trials and tribulations; hardships and difficulties
A yojijukugo emphasizing the experience of enduring severe hardships and troubles. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
After many trials and tribulations, he achieved success.
Overcoming hardships and difficulties, she became stronger.
Same meaning but with the kanji order reversed; both are used, but 辛苦艱難 is slightly more common.
A more common and general word for 'hardship' or 'suffering', without the yojijukugo emphasis.
A yojijukugo composed of 辛苦 (hardships) and 艱難 (difficulties), both meaning severe suffering, to emphasize the depth of adversity.