Japanese Conversation · Level 29
90 words
Japanese word
つらい
Pronunciation
Romajitsurai
Meaning
- i-adjectivehard
Example
今日はつらいです。kyō wa tsu ra i de su
Today is hard for me.
More examples
大切な人と別れるのはつらいです。tai setsu na hito to waka re ru no wa tsu ra i de su
Parting with someone important is painful.
Core concept
Describes a state that causes emotional or physical suffering and feels difficult to endure.
Common phrases
つらい時tsu ra i toki
difficult times
つらい気持ちtsu ra i ki mo chi
painful feelings
Similar words
苦しいkurushii: Describes severe physical or emotional distress that is difficult to endure.
しんどいshindoi: Describes a tiring condition that weighs on a person's body or mind.
きついkitsui: Describes a severe or demanding condition with unusually strong intensity.
Definition in Japanese
精神的または身体的に苦しく、耐えるのが難しいさま。sei shin teki ma ta wa shin tai teki ni kuru shi ku ta e ru no ga muzuka shi i sa ma
Word origin
The native adjective つらい (tsurai) developed from the older form つらし (tsurashi), meaning "painful" or "hard to bear".
Usage tips
- Unlike 難しい (muzukashii, "difficult"), つらい (tsurai) focuses on the suffering or burden a person feels rather than on the skill required.