Translation guide
Ways to express 'hard times' in Japanese, covering economic hardship, personal struggles, and general difficult periods.
Referring to a period of financial struggle, poverty, or economic downturn.
A general and natural way to say 'hard times' when referring to a difficult period, often financial.
今は苦しい時期ですが、いつか良くなるでしょう。
These are hard times now, but things will get better someday.
Refers to an economic recession or depression. Commonly used in news and formal contexts.
不況の時代には、仕事を見つけるのが難しい。
In hard times, it's difficult to find a job.
Literally 'economically painful', used to describe a state of financial difficulty.
リストラされて、経済的に苦しい。
I was laid off and am going through hard times financially.
Means 'poverty' or being poor. Can be used to describe a period of financial hardship, but may sound blunt.
子供の頃は貧乏だった。
I grew up in hard times (poverty).
Referring to a tough phase in life, such as emotional distress, health issues, or personal crises.
A very common and versatile phrase meaning 'tough time'. Can be used for any kind of hardship.
彼は大変な時期を乗り越えた。
He got through some hard times.
Emphasizes emotional pain or suffering during a difficult period.
失恋して辛い時期だった。
It was a hard time after the breakup.
Means 'a series of hardships', implying ongoing struggles.
起業してから苦労の連続だ。
It's been hard times ever since I started the business.
Means 'adversity' or 'adverse circumstances'. More formal and often used in motivational contexts.
Referring to widespread hardship, such as war, disaster, or social unrest.
A formal phrase meaning 'difficult era/times', suitable for discussing historical or societal challenges.
困難な時代を生き抜く知恵が必要だ。
We need wisdom to survive hard times.
Means 'hardship' or 'suffering', often used in a broader, more dramatic sense.
戦争の苦難を経験した世代。
A generation that experienced the hard times of war.
Both mean 'hard times', but 苦しい時期 often implies financial or physical suffering, while 大変な時期 is more general and can refer to any tough situation, including being busy or stressed.
失業して苦しい時期だった。
It was a hard time after losing my job (financial struggle).
引っ越しと新しい仕事で大変な時期だった。
It was a hard time with moving and a new job (busy/stressful).
逆境に負けない強さが大切だ。
Strength to not give in during hard times is important.