You know those days when you feel tired no matter what you drink, even coffee? Yeah, that kind of difficult. And just when you think it can’t get any tougher, you go ahead and try to learn a new language. I feel your pain. In this article, we’ll be going over the word mahirap (pronounced ma-hi-rap), which means difficult in Tagalog to hopefully help you impress native speakers. Alrighty! Let’s begin!
What Is Difficult In Tagalog?
Tagalog has an easy way to describe something as difficult, and that is mahirap. This word isn’t just limited to a tough exam or a complex task, it can describe any situation that requires significant effort or poses a challenge. With the root hirap, which on its own means hardship or suffering.
To give an example of when you’d use this word, if you were trying to lift a heavy box or solve a complicated math problem and wanted to point out how hard it was in Tagalog you would say Ito ay mahirap, which translates to “this is difficult.” It’s really simple if you think about it.
To give you a clearer picture, here are some examples:
- Mahirap ang pagsusulit. (The exam is difficult.)
- Mahirap ang buhay. (Life is difficult.)
- Mahirap intindihin. (It’s difficult to understand.)
But mahirap isn’t just used for negative situations. It can also be used to describe something that’s difficult yet rewarding, like learning a new language. For instance, you can say: Mahirap mag-aral ng bagong wika, pero sulit, which translates to “It is difficult to learn a new language, but it’s worth it.”
Other Terms For Difficult In Tagalog
The Filipino language is like a garden of synonyms. Mahirap is just one plant in that garden. Other words, however, can add different shades of meaning to the concept of difficulty in Tagalog. Let’s explore some of them.
Kumplikado
This is borrowed directly from the Spanish “complicado,” meaning “complicated” or “complex.” When a situation is not just difficult but intricately challenging, you’d say, Kumplikado ang problema. (The problem is complicated.)
- Tagalog: “Komplikado ang pag-assemble ng bagong furniture.”
- Translation: “Assembling the new furniture is complicated.”
Mabigat
Literally translating to “heavy,” this word can describe both physical weight and metaphorical heaviness.
- Tagalog: “Mabigat sa puso ang magpaalam sa isang kaibigan.”
- Translation: “Saying goodbye to a friend is heavy on the heart.”
Masalimuot
If you want to describe something as intricate or convoluted, masalimuot is the word you’re looking for. It’s a Tagalog descriptor for the plot of a movie that leaves you with more questions than answers.
- Tagalog: “Masalimuot ang balangkas ng nobelang binasa ko.”
- Translation: “The plot of the novel I read is complex.”
Makabagbag-damdamin
It’s a term used for situations that are emotionally taxing or moving. It’s “difficult” in the sense that it pulls on your heartstrings, like a tear-jerker film or a deeply touching story.
- Tagalog: “Makabagbag-damdamin ang pelikulang iyon, naiyak talaga ako.”
- Translation: “That movie was so moving, it really made me cry.”
Hindi Madali
“Not easy” is the simple translation of this phrase. It’s direct and to the point.
- Tagalog: “Hindi madali ang mag-juggle ng trabaho at pag-aaral.”
- Translation: “Juggling work and study is not easy.”
Masakit Sa Ulo
This word also means difficult, but in the sense that it’s as vexing as an actual migraine.
- Tagalog: “Masakit sa ulo ang magbalanse ng budget ng pamilya.”
- Translation: “Balancing the family budget is a headache.”
Hamon
The Tagalog word for “challenge.” When something is difficult because it tests your skills or patience, you might refer to it as a hamon.
- Tagalog: “Ang pag-akyat ng bundok ay isang hamon na gusto kong malampasan.”
- Translation: “Climbing the mountain is a challenge I want to overcome.”
What Is The Opposite Of Difficult In Tagalog?
The Tagalog language has a unique way of explaining the many aspects of difficulty, it also does a good job of illustrating simplicity and ease. The opposite of the word “difficult” is madali. But there are other ways to express the opposite feeling from difficult. Continue reading down below!
Madali
This is synonymous with ease in Tagalog.
- Example: “Madali lang magluto ng sinigang.”
- Translation: “Cooking sinigang is easy.”
Simpleng-simple
Doubling up “simple” gives you simpleng-simple, perfect for when something is just a piece of cake.
- Example: “Simpleng-simple lang ang sagot sa tanong.”
- Translation: “The answer to the question is very simple.”
Walang Kahirap-hirap
For times when you sail through without a single hiccup, walang kahirap-hirap captures that breeze.
- Example: “Walang kahirap-hirap ang pagpasa niya sa eksamen.”
- Translation: “He passed the exam with no difficulty at all.”
Hindi Komplikado
If you’re describing something that’s not tangled up in complexity, hindi kumplikado is your phrase.
- Example: “Hindi kumplikado ang mga tagubilin.”
- Translation: “The instructions are not complicated.”
Hindi Mabigat
The antithesis to mabigat, hindi mabigat denotes that something is light or not burdensome.
- Example: “Hindi mabigat dalhin ang bag ko ngayon.”
- Translation: “Carrying my bag isn’t heavy today.”
Learn Tagalog With Ling
That was quite a journey, wasn’t it? It feels like we’ve rollercoastered through the ins and outs of what’s “difficult” and snuggled up with “easy” like they’re old friends of ours. Do you feel that? We’ve been on a seesaw. But instead of teetering between the ground and sky, we’re dipping our toes into the tricky and trouble-free sides of the Tagalog language.
Now hold your horses! Before you rush off, I want to give you some advice. If you really want to master this language, there’s a secret weapon waiting for you. And it’s closer than you think – in your pocket, actually.
You guessed it! It’s your phone! All you have to do is open up that app store, search for Ling app, download it from the App Store or Play Store, and boom — You’re gonna be in business. This little gem will be your trusty sidekick turning all those hard lessons into easy-peasy ones.
So what are you waiting for? Don’t let this train leave without ya. Hop on, download the Ling app, and let’s keep going down this journey together. Who knows what adventures lie in hiding in the next chapter of your language path?
