Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Intermediate 1
〜にくいです~nikui desu
difficult to do
Attach 〜にくいです to a verb stem to say an action is difficult, not impossible.
How it works
Work fills the day, leaving little free time. Use 「にくい」 to explain that making time to exercise is difficult.
Remove 「ます」 from the verb’s ます form and add 「にくいです」 to say that an action is difficult to do.
「にくい」 means something is not easy to do. It does not mean it is impossible or that you are unwilling to do it.
For the same action, use 「やすい」 when it is easy and 「にくい」 when it is difficult. The meanings are opposites.
The example emphasizes that it is hard to get enough sleep when busy. It does not necessarily mean it is hard to fall asleep.
Example sentences
- 仕事shigotoがgaあるaru日hiは、wa、運動undouするsuru時間jikanをo作りにくいtsukurinikuiです。desu。
In a conversation
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
On workdays, it is hard to make time for exercise.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
仕事がある日は、運動する時間を____。
On workdays, it's hard to make time for exercise.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜にくいですdifficult to do