kantan/muzukashī… How to say “easy” and “difficult” in Japanese

There are many kinds of expressions for “easy” and “difficult” in Japanese. The way of expression changes depending on whether you use it in business situations or you are talking with friends and family. Use the right expressions for the right situation!

1.　簡単(kantan)

In Japan, the word “簡単” (kantan) is often used to mean that it doesn't take a lot of time or effort. The kanji for “簡単” (kantan) is said to have the meaning of “things are rough and simple.” You can use the word “簡単” (kantan) in daily conversation and business situations to describe things that can be done quickly and without much effort or time.

Example

今日の試験は簡単だった。

Kyō no shiken wa kantan datta.

The test today was easy.

Example

私は簡単な運動をして眠る。

Watasi wa kantan na undō wo shite nemuru.

I do some simple exercises and go to sleep.

Example

このスマートフォンは簡単に設定できますよ！

Kono sumātofon wa kantanni settei dekimasu yo!

You can easily set this smartphone!

2.　余裕(yoyū)

The word “余裕” (yoyū) is used to describe a state in which the person who is the subject of the action is slow and unhurried. In other words, what you do is easy and relaxed. “余裕” (yoyū) is used to describe a person's attitude or mental state that is relaxed.

Example

私は余裕でマラソンを完走できます。

Watasi wa yoyū de marason wo kansou dekimasu.

I can finish a marathon easily.

Example

彼は余裕の表情を浮かべた。

Kare wa yoyū no hyōjō wo ukabeta.

He had a calm look on his face.

3.　楽(raku)

The word “楽” (raku) is often used to describe a state of being in a comfortable and peaceful state without physical or mental distress. “楽” (raku) is often expressed in casual situations, such as conversations between family members or friends.

Example

楽あれば苦あり。

Raku areba ku ari.

No rose without a thorn.

Example

私は楽をして生きたい！

Watasi wa raku wo shite ikitai!

I want to live with no stress!

Because “楽” (raku) indicates a state of being free from physical and mental pain, it may have the negative meaning of “not wanting to do something painful,” and in some cases, it may give the impression of “a lazy person who doesn't work hard.” So it is a good idea to avoid using it in business conversations, no matter how close you are with the person.

Example

まだ若いのに楽ばっかりして！

Mada wakai noni raku bakkari shite!

You are still young, but you are slacking off!

4.　らくちん(rakutin)

The word “らくちん” (rakutin) has almost the same meaning as “楽” (raku), but there is a difference in the origin of the word. The word “らくちん” (rakutin) is derived from a child’s word and is used by adults to tell a small child that something is “easy.” However, “らくちん” (rakutin) can also be used by adults. For example, it is used in casual conversations between adults, and because of its gentle pronunciation, “らくちん” (rakutin) is sometimes used as a product name.

Example

車は歩かなくてもいいから、らくちんだね。

Kuruma wa arukanakutemo iikara, rakutinda ne.

Cars are so much easier because you don't have to walk.

Example

洗濯機は服をらくちんに洗えるよ。

Sentakuki wa fuku wo rakutin ni araeruyo.

The washing machine can wash your clothes with ease.

5.　易しい(yasashī)

The word “易しい” (yasashī) is used when things are simple and easy to understand and learn. In addition to being simple, the word also means “easy to understand and considerate.” The word “易しい” (yasashī) is not often used in conversation, but it is often used in writing, such as in business emails and essays, and other slightly formal texts.

Example

この問題は比較的易しいといえます。

Kono mondai wa hikakuteki yasashī to iemasu.

This problem is relatively easy.

[日本のことが気になる？一緒に日本語を学びませんか？]

6.　難しい(muzukashī)

The word “難しい” (muzukashī) is used when something is complicated and difficult to understand or master. The word “難しい” (muzukashī) is usually used to express difficulty, but in business situations, it is common to use “難しい” (muzukashī) to tell someone that something is almost impossible.

Example

この問題は難しい。

Kono mondai wa muzukashī.

This problem is difficult.

Example

あまり難しく考えない方が良いよ。

Amari muzukashiku kangaenai hō ga yoiyo.

You should not take it too seriously.

Example

この商品の値引きは難しいです。

Kono syōhin no nebiki wa muzukashī desu.

I can't give you a discount on this item.

7.　ムズイ(muzui)

The word “ムズイ” (muzui) is an abbreviation of “難しい” (muzukashī), which is used mainly by young people. It has the same meaning as “難しい” (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 “難しい” (muzukashī) without abbreviation.

Example

このゲームを攻略するのはムズイ。

Kono gēmu wo kōryaku suru no wa muzui.

It is hard to win this game.

8.　大変(taihen)

The word “大変” (taihen) is often used when things are serious and cannot be dealt with immediately. The word “大変” (taihen) is appropriate when the process of doing something is very difficult, but can be handled in the end.

Example

勉強と部活動の両立は大変だ。

Benkyō to bukatudō no ryōritu wa taihen da.

It's hard to balance studying and club activities.

Example

準備が大変で困っている。

Junbi ga taihen de komatte iru.

I'm having a hard time preparing.

9.　やっかい(yakkai)

The word “やっかい” (yakkai) is used when something is troublesome or difficult to handle. It can also be used when you need someone else to take care of you. From the Chinese word “厄会”, it is said to have the meaning of “circumstances of disaster.” It may not be used much in daily life, but you may hear it in movies or anime.

Example

やっかいな問題が起きてしまったようだ。

Yakkai na mondai ga okite simatta yōda.

A difficult problem has happened.

Example

しばらくやっかいになるよ。

Sibaraku yakkai ni naru yo.

You'll be looking after me for a while.

10.　厳しい(kibishī)

“厳しい” (kibishī) is a term often used to describe an unrelenting and uncompromising attitude toward rules and decisions. Compared to the word “難しい” (muzukashī), it is characterized by its strong connotations of “uncompromising” and “impossible.” It's a good way to tell someone you don't want to compromise or can't.

Example

この学校の規則は厳しいと思う。

Kono gakkō no kisoku wa kibishī to omou.

I think that the rule of this school is severe.

Example

この期日までに仕事を終わらせるのは厳しいです。

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 ease and difficulty. The more you learn about the Japanese language, like many ways to say “easy” and “difficult,” the richer your expressions will become. Why don't you study Japanese more and learn to speak various expressions in Japanese?

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