# にくい: hard to do > Learn how to use にくい, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning hard to do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N4 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n4-nikui/ **にくい** means **hard to do**. It is a **JLPT N4** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that something is difficult to do in natural Japanese. This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to express that an action is difficult to perform, **にくい** is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics. ## What does にくい mean? Use **にくい** when you want to express that an action is difficult to perform. Natural translations include: - hard to do - difficult to do The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form にくい

Verb masu-stem + にくい

Examples of the pattern: - 読みにくい - 使いにくい - 歩きにくいにくい attaches directly to the masu-stem. Pay attention to the word form before the pattern. Many JLPT N4 mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is にくい used? Use **にくい** in situations like: - describing something that is physically or situationally difficult to do - making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern - understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading Tone and register: - neutral; common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions ## にくい example sentences

この漢字かんじは読よみにくいです。

This kanji is hard to read.

このペンは使つかいにくいです。

This pen is hard to use.

この肉にくは食たべにくいです。

This meat is hard to eat.

彼かれの声こえは聞ききにくいです。

His voice is hard to hear.

この道みちは歩あるきにくいです。

This road is hard to walk on.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **にくい** is doing: describing difficulty in performing the action. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of にくい The key nuance is **difficulty from the speaker's perspective**. This matters because **にくい** describes an inherent quality or circumstance that makes an action hard to complete. It is not about ability (that is 〜できない), but about the ease of performing the action itself. For example: - In context, **にくい** helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation. - Compared with **やすい**, it carries the opposite weight even when both patterns attach to the same verb stem. ## にくい vs やすい Both **にくい** and **やすい** attach to the masu-stem, but they express opposite ideas.

にくい

hard to do; difficult to do

When an action is difficult to perform

このペンは使つかいにくいです。

This pen is hard to use.

やすい

easy to do

When an action is easy to perform

このペンは使つかいやすいです。

This pen is easy to use.

If both translations seem possible, check whether the sentence emphasizes difficulty or ease. The context usually tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with にくい

❌

読よむにくい

✅

読よみにくい

にくい must attach to the masu-stem, not the dictionary form.

❌

このペンは使つかいやすいです。（intended meaning: hard to use）

✅

このペンは使つかいにくいです。

やすい means easy. If you want to say something is difficult, use にくい instead.

❌

漢字かんじが読よめにくい。

✅

漢字かんじが読よみにくい。

Potential form (読める) expresses ability. Attach にくい to the masu-stem to describe difficulty, not inability.

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **にくい**, then rewrite it with **やすい**. If the meaning flips completely, you are using the forms correctly. ## Is にくい on the JLPT?

にくい appears on JLPT N4 as a core difficulty pattern.

Recognize the masu-stem attachment in reading
Distinguish it from やすい and づらい
Use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning. ## Practice questions for にくい

1 Write one sentence using the basic pattern with a verb of your choice. production

2 Change the sentence into polite or casual style. style

3 Compare your sentence with the related pattern やすい using the same verb. contrast

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add time words, places, or reasons to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for にくい

First, make sure you can form the masu-stem and attach にくい without looking at the pattern chart.

Next, compare it with やすい. Choosing between them helps you feel the difference between difficulty and ease.

Then, add づらい or なかなか～ない to see how the nuance of difficulty changes.

Finally, write one literal sentence, one with a changed subject or time expression, and one that contrasts with a related pattern.

## Related grammar to review next - [やすい](/blog/n4-yasui/) — easy to do; the direct opposite of にくい - [づらい](/blog/n4-zurai/) — hard to do; emphasizes physical or emotional difficulty - [なかなか～ない](/blog/n4-nakanaka-nai/) — not easily; focuses on the negative result rather than the action itself - [ことができる](/blog/n4-koto-ga-dekiru/) — can do; expresses ability rather than difficulty ## Learn にくい with Hane If you want to review **にくい** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N4 grammar lessons](/blog/n4/)