Spanish Conversation · Level 9
90 words
Spanish word
arduo
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈaɾðwo/
Meaning
- adjectivedifficult
Example
El trabajo fue arduo, pero lo terminé.
The work was difficult, but I finished it.
More examples
Al principio fue arduo aprender, pero mejoré con la práctica.
At first it was difficult to learn, but I improved with practice.
Core concept
A sustained, strenuous undertaking demanding perseverance.
Common phrases
proyecto arduo
arduous project
trabajo arduo
arduous work
Similar words
difícil: Be hard to do or understand, needing significant effort or time.
duro: Impose severe strain or hardship, demanding physical strength or toughness.
trabajoso: Involve a lot of tedious work or many bothersome steps to complete.
complicado: Have a complex structure or many interacting parts that make it hard to resolve.
Definition in Spanish
Que exige gran esfuerzo y constancia para lograrse; de dificultad considerable.
Word origin
Derived from Latin arduus 'steep, high', the term shifted from describing physical height to figurative difficulty that needs steady effort.
Usage tips
- Despite resembling English arduous, Spanish arduo carries a somewhat formal or emphatic tone and often gives way to difícil in everyday speech.
Other meanings
- arduousadjective
Opposites
- fácileasyadjective
Related words
- arduamentearduouslyadverb
- arduosidadarduousnessnoun