also: いいにくい
言いにくい · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 言いにくい | 言いにくくない |
| Polite | 言いにくいです | 言いにくくないですalso 言いにくくありません |
| Past polite | 言いにくかったです | 言いにくくなかったですalso 言いにくくありませんでした |
| Past | 言いにくかった | 言いにくくなかった |
| Te-form | 言いにくくて | 言いにくくなくて |
| Adverbial | 言いにくく | |
| Conditional | 言いにくければ | 言いにくくなければ |
| Tara conditional | 言いにくかったら | 言いにくくなかったら |
hard to say; inexpressible; difficult to put into words
Used when something is inherently difficult to express verbally, not just because of social hesitation. Often for abstract feelings or complex ideas.
その美しさは言葉では言いがたい。
That beauty is hard to put into words.
今の気持ちはなんとも言いがたい。
My current feelings are really hard to express.
embarrassing to say; delicate; awkward to mention
Used when social or emotional reasons make something hard to say, such as embarrassment, delicacy, or fear of hurting someone. Often written 言いにくい.
人には言いがたい悩みを抱えている。
I have troubles that are hard to share with others.
彼には言いがたい事情があった。
He had circumstances that were difficult to talk about.