term for difficulty. 苦難 emphasizes suffering and is more emotionally charged. 逆境 specifically refers to adverse external circumstances that one must fight against, often used in motivational contexts.
In English, 'adversity' can be used broadly, but in Japanese, it's often more natural to specify the type of difficulty (e.g., 経済的困難 for financial adversity) or use a verb phrase like 苦しい状況 (painful situation) instead of a single noun.
Survive through times of adversity.
逆境に負けない強さを持つ。
Have the strength to not give in to adversity.
難局を打開する。
Break through the adversity.
彼は多くの不幸を経験した。
He experienced a lot of adversity.
He succeeded after much adversity.