Translation guide
The English word "intractable" describes problems, situations, or people that are hard to manage, control, or solve. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on what is intractable: a problem, a person, a disease, or a conflict.
Describing a problem, issue, or situation that is very hard to solve or deal with.
A difficult problem or question, often used for intellectual or complex issues.
これは非常に難問だ。
This is a very intractable problem.
Literally "cannot handle with one's hands," meaning unmanageable or out of control. Used for situations or people.
この状況は手に負えない。
This situation is intractable.
A difficult problem or challenge, often implying a daunting task.
彼らは難題に直面している。
They are facing an intractable challenge.
A difficult situation or crisis, often used in political or business contexts.
政府は難局を乗り切ろうとしている。
The government is trying to overcome the intractable situation.
Describing a person who is stubborn, refuses to cooperate, or is hard to manage.
Stubborn, obstinate. Used for people who won't change their mind.
彼は強情で話が通じない。
He is intractable and won't listen to reason.
Also used for unruly or uncontrollable people, especially children or subordinates.
あの子は手に負えない。
That child is intractable.
Stubborn, pigheaded. Similar to 強情 but more common in everyday speech.
父は頑固で、新しい考えを受け入れない。
My father is intractable and won't accept new ideas.
Hard to handle or deal with, used for people or things.
彼は扱いにくい性格だ。
He has an intractable personality.
Describing a medical condition that is difficult to treat or cure.
Medical term for intractable or refractory (disease).
彼は難治性の病気に苦しんでいる。
He suffers from an intractable disease.
Plain term meaning 'hard to cure'.
この病気は治りにくい。
This disease is intractable.
Describing a conflict, argument, or disagreement that seems impossible to settle.
Formal term meaning 'difficult to resolve'.
その紛争は解決困難だ。
The conflict is intractable.
Out of control, impossible to settle. Often used for chaotic situations.
議論は収拾がつかなくなった。
The argument became intractable.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of "intractable." Translating it directly as 非妥協的 or 扱いにくい in every context will sound unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific nuance.