Inklingo

How to Say "hardships" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dificultades

dee-fee-kool-TAH-dehs/di.fi.kulˈta.ðes/

nounA2general
Use 'dificultades' for general, severe challenges or obstacles that make a task or situation hard to achieve or manage.
A small stylized character stands on a simple dirt path, facing a huge, insurmountable grey rock wall that completely blocks the way forward.

Examples

Tuvimos muchas dificultades para conseguir las entradas.

We had many difficulties getting the tickets.

Superaron las dificultades económicas del primer año de matrimonio.

They overcame the economic difficulties of the first year of marriage.

A pesar de las dificultades técnicas, el proyecto fue un éxito.

Despite the technical problems, the project was a success.

Always Feminine and Plural

Dificultades is the plural form of the feminine word dificultad. Always use feminine words like las (the) or muchas (many) with it.

Using 'Tener' to Express Problems

When you want to say you are experiencing a problem, use the verb tener (to have): Tengo dificultades para levantarme (I have difficulties getting up).

Mixing Gender Articles

Mistake: “*Los dificultades* (Using the masculine 'los').”

Correction: Always use the feminine article *las*: *Las dificultades*.

trabajos

trah-BAH-hos/tɾaˈβa.xos/

nounB1general
Choose 'trabajos' when referring to significant efforts or arduous tasks that require a great deal of labor or struggle to complete.
A person gritting their teeth and sweating profusely while putting maximum effort into pushing a large, heavy boulder up a slope.

Examples

La construcción de las pirámides requirió grandes trabajos.

The construction of the pyramids required great labors/efforts.

Sus trabajos para lograr la paz fueron reconocidos.

His efforts to achieve peace were recognized.

Formal and Figurative

This meaning is often used figuratively to describe intense mental or physical exertion, not just paid employment.

penas

/PEH-nahs//ˈpenas/

nounB1general
Use 'penas' to describe emotional suffering, sorrows, or difficult life circumstances that cause sadness or distress.
A small child sitting on a wooden bench looking sad with a single tear on their cheek.

Examples

Ella canta para olvidar sus penas.

She sings to forget her sorrows.

A pesar de sus penas, siempre tiene una sonrisa.

Despite her troubles, she always has a smile.

Using 'las' with 'penas'

Since this is a feminine word and there is more than one sorrow, you should use 'las' (the) or 'unas' (some) before it.

Penas vs. Apenas

Mistake: “Using 'penas' when you mean 'hardly'.”

Correction: Use 'apenas' (one word) to mean 'hardly' or 'scarcely'. Use 'penas' (two words or plural noun) for 'sorrows'.

General Challenges vs. Emotional Suffering

The most common mistake is using 'penas' for any kind of difficulty. Remember that 'penas' specifically refers to emotional pain or sorrow, while 'dificultades' is for more objective obstacles or challenges.

Related Translations

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