Inklingo

How to Say "hardship" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dureza

doo-REH-sahduˈɾesa

nounB1general
Use 'dureza' when referring to the harshness or severity of a situation, an experience, or even words, implying a lack of gentleness or comfort.
A person with a stern, angry facial expression and a pointed finger.

Examples

Me sorprendió la dureza de sus palabras.

I was surprised by the harshness of her words.

Los soldados soportaron la dureza del invierno.

The soldiers endured the severity of the winter.

La dureza de la vida en la montaña es increíble.

The hardship of mountain life is incredible.

Abstract Meanings

Just like in English, physical words are often used to describe feelings. 'Dureza' works exactly like 'toughness' or 'hardness' in a figurative way.

Avoid 'Severidad' for everything

Mistake: “La severidad del clima.”

Correction: While correct, 'la dureza del clima' sounds more natural when emphasizing how hard it is to survive it.

sufrimiento

soo-free-mee-EN-tohsu.fɾiˈmjen.to

nounB1general
Use 'sufrimiento' to describe the general state of experiencing pain, distress, or difficulty, often due to loss, illness, or trying circumstances.
A small, simple human figure crouched down, visibly struggling under the weight of a single, large, heavy, dark gray rock resting on their back.

Examples

El sufrimiento por la pérdida de su mascota fue inmenso.

The suffering over the loss of his pet was immense.

Dicen que el sufrimiento nos hace más fuertes.

They say that hardship makes us stronger.

Hay que evitar el sufrimiento innecesario en la vida.

One must avoid unnecessary suffering in life.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', which is common for masculine nouns, remember to always use the masculine articles and adjectives: el sufrimiento, mucho sufrimiento.

Sufrimiento vs. Dolor

Mistake: “Using *sufrimiento* when referring strictly to a specific physical ache (e.g., 'Tengo sufrimiento en la rodilla').”

Correction: Use *dolor* for specific physical aches ('Tengo dolor en la rodilla'). *Sufrimiento* suggests a deeper, often prolonged emotional or existential distress, though it can include physical pain.

opresión

nounB2general
Use 'opresión' specifically for severe hardship caused by unjust or cruel authority, or extreme deprivation and lack of freedom.

Examples

Muchos ciudadanos lucharon valientemente contra la opresión.

Many citizens fought bravely against oppression.

Dureza vs. Sufrimiento

Learners often confuse 'dureza' and 'sufrimiento'. Remember that 'dureza' focuses on the *harshness* or *severity* of an experience, while 'sufrimiento' focuses on the *pain* or *distress* caused by it. Think of 'dureza' as the cause and 'sufrimiento' as the effect.

Related Translations

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