also: なんち
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
intractable; hard to cure
Primarily used in medical contexts to describe diseases or conditions that are difficult to treat or resistant to therapy.
この病気は難治で、治療に長い時間がかかる。
This disease is intractable and takes a long time to treat.
難治性のガンに対する新しい治療法が開発された。
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
rebellious; obstinate; refractory
Describes a person or attitude that is stubbornly resistant to control or authority; less common than the medical sense.
彼は難治な性格で、誰の言うことも聞かない。
He has an obstinate personality and won't listen to anyone.
A new treatment for refractory cancer has been developed.
Compound of 難 (difficult) and 治 (cure/govern). The medical sense 'hard to cure' is the primary modern usage, while the sense 'rebellious' extends the idea of being hard to govern.