1.
quite a struggle; a hard time; a real effort
Describes a task or situation that requires considerable effort or trouble. Used when something turns out to be more difficult than expected.
Usage
Typically used with だ or だった to describe a completed or ongoing difficulty. The pattern ～のは一苦労だ (doing X is quite a struggle) is very common. Despite the literal meaning of "one hardship," it emphasizes that something is unexpectedly troublesome.
Common collocations
- ～のは一苦労だ (doing X is quite a struggle)
- 一苦労する (to have a hard time)
- 一苦労も二苦労も (not just one but many hardships)