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'.
このバラはとげのある茎をしている。
This rose has thorny stems.
Emphasizes that something is covered in thorns, 'full of thorns'.
その茂みはとげだらけだった。
The bush was thorny (full of thorns).
Describing a situation, issue, or problem that is complicated and hard to deal with.
The general word for 'difficult'. Often the best fit for 'thorny' in a figurative sense.
それは難しい問題だ。
That's a thorny issue.
Means 'troublesome' or 'problematic'. Very natural for a thorny situation that is annoying to deal with.
厄介な状況に巻き込まれた。
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.
その交渉は微妙な段階にある。
The negotiations are at a thorny stage.
Literally 'headache-inducing'. A common expression for a thorny problem that causes worry.
頭の痛い問題が山積みだ。
Thorny problems are piling up.