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synonym Comparative
無理する
VS
苦しい

Differences Between "無理する" and "苦しい"

Option A
無理する
Meaning
to overdo it, to strain oneself, to push oneself too hard
Reading
むりする (muri suru)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
彼は仕事で無理しすぎて体を壊した。
He overdid it with work and ruined his health.
Option B
苦しい
Meaning
painful; difficult; tough; tight; hard to breathe
Reading
くるしい (kurushii)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
急な坂道を全力で駆け上がったため、彼は息が_______なり、しばらくその場にしゃがみ込んで呼吸を整えました。
Because he ran up a steep slope with all his might, his breathing became painful, and he squatted down there for a while to adjust his breathing.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to overdo it, to strain oneself, to push oneself too hard)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 無理する: 自分の能力や体力以上のことをしようとするときや、不合理なことをするときに使います。健康を損なう恐れがある場合にも用いられます。
- 苦しい: Refers to physical pain/difficulty in breathing, or mental distress/financial tightness. Often used as 息が苦しい or 苦しい家計. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Painful! "My heart is painful because I love you too much, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To feel painful love! B-But since my chest is also painful with love for you, let's cure it with a tight, sweet hug! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『くるしい（苦しい）よ！『ハルカさんへの愛が大きすぎて、胸が苦しいです！』って…っ！そんな甘い胸の苦しみを訴えるなんてバカ！…私の胸もあんたへの愛で苦しいんだから、今すぐギュッとして治しなさい！』
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