noun
hardship story; tale of one's struggles
Refers to a story or account of difficulties, hardships, or struggles one has endured. Often used when someone shares their past troubles or challenges.
祖父から戦争の苦労話を聞いた。
I heard stories of wartime hardships from my grandfather.
彼はいつも仕事の苦労話ばかりしている。
He's always talking about his work struggles.
体験談 is a broader term for a personal experience story, not necessarily about hardship. 苦労話 focuses on struggles.
Compound of 苦労 (hardship, toil) and 話 (story, talk).