Translation guide
The English word "hardship" refers to difficult conditions or suffering. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 苦労 (kurō), which covers both the experience of hardship and the effort to overcome it. Other words like 困難 (konnan) and 苦難 (kunan) are used for more objective or severe difficulties. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on context.
Expressing the idea of enduring difficulties, often over a period of time, including the effort involved.
The most common and versatile word for hardship, encompassing both the difficulty itself and the effort to deal with it. Used for personal struggles, hard work, and life's challenges.
He went through a lot of hardship when he was young.
Hardships never end.
Refers to difficulty or hardship in a more objective sense, often used for challenging situations or tasks. Slightly more formal than 苦労.
I've overcome many hardships.
They are facing financial hardship.
Emphasizes suffering and adversity, often used in dramatic or literary contexts. Stronger than 苦労.
Survive times of hardship.
Specifically referring to poverty, lack of money, or economic difficulty.
Directly means poverty, the state of being extremely poor. Used in formal and social contexts.
People suffering from hardship (poverty).
Literally 'life hardship', referring to the difficulty of making a living. Common in news and everyday speech.
Formal term for destitution or severe financial distress. Often used in official reports.
Viewing hardship as something that tests one's character or faith, often with a nuance of endurance.
Means trial, test, or ordeal. Implies that the hardship is a challenge to be overcome, often with a positive outcome.
Overcome life's hardships.
Literary term for hardships and privations. Often used in set phrases like 辛苦をなめる (to taste hardship).
苦労 (kurō) is the most common and personal, often implying effort. 困難 (konnan) is more objective and formal, suitable for describing difficult situations. 苦難 (kunan) is stronger and more dramatic, emphasizing suffering. Use 苦労 for everyday struggles, 困難 for challenges or obstacles, and 苦難 for severe adversity.
English 'hardship' is often used in legal or formal contexts (e.g., 'financial hardship'). In Japanese, directly translating it as 苦難 or 困難 may sound unnatural. Instead, use specific terms like 経済的困難 (keizaiteki konnan) or 生活苦 (seikatsuku) depending on the context.
The number of people committing suicide due to financial hardship is increasing.
困窮家庭への支援。
Support for families in hardship.
I grew up experiencing hardship.