Translation guide
The English word "demanding" can describe tasks that require great effort, people who are hard to please, or situations that are physically or mentally taxing. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing a task, job, or activity that is difficult and requires a lot of effort, time, or skill.
A versatile adjective meaning 'tough', 'hard', or 'demanding'. Commonly used for tasks or situations that are physically or mentally taxing.
この仕事は大変だ。
This job is demanding.
子育ては大変ですが、やりがいもあります。
Raising children is demanding, but it's also rewarding.
An adjective often used in spoken Japanese to describe something physically or mentally demanding, tough, or grueling.
今日の練習はきつかった。
Today's practice was demanding.
このスケジュールはきつい。
This schedule is demanding.
Literally 'the burden is large'. Used when something places a heavy burden or demand on someone, often in terms of time, money, or effort.
このプロジェクトは負担が大きい。
This project is demanding.
A loanword from English 'hard', used to describe something demanding or tough, especially in sports, work, or schedules.
このトレーニングはハードだ。
This training is demanding.
Describing a person who expects a lot from others, is strict, or is difficult to satisfy.
The most common word for 'strict' or 'demanding' when referring to a person. It implies high standards and little tolerance for mistakes.
彼は部下に厳しい。
He is demanding of his subordinates.
あの先生は宿題が多くて厳しい。
That teacher is demanding with a lot of homework.
Literally 'has high demands'. Used when someone's expectations or requirements are very high, often in a professional or customer context.
クライアントの要求が高い。
The client is demanding.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'demanding' or 'fussy', literally 'has many orders'. Often used for customers or people who are picky.
あの客は注文が多い。
That customer is demanding.
Describing a situation, lifestyle, or period that is draining and requires a lot of energy.
Means 'harsh', 'severe', or 'grueling'. Used for extremely demanding conditions, such as work environments, weather, or schedules.
過酷な労働条件だ。
The working conditions are demanding.
過酷なスケジュールで疲れた。
I'm tired from the demanding schedule.
As above, but also used for lifestyles or situations that are tough and demanding.
Reiterated here as it also fits this meaning well, especially in casual contexts.
大変 (taihen) is the most general and can be used in both formal and informal settings. きつい (kitsui) is more colloquial and often implies physical or mental strain. 過酷 (kakoku) is stronger and more formal, suggesting extreme harshness or severity.
The English word 'demanding' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as 要求している (yōkyū shite iru) would mean 'is requesting' and is incorrect. Always choose the word that matches the specific nuance.
上司はとても厳しい。
My boss is very demanding.
この仕事は体力的にきつい。
This job is physically demanding.
彼女は過酷なスケジュールをこなしている。
She has a demanding schedule.
I lead a demanding lifestyle.
Working overtime every day is demanding.