Translation guide
Ways to express 'hard times' in Japanese, covering economic hardship, personal struggles, and general difficult periods.
Referring to a period of financial struggle, poverty, or economic downturn.
A general and natural way to say 'hard times' when referring to a difficult period, often financial.
These are hard times now, but things will get better someday.
Refers to an economic recession or depression. Commonly used in news and formal contexts.
In hard times, it's difficult to find a job.
Literally 'economically painful', used to describe a state of financial difficulty.
I was laid off and am going through hard times financially.
Means 'poverty' or being poor. Can be used to describe a period of financial hardship, but may sound blunt.
I grew up in hard times (poverty).
Referring to a tough phase in life, such as emotional distress, health issues, or personal crises.
A very common and versatile phrase meaning 'tough time'. Can be used for any kind of hardship.
He got through some hard times.
Emphasizes emotional pain or suffering during a difficult period.
It was a hard time after the breakup.
Means 'a series of hardships', implying ongoing struggles.
It's been hard times ever since I started the business.
Means 'adversity' or 'adverse circumstances'. More formal and often used in motivational contexts.
Referring to widespread hardship, such as war, disaster, or social unrest.
Both mean 'hard times', but 苦しい時期 often implies financial or physical suffering, while 大変な時期 is more general and can refer to any tough situation, including being busy or stressed.
It was a hard time after losing my job (financial struggle).
It was a hard time with moving and a new job (busy/stressful).
逆境に負けない強さが大切だ。
Strength to not give in during hard times is important.
A generation that experienced the hard times of war.