Translation guide
The English word 'difficulties' refers to problems, hardships, or challenging situations. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you mean general troubles, financial hardship, emotional struggles, or obstacles in a process.
Referring to difficulties as problems, troubles, or challenging situations in daily life, work, or relationships.
A formal and general term for difficulties or hardships. Often used in written or formal contexts.
彼は多くの困難を乗り越えた。
He overcame many difficulties.
Common word for 'problem' or 'issue'. Used for difficulties that need solving.
その計画にはいくつか問題がある。
There are some difficulties with the plan.
Hardships or troubles, often implying effort and endurance. Commonly used for personal struggles.
子育ての苦労は計り知れない。
The difficulties of raising children are immeasurable.
The quality of being difficult. Used for the difficulty level of tasks or concepts.
この仕事の難しさを理解している。
I understand the difficulties of this job.
Referring to money problems, poverty, or economic hardship.
Formal term for financial difficulties.
経済的困難に直面している。
They are facing financial difficulties.
Monetary problems; slightly less formal.
金銭的問題で大学を辞めた。
He dropped out of college due to financial difficulties.
To be in financial trouble; a common spoken phrase.
今月はお金に困っている。
I'm having financial difficulties this month.
Referring to obstacles, complications, or snags encountered while doing something.
Obstacle or hindrance; often used in formal contexts for difficulties that impede progress.
工事に支障が出た。
Difficulties arose in the construction.
Obstacle or barrier; can be physical or abstract.
Also used for difficulties in a process, but more general.
Referring to inner difficulties, mental struggles, or personal hardships.
Worries or troubles; often used for personal emotional difficulties.
彼は自分の悩みを打ち明けた。
He confided his difficulties.
Suffering or anguish; deeper emotional pain.
困難 (konnan) is more formal and abstract, often used for hardships or adverse conditions. 問題 (mondai) is a concrete problem or issue that needs solving. In daily conversation, 問題 is more common for 'difficulties' as problems.
難しさ (muzukashisa) only refers to the degree of difficulty, not to troubles or hardships. Using it for personal or financial difficulties would sound unnatural.
言語の障害を乗り越える。
Overcome language difficulties.
交渉は困難を極めた。
The negotiations were fraught with difficulties.
心の苦しみから解放された。
He was freed from his emotional difficulties.