Translation and Meaning of: 苦しい - kurushii

The Japanese word 苦しい[くるしい] is a term loaded with meaning, often used to express intense physical or emotional sensations. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage, origin, and cultural context can be essential. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 苦しい, its kanji writing, usage examples, and how it is perceived in Japan.

Meaning and usage of 苦しい

苦しい is an adjective that can be translated as "difficult," "painful," or "distressing." It describes situations that cause discomfort, whether physical, such as intense pain, or emotional, like a moment of great pressure. For example, someone might say 胸が苦しい to indicate that they are feeling a tightness in their chest, either due to anxiety or a health issue.

In addition, this word also appears in more subjective contexts, such as in 苦しい生活 (a difficult life) or 苦しい選択 (a painful choice). Its versatility makes it a common term in the daily lives of the Japanese, especially in conversations about personal or professional challenges.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 苦 (ku) means "suffering" or "bitterness", while the suffix しい transforms the root into an adjective. This combination reflects well the nature of the word, as it is directly linked to unpleasant sensations. It is worth noting that the radical of 苦 is 艹 (kusa-kanmuri), related to plants, which historically may refer to the bitter taste of some herbs.

It is interesting to note that 苦しい is not an old or obsolete word – on the contrary, it frequently appears in dialogues, news, and even in song lyrics. Its pronunciation, くるしい, follows the kun'yomi reading, which is more common in native Japanese words.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to internalize 苦しい is to associate it with real situations. For example, think of a moment when you felt intense pain or went through a tough phase – that is the essence of the word. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as この問題は苦しい (This problem is difficult) or 苦しいけど頑張る (It's tough, but I will do my best).

Avoid confusing 苦しい with similar like 辛い (which can also mean "difficult," but has different nuances). While 苦しい is more related to internal suffering, 辛い can have a more external sense, like a tedious task. Knowing this difference helps to use the word in the right context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 辛い (tsurai) - Difficult, painful, suffer
• 苦痛な (kutsuu na) - Pain, suffering (a state of physical or emotional pain)
• つらい (tsurai) - Difficult, painful, exhausting
• 苦しむ (kurushimu) - Suffer, be in pain (verb)
• 苦しみのある (kurushimi no aru) - To have pain or suffering (expressing the existence of suffering)
• 苦しみを感じる (kurushimi o kanjiru) - Feel pain or suffering (expressing the feeling of suffering)