1.
barrier; difficult challenge; formidable hurdle
A difficult obstacle or challenge that is hard to overcome. Commonly used for competitive exams, university admissions, and difficult stages in a process.
最大の難関を突破した。
We broke through the biggest hurdle.
難関大学に合格するのは簡単ではない。
Getting into a prestigious university is not easy.
面接試験が最後の難関だったが、なんとか乗り越えた。
The interview was the final hurdle, but I managed to get through it.
USAGE:
難関 is frequently used as a modifier: 難関大学 (prestigious/competitive university), 難関試験 (difficult exam), 難関資格 (difficult qualification). It implies something that requires considerable effort to overcome.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 難関を突破する (to break through a barrier)
- 難関を乗り越える (to overcome a hurdle)
- 難関大学 (competitive/elite university)
- 難関試験 (difficult exam)