〜にくい
hard to ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜にくい” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜にくい」 means "hard to ~". Structure: Verb stem + にくい. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1この成功は説明しにくいです。
この せいこう は せつめい しにくい です。
kono seikou wa setsumei shinikui desu.
This success is hard to explain.
Everyday life
Example 2この安心は説明しにくいです。
この あんしん は せつめい しにくい です。
kono anshin wa setsumei shinikui desu.
This relief is hard to explain.
Everyday life
Example 3この原因は説明しにくいです。
この げんいん は せつめい しにくい です。
kono gen'in wa setsumei shinikui desu.
This cause is hard to explain.
Everyday life
Example 4この能力は説明しにくいです。
この のうりょく は せつめい しにくい です。
kono nouryoku wa setsumei shinikui desu.
This ability is hard to explain.
Everyday life
Example 5この態度は説明しにくいです。
この たいど は せつめい しにくい です。
kono taido wa setsumei shinikui desu.
This attitude is hard to explain.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
This success is hard to explain.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜にくい.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.