Translation guide
Describes a difficult struggle, contest, or battle. In Japanese, this is often expressed with compound nouns or set phrases rather than a single adjective + noun combination.
To describe a fight, match, or competition that was very challenging and required great effort.
To describe a fight against an illness, personal challenge, or life struggle.
The direct translation 'ハードファイト' is not natural Japanese. Use the expressions above instead.
Yesterday's game was a hard fight.
彼は強敵に苦戦した。
He had a hard fight against a strong opponent.
Means 'fierce battle' or 'intense fight'. Emphasizes the severity and intensity of the conflict.
その選挙は激戦だった。
That election was a hard fight.
Literally 'tough fight'. A straightforward and natural way to describe a difficult struggle.
これは厳しい戦いになるだろう。
This will be a hard fight.
Means 'close contest' or 'nip-and-tuck fight'. Used when the outcome is uncertain and both sides are evenly matched.
試合は接戦だった。
The match was a hard fight.
Means 'fight' or 'struggle'. Often used in contexts like battling illness or overcoming adversity.
彼の病気との闘いは長く厳しかった。
His fight against illness was long and hard.
Literally 'painful fight'. Emphasizes the emotional or physical hardship of the struggle.
それは苦しい戦いだったが、諦めなかった。
It was a hard fight, but I didn't give up.