There are many different ways to express things like "easy" and "difficult" in Japanese. The way you express them will change depending on whether you're in a business setting or talking with friends or family. Learn how to use the appropriate expression depending on the situation!
1. Easy
"Easy (kantan)" is a word often used in Japan when referring to something that doesn't require much time or effort. The kanji for "easy (kantan)" is said to contain the meaning of "something rough and simple." When something can be done quickly without much effort or time, it can be expressed as "easy (kantan)" in everyday conversation and in business situations.
Example sentences
Today's exam was easy.
Kyō no shiken wa kantan datta.
The test today was easy.
Example sentences
I do some light exercise and then go to sleep.
Watasi wa kantan na undō wo shite nemuru.
I do some simple exercises and go to sleep.
Example sentences
This phone is easy to set up!
Kono sumātofon wa kantanni settei dekimasu yo!
You can easily set this smartphone!
2.leisure (yoyū)
"Yoyū" is used to express that the person performing the action is relaxed and not in a hurry. In other words, the action you are performing is easy and relaxed. "Yoyū" expresses a state in which a person's attitude or mental state is relaxed.
Example sentences
I can easily complete a marathon.
Watasi wa yoyū de marason wo kansou dekimasu.
I can finish a marathon easily.
Example sentences
He had a relaxed look on his face.
Kare wa yoyū no hyōjō wo ukabeta.
He had a calm look on his face.
3.Raku
"Raku" is often used to describe a state of mind and body that is free from pain and is comfortable and peaceful. "(raku)" is often used in casual situations, such as conversations between family or friends.
Example sentences
Where there is joy, there is pain.
Raku areba ku ari.
No rose without a thorn.
Example sentences
I want to live a comfortable life!
Watasi wa raku wo shite ikitai!
I want to live with no stress!
"Raku" indicates a state of being free from physical and mental pain, so it can be perceived as a passive expression of "not wanting to do anything painful," and in some cases can give the impression of "a lazy person who doesn't put in any effort." For this reason, it may be best to avoid using it in business conversations, no matter how close you are to the person.
Example sentences
You're still young, so you're always taking it easy!
Mada wakai noni raku bakkari shite!
You are still young, but you are slacking off!
4.Rakutin
"Rakutin" has almost the same meaning as "raku," but the origin of the word is different. "Rakutin" is an expression derived from baby talk. It is used by adults to tell small children that something is "easy." However, "rakutin" can also be used by adults. For example, it can be used in casual conversations between adults, and because it has a gentle pronunciation, it is sometimes used as a product name.
Example sentences
Cars are convenient because you don't have to walk.
Kuruma wa arukanakutemo iikara, rakutinda ne.
Cars are so much easier because you don't have to walk.
Example sentences
The washing machine makes it easy to wash clothes.
Sentakuki wa fuku wo rakutin ni araeru de dayo.
The washing machine can wash your clothes with ease.
5.Easy (yasashī)
"Yasashī" is a word used when something is simple and easy to understand or learn. In addition to being simple, it also means "easy to understand with gentle consideration." "Yasashī" is not often used in conversation, but it is often used in writing. It is appropriate to use it when writing slightly formal documents such as business emails or essays.
Example sentences
This problem is relatively easy.
Kono mondai wa hikakuteki yasashī to iemasu.
This problem is relatively easy.
6.Difficult (muzukashī)
"Muzukashī" is a word used when something is difficult to understand or master, or is complex and hard to understand. "Muzukashī" is usually used to express the level of difficulty, but in business situations, when you want to tell someone that something is highly unlikely, you generally use "muzukashī" to convey that it is "impossible."
Example sentences
This problem is difficult.
Kono mondai wa muzukashī.
This problem is difficult.
Example sentences
It's best not to think too hard about it.
Amari muzukashiku kangaenai hō ga yoiyo.
You should not take it too seriously.
Example sentences
It's difficult to get a discount on this product.
Kono syōhin no nebiki wa muzukashī desu.
I can't give you a discount on this item.
7.Difficult
"Muzui" is an abbreviation of "muzukashī" (difficult) and is used mainly by young people. It has the same meaning as "muzukashī." It is a casual expression used mainly by young people, so there is no problem using it in conversations with family and friends. However, in formal situations such as business, it is better to use the full "muzukashī" form.
Example sentences
It's hard to beat this game.
Kono gēmu wo kōryaku suru no wa muzui.
It is hard to win this game.
8.Difficult (taihen)
"Taihen" is a word that is often used when something is serious or cannot be dealt with immediately. If the process of doing something is difficult but you think you will be able to deal with it in the end, it is appropriate to use the expression "taihen."
Example sentences
It's hard to balance studying and club activities.
Benkyō to bukatudō no ryōritu wa taihen da.
It's hard to balance studying and club activities.
Example sentences
The preparations are so difficult and tiring.
Junbi ga taihen de komatte iru.
I'm having a hard time preparing.
9. Troublesome (yakkai)
"Yakkai" is a word used when something is troublesome or difficult to handle. It can also be used when asking someone to take care of something for you. It is said to mean "a misfortune that comes with misfortune" from the Chinese word "yakukai." You may not use it often in your daily life, but you may have heard it in movies or anime.
Example sentences
It seems like a troublesome problem has arisen.
Yakkai na mondai ga okite simatta yōda.
A difficult problem has happened.
Example sentences
It's going to be a pain for a while.
Sibaraku yakkai ni naru yo.
You'll be looking after me for a while.
10. Strict (kibishī)
"Kibishī (strict)" is a word often used when you want to express ruthless uncompromisingness in rules, decisions, etc. Compared to the word "muzukashī (difficult)," it has a stronger connotation of "uncompromising" or "unable to do." It is an appropriate expression when you want to tell someone something you absolutely do not want to compromise on or cannot do.
Example sentences
I think the rules at this school are strict.
Kono gakkō no kisoku wa kibishī to omou.
I think that the rule of this school is severe.
Example sentences
It's tough to finish the work by this deadline.
Kono kijitu made ni shigoto wo owareseru no wa kibishī desu.
I can't finish the work by this date.
In Japanese, there are many words to express whether something is easy or difficult. Just as there are many ways to say "easy" and "difficult," the more you know Japanese, the richer your expressions will become. Why not study Japanese more and become able to use a variety of Japanese expressions?
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