1.
difficult problem, tall order, tough challenge
A problem or request that is extremely difficult to solve or fulfill. Often implies an unreasonable or nearly impossible demand.
難題を突きつけられた。
I was confronted with a difficult problem.
難題を解決する。
To solve a difficult problem.
上司から無理な難題を押しつけられて困っている。
I'm troubled because my boss is pushing an impossible demand on me.
難題 refers to an extremely difficult problem or an unreasonable demand. It often implies something that is nearly impossible to handle.
COMPOSITION:
難 (difficult) + 題 (problem, topic).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 難題を突きつける: to confront someone with a difficult demand
- 難題を解決する: to solve a difficult problem
- 難題を押しつける: to foist a tough problem on someone
- 難題を抱える: to be saddled with a difficult problem
- 難題山積: mountains of difficult problems
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 問題: problem (neutral, general)
- 課題: task, assignment, challenge
- 難題: difficult problem (emphasizes extreme difficulty or unreasonableness)