1.
hurdle (in track and field)
A barrier that runners jump over in track and field events.
2.
obstacle, barrier, difficulty
A figurative barrier or difficulty that must be overcome. Very common in everyday and business contexts.
Usage
Sense 2 is extremely common in modern Japanese. The phrase ハードルが高い/ハードルが低い is used to describe how difficult or easy something is to attempt or achieve.
Common collocations
- ハードルが高い (difficult to achieve, high bar)
- ハードルが低い (easy to attempt, low bar)
- ハードルを上げる (raise the bar; also, to raise expectations so it is harder to impress: ハードル上げないで, don't build it up too much)
- ハードルを下げる (lower the bar)
- ハードルを越える (overcome an obstacle)
- ハードルをクリアする (clear a hurdle)
Etymology
From English "hurdle."