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苦労

くろう

hardship, trouble

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Examples

  1. 若い頃は苦労した。

    わかいころはくろうした。

    I had a hard time when I was young.

  2. 両親の苦労を思うと頭が下がる。

    りょうしんのくろうをおもうとあたまがさがる。

    When I think of what my parents went through, I bow my head.

  3. 言葉が通じなくて、買い物にも苦労した。

    ことばがつうじなくて、かいものにもくろうした。

    The language did not get through, so even shopping was a struggle.

Common patterns

苦労する
to have a hard time
ご苦労様
thanks for your hard work
苦労が絶えない
troubles never end

Memory tip

苦労 is effort that costs you something, so it often carries sympathy. Careful with the greetings: ご苦労様 goes downward to a subordinate, while お疲れ様 is the safe choice with anyone.

Kanji in this word

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What does 苦労 mean?