Hard to

This pattern expresses that performing an action is difficult or challenging. It combines a verb with the adjective 어렵다 (to be difficult).

Formation

You attach -기 to the stem of an action verb, which turns the verb into a noun (like adding "-ing" in English, e.g., "read" -> "reading"). Then, you add 어렵다.

Verb Stem + -기 어렵다

먹다 (to eat) -> 먹기 -> 먹기 어렵다 (hard to eat)

가다 (to go) -> 가기 -> 가기 어렵다 (hard to go)

이해하다 (to understand) -> 이해하기 -> 이해하기 어렵다 (hard to understand)

Usage

Use this pattern to describe any action that is complex, challenging, or problematic to perform. It can refer to mental, physical, or situational difficulties.

믿기 어려워. / 이 문제는 설명하기 어려워요. / 받아들이기 어려워.

While -기 어렵다 is very common, you'll also hear -기 힘들다. They are often interchangeable, but there's a subtle difference in nuance.

-기 어렵다 (Difficult, Complex)

This often points to a challenge related to complexity, skill, or knowledge. It can feel more objective.

Focus: The inherent difficulty of the task itself.

Example: 이 문제는 풀기 어려워. (This problem is hard to solve - implies it's complex.)

Example: 발음하기 어려운 단어예요. (It's a word that's hard to pronounce - implies technical difficulty.)

-기 힘들다 (Tiring, Strenuous)

This often points to a challenge related to physical or emotional strain, a lack of energy, or a feeling of being overwhelmed. It's more subjective and personal.

Focus: The toll the task takes on the person.

Example: 무거워서 들기 힘들어요. (It's heavy, so it's hard/strenuous to lift.)

Example: 너무 슬퍼서 말하기 힘들어요. (I'm so sad it's hard/painful to talk about.)

In many cases, like 참기 어렵다/힘들다 (hard to endure), both can work depending on whether you're emphasizing the complexity of the situation or the emotional strain.