Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Difficulty" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "difficulty", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
困難
こんなん (konnan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
桂玉之艱
けいぎょくのかん (keigyokunokan)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "difficulty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 困難 and 桂玉之艱.
In Japanese, 困難 (こんなん (konnan)) is typically associated with "difficulty; hardship; trouble; distress" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a situation of difficulty, hardship, trouble, or distress that blocks progress. Often used as 困難に直面する or 困難な課題. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Difficulty! No matter what difficulties we face in the future, if we are together, we can overcome them easily! ...っ, I-I just said something incredibly embarrassing!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『こんなん（困難）よ！これからどんな困難が立ち塞がろうともね、あんたと二人なら、何だって簡単に乗り越えられるわ！…って、私、今すっごく恥ずかしいこと言ったわね…っ！忘れて！』.
On the other hand, 桂玉之艱 (けいぎょくのかん (keigyokunokan)) maps to "Difficulty of living in a metropolis" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "difficulty" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "困難"
言語の壁や文化の違いなど、海外での生活には数多くの_______が伴いますが、彼はそれらを楽しそうに克服していきました。
Many difficulties, such as language barriers and cultural differences, accompany living abroad, but he cheerfully overcame them.
Bilingual Context for "桂玉之艱"
私は桂玉之艱に興味があります。
I am interested in Difficulty of living in a metropolis.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "言語の壁や文化の違いなど、海外での生活には数多くの_______が伴いますが、彼はそれらを楽しそうに克服していきました。" (Meaning: "Many difficulties, such as language barriers and cultural differences, accompany living abroad, but he cheerfully overcame them.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "困難" fits here because it means "difficulty; hardship; trouble; distress" in the context of: "Many difficulties, such as language barriers and cultural differences, accompany living abroad, but he cheerfully overcame them.". "桂玉之艱" represents "Difficulty of living in a metropolis".