理解に苦しむ

• Reading: りかいにくるしむ
• Romaji: rikai ni kurushimu
• Kanji breakdown: 理 (ri) — reason, logic; 解 (kai) — to understand, to unravel; 苦 (ku/kuro) — suffering; 苦しむ (kurushimu) — to struggle, to suffer
• Pronunciation: /ɾi.ka.i.ni.kɯ.ɾɯ.ɕi.mɯ/

Meaning

To find it hard to understand; to be puzzled by; to struggle to comprehend. Expresses genuine bewilderment at something that seems inexplicable.

A verbal phrase combining 理解 (rikai — understanding) with に苦しむ (to suffer in, to struggle with). It conveys a stronger sense of perplexity than simply 分からない — the speaker is not merely ignorant but actively wrestling with something that defies comprehension. Often carries a tone of mild exasperation or disbelief.

Examples

1. なぜ彼がそんな選択をしたのか、今でも理解に苦しむ。 I still find it hard to understand why he made such a choice.
2. この政策の意図するところは理解に苦しむ部分が多い。 There are many aspects of this policy's intent that are puzzling.
3. 相手の行動の意図が理解に苦しみ、返答に詰まってしまった。 I was so baffled by the other person's motives that I was at a loss for a response.

Usage Guide

Context: reasoning, debate, criticism, policy discussion, personal frustration

Tone: perplexed

Origin & History

Formed from 理解 (rikai — comprehension, from Classical Chinese 理解 meaning to untangle principles) and 苦しむ (kurushimu — to suffer, to struggle, from 苦 meaning hardship or pain). The phrase treats understanding as a task that causes suffering when it cannot be achieved.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: General