How to Say "difficult" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “difficult” is “difícil” — use this general term for tasks, problems, or concepts that require effort but aren't necessarily overwhelming or complex.
Examples
Aprender español no es difícil, pero requiere práctica.
Learning Spanish is not difficult, but it requires practice.
complicado
kom-pli-KAH-dohkompliˈkaðo
Examples
Este problema de matemáticas es muy complicado.
This math problem is very complicated.
La instalación del programa fue más complicada de lo que pensaba.
The program installation was more complicated than I thought.
Agreement Rule
As an adjective, 'complicado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'un problema complicado' (masculine singular), 'una tarea complicada' (feminine singular), 'los pasos complicados' (masculine plural).
Forgetting the Feminine Form
Mistake: “La situación es complicado.”
Correction: La situación es complicada. (The noun 'situación' is feminine, so the adjective must end in -a.)
duro
DOO-rohˈdu.ɾo
Examples
Esta piedra es muy dura.
This stone is very hard.
El pan de ayer está duro.
Yesterday's bread is stale.
Ha sido un año muy duro para nosotros.
It has been a very difficult year for us.
Matching the Noun
As an adjective, 'duro' changes to match the thing it describes. Use 'dura' for feminine things ('la cama dura'), 'duros' for plural masculine ('los panes duros'), and 'duras' for plural feminine ('las pruebas duras').
Confusing with 'Difícil'
Mistake: “'Duro' can mean 'difficult', but 'difícil' is often a better choice for abstract challenges like exams or problems.”
Correction: Use 'un examen difícil' (a difficult exam) instead of 'un examen duro'. 'Duro' implies more of a struggle or hardship.
costoso
kos-TO-sokosˈtoso
Examples
Fue un proceso costoso y largo.
It was a difficult and long process.
Aprender un nuevo idioma es un camino costoso pero gratificante.
Learning a new language is a difficult but rewarding path.
La recuperación después de la cirugía fue lenta y costosa.
The recovery after the surgery was slow and arduous.
Abstract Use
When used this way, 'costoso' refers to the 'price' you pay in terms of energy, time, or sweat rather than dollars and cents.
incómoda
een-KOH-moh-dahinˈkomoda
Examples
Hubo un silencio largo y una situación incómoda.
There was a long silence and an awkward situation.
Me hizo una pregunta muy incómoda.
He asked me a very awkward/uncomfortable question.
Describing Feelings vs. Situations
You can use this word to describe how you feel ('Estoy incómoda') or to describe the situation itself ('La situación es incómoda').
problemático
pro-ble-MA-tee-kopɾoβleˈmatiko
Examples
Mi coche viejo es un poco problemático.
My old car is a bit problematic.
Es un estudiante problemático que nunca escucha.
He is a troublesome student who never listens.
La falta de agua es un asunto muy problemático para la ciudad.
The lack of water is a very difficult issue for the city.
Matching with the Noun
Just like many other Spanish words that describe things, this word changes its ending. Use 'problemático' for masculine things (like 'un tema') and 'problemática' for feminine things (like 'una idea').
Where to put the word
In Spanish, you usually place this word after the thing it is describing. For example, 'una zona problemática' (a problematic area).
Using it for 'Broken'
Mistake: “Mi reloj es muy problemático.”
Correction: Use 'roto' if something is physically broken once. Use 'problemático' only if it constantly breaks or causes you trouble over time.
Matching Masculine and Feminine
Mistake: “La situación es problemático.”
Correction: Say 'La situación es problemática.' Since 'situación' is feminine, the describing word must match.
jodido
ho-DEE-dohxoˈðiðo
Examples
El examen de matemáticas estuvo muy jodido.
The math exam was really tough.
Es una situación jodida, no sé qué decirte.
It's a tricky situation, I don't know what to tell you.
Ese cliente es muy jodido de convencer.
That client is very difficult to convince.
Using with 'Ser'
When you use this word with 'ser,' you are describing an inherent quality, like a person who is always difficult to deal with or a task that is naturally hard.
Confusing Ser and Estar
Mistake: “Saying 'El examen está jodido'.”
Correction: Say 'El examen fue/es jodido' because the difficulty is a characteristic of the test itself.
peludo
peh-LOO-dohpeˈluðo
Examples
El examen de matemáticas estuvo bien peludo.
The math exam was really difficult.
La situación se puso peluda cuando llegó la policía.
The situation got hairy when the police arrived.
Está peludo terminar este trabajo para mañana.
It's going to be tough to finish this work by tomorrow.
Using 'Estar' vs 'Ser'
Use 'estar peludo' when a situation is currently difficult. Use 'ser peludo' if something is inherently difficult by nature.
Context Matters
Mistake: “Mi jefe es peludo.”
difíciles
dee-FEE-see-lessdiˈfiθiles
Examples
Los exámenes de historia siempre son muy difíciles.
History exams are always very difficult.
Estas decisiones son difíciles de tomar, pero necesarias.
These decisions are hard to make, but necessary.
Hemos superado momentos difíciles en el pasado.
We have overcome difficult moments in the past.
Plural Form
This word is the plural form of the adjective 'difícil'. It is used to describe two or more things or people that are hard or complex.
Agreement is Key
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'difíciles' must match the noun it describes in number. If you are talking about 'one difficult test' (un examen difícil), you drop the '-es'.
The Accent Mark
Notice the accent mark on the 'i' (difíciles). This ensures the stress falls on the correct syllable. Don't leave it out!
Forgetting Plural Agreement
Mistake: “Los temas es difícil.”
Correction: Los temas son difíciles. (The topics are difficult.) Remember the adjective and the verb must agree with the plural subject.
Misplacing the Accent
Mistake: “dificiles”
Correction: difíciles. The accent is necessary for correct pronunciation.
General vs. Specific Difficulty
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.