Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Difficult" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "difficult", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
むずかしい
むずかしい (muzukashii)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
難航
なんこう (nankou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "difficult" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between むずかしい and 難航.
In Japanese, むずかしい (むずかしい (muzukashii)) is typically associated with "difficult" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An i-adjective used to describe something that is not easy to do or understand. The opposite of やさしい.
On the other hand, 難航 (なんこう (nankou)) maps to "difficult navigation, rough passage; making slow progress, encountering difficulties (of negotiations, projects)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Literally meaning 'difficult navigation' for ships, it is commonly used metaphorically for projects, negotiations, or processes that are making slow or difficult progress due to various obstacles and challenges.. A literal translation of "difficult" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "むずかしい"
この問題はとても難しくて、わかりません。
This problem is very difficult, so I don't understand it.
Bilingual Context for "難航"
交渉は予想通り難航している。
The negotiations are facing difficulties as expected.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この問題はとても難しくて、わかりません。" (Meaning: "This problem is very difficult, so I don't understand it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "むずかしい" fits here because it means "difficult" in the context of: "This problem is very difficult, so I don't understand it.". "難航" represents "difficult navigation, rough passage; making slow progress, encountering difficulties (of negotiations, projects)".