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
難航
なんこう (nankō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "difficulty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 困難 and 難航.
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, 難航 (なんこう (nankō)) maps to "difficulty, rough going, encountering difficulties" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Originally refers to a ship encountering difficulties due to rough seas. Now broadly used for plans, negotiations, or projects facing severe obstacles and not progressing smoothly. Often used with する to form 難航する 'to face difficulties'.. 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 "難航"
予算案の承認は、多くの反対意見が出て難航している。
Approval of the budget bill is facing difficulties due to many opposing opinions.
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.". "難航" represents "difficulty, rough going, encountering difficulties".