〜にくいです
hard to ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜にくいです” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜にくいです」 means "hard to ~". Structure: Verb stem + にくいです. This is a JLPT N4 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: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1この故障は使いにくいです。
この こしょう は つかいにくい です。
kono koshou wa tsukainikui desu.
This breakdown is hard to use.
Everyday life
Example 2このお釣りは使いにくいです。
この おつり は つかいにくい です。
kono otsuri wa tsukainikui desu.
This change (money) is hard to use.
Everyday life
Example 3この畳は使いにくいです。
この たたみ は つかいにくい です。
kono tatami wa tsukainikui desu.
This tatami mat is hard to use.
Everyday life
Example 4この紙は使いにくいです。
この かみ は つかいにくい です。
kono kami wa tsukainikui desu.
This paper is hard to use.
Everyday life
Example 5この草は使いにくいです。
この くさ は つかいにくい です。
kono kusa wa tsukainikui desu.
This grass is hard to use.
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 breakdown is hard to use.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜にくいです.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.