Translation guide
Describes something covered in thorns, or a difficult, problematic situation.
Describing a plant, bush, or stem that has sharp points.
The most common and natural way to say 'thorny' for plants. Literally 'having thorns'.
This rose has thorny stems.
Describing a situation, issue, or problem that is complicated and hard to deal with.
Emphasizes that something is covered in thorns, 'full of thorns'.
The bush was thorny (full of thorns).
The general word for 'difficult'. Often the best fit for 'thorny' in a figurative sense.
That's a thorny issue.
Means 'troublesome' or 'problematic'. Very natural for a thorny situation that is annoying to deal with.
I got caught up in a thorny situation.
Means 'delicate' or 'sensitive'. Used when a situation requires careful handling, similar to a 'thorny' diplomatic issue.
The negotiations are at a thorny stage.
Literally 'headache-inducing'. A common expression for a thorny problem that causes worry.
Thorny problems are piling up.