困窮する

• Reading: こんきゅうする
• Romaji: konkyu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 困 (kon) — distress; 窮 (kyuu) — destitute; する (suru) — to do (irregular verb)
• Pronunciation: /ko.ŋ.kʲɯː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be in poverty; to be destitute; to suffer from severe hardship.

The verbal form of 困窮, a Group 3 (irregular する) verb. It emphasises an active state of suffering extreme difficulty, particularly financial. Used in news reports, formal writing, and serious discussion of social conditions. More vivid and personal than the noun form alone.

Examples

1. コロナ禍でフリーランサーの多くが困窮した。 Many freelancers fell into poverty due to the COVID pandemic.
2. 支援がなければ、この地域の高齢者はさらに困窮するだろう。 Without support, the elderly in this area will become even more destitute.
3. 困窮している家庭を支えるセーフティネットの整備が急務だ。 Establishing a safety net to support families in hardship is an urgent priority.

Usage Guide

Context: social issues, journalism, welfare, economics

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Verbal form of 困窮, combining 困 (kon, distress) and 窮 (kyuu, destitution) with the auxiliary verb する. See 困窮 for full etymology.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal