Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Difficulty" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "difficulty", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
難航
なんこう (nankō)
N2 / 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 難航 and 桂玉之艱.
In Japanese, 難航 (なんこう (nankō)) is typically associated with "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'..
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 "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.
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: "予算案の承認は、多くの反対意見が出て ＿＿＿ している。" (Meaning: "Approval of the budget bill is facing difficulties due to many opposing opinions.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "難航" fits here because it means "difficulty, rough going, encountering difficulties" in the context of: "Approval of the budget bill is facing difficulties due to many opposing opinions.". "桂玉之艱" represents "Difficulty of living in a metropolis".