Translation guide
The English word "tough" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean physically strong, difficult, strict, resilient, or something else.
Describing a task, situation, or problem that is hard to deal with or requires a lot of effort.
A versatile word meaning 'hard', 'tough', or 'difficult'. It can describe both physical and mental challenges. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
Means 'difficult' or 'hard' in the sense of being complex or requiring skill. Often used for intellectual challenges.
この問題は難しい。
This problem is tough.
Describes something physically or mentally demanding, exhausting, or harsh. Often used for work, schedules, or conditions.
今日の練習はきつかった。
Today's practice was tough.
Means 'strict', 'severe', or 'harsh'. Used when a situation is tough because of high standards, strict rules, or harsh conditions.
競争が厳しい。
The competition is tough.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be backbreaking' or 'to require a lot of effort'. Literally 'bones break'. Used for tasks that are physically or mentally strenuous.
この翻訳は骨が折れる。
This translation is tough work.
Describing a person, animal, or object that is strong, resilient, or not easily broken.
The most common word for 'strong'. Can describe physical strength, mental fortitude, or durability of objects.
Means 'sturdy', 'solid', or 'rugged'. Often used for objects, buildings, or physical builds that are tough and durable.
A loanword from English, used in casual contexts to mean 'tough' in the sense of physically or mentally strong and resilient.
彼は本当にタフだ。
He's really tough.
Describes a person with a powerful, muscular build; 'brawny' or 'strapping'. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
Describing a person, rule, or policy that is firm, uncompromising, or harsh.
The standard word for 'strict' or 'severe'. Can describe a person, rule, or situation.
彼は部下に厳しい。
He is tough on his subordinates.
この学校は規則が厳しい。
This school has tough rules.
Means 'severe' or 'sharp', often used for criticism or scolding. Implies a harsh, unsparing attitude.
Means 'merciless' or 'relentless'. Used when someone is tough without showing any leniency.
彼の批判は容赦なかった。
His criticism was tough.
Describing a person who can endure hardship, pain, or difficulty without giving up.
Means 'patient' or 'persevering'. Describes someone who can endure tough situations without complaining.
彼女は我慢強い人だ。
She is a tough person.
Literally 'strong against being hit'. Means resilient, able to bounce back from criticism or setbacks. Often used in sports or business contexts.
Means 'tenacious' or 'stubbornly persistent'. Can have a positive nuance of being tough and not giving up, or a negative nuance of being obstinate.
A phrase meaning 'mentally strong'. Used to describe someone with great mental fortitude.
彼は精神力が強い。
He is mentally tough.
Describing food, especially meat, that is difficult to chew.
The general word for 'hard' or 'tough'. Used for food that is not tender.
この肉は固い。
This meat is tough.
Means 'chewy' or 'has a firm texture'. Can be positive (pleasantly chewy) or neutral. Literally 'has a response to the teeth'.
このパンは歯ごたえがある。
This bread is tough/chewy.
Describes meat that is tough because it has a lot of sinew or gristle.
このステーキは筋っぽくて食べにくい。
This steak is tough and hard to eat.
Expressing sympathy for someone in a difficult situation. Often used in phrases like 'That's tough.'
A common sympathetic phrase meaning 'That must be tough/hard.' Used to show empathy.
それは大変ですね。
That's tough.
Means 'poor thing' or 'how unfortunate'. Expresses pity or sympathy. Can sound a bit formal or old-fashioned.
気の毒に。
That's tough. (I feel sorry for you.)
Casual expression meaning 'It's tough, isn't it?' or 'That must be painful.' Used among friends.
それはつらいね。
That's tough, man.
These three words can all translate 'tough' when meaning 'difficult', but they have different nuances. 大変 (taihen) is a general, all-purpose word for something that is hard or demanding. 難しい (muzukashii) specifically means 'difficult' in the sense of being complex or requiring skill. きつい (kitsui) emphasizes the physical or mental strain, like an exhausting schedule or harsh conditions.
When describing a person as 'tough', avoid directly translating with 固い (katai, hard) or 難しい (muzukashii, difficult). Use 強い (tsuyoi) for physical/mental strength, 頑丈 (ganjou) for sturdy build, or 我慢強い (gamanzuyoi) for resilience. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or unintended meanings.
彼は手強い交渉相手だ。
He's a tough negotiator.
手強い (tegowai) means 'tough' in the sense of being a formidable opponent.
難しい決断だった。
It was a tough decision.
自分にそんなに厳しくしないで。
Don't be so tough on yourself.
この靴は頑丈だ。
These shoes are tough.
屈強な男たちが集まった。
Tough men gathered.
手厳しい意見をもらった。
I received some tough feedback.
彼は打たれ強いから大丈夫だ。
He's tough, so he'll be fine.
しぶとい奴だな。
You're a tough one, aren't you?