1.
hardship story; tale of difficulties; account of troubles
A story or account about the difficulties, struggles, or hardships one has experienced. Often told to share lessons learned or to gain sympathy.
苦労話を聞かせてください。
Please tell me about your hardships.
祖父は戦時中の苦労話をよく語った。
My grandfather often told stories of hardship during the war.
起業家の苦労話には、成功のヒントが詰まっていることが多い。
Entrepreneurs' hardship stories are often full of hints for success.
A compound of 苦労 (hardship, difficulty) and 話 (story, talk). Refers to personal accounts of struggles and difficulties, often told in retrospect.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 苦労話を語る: to tell a hardship story
- 苦労話を聞く: to listen to a hardship story
- 苦労話に花が咲く: to get engrossed in talking about past hardships
NUANCE:
Can carry a slightly negative connotation when someone repeatedly shares their struggles seeking sympathy. In a more positive light, hardship stories from successful people are valued as sources of wisdom and inspiration.
RELATED TERMS:
- 武勇伝: heroic tale — a story of one's brave exploits, often told boastfully
- 自慢話: boastful story — a story told to show off