骨が折れる

• Reading: ほねがおれる
• Romaji: hone ga oreru
• Kanji breakdown: 骨 (hone/kotsu) — bone; 折 (ore/setsu) — to break, fold
• Pronunciation: /ho.ne.ɡa.o.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be laborious; to be difficult; to require great effort. An idiomatic expression describing tasks that are physically or mentally exhausting.

A compound expression where 骨 (bone) + が (subject marker) + 折れる (to break) creates a vivid metaphor for exhausting work. The verb 折れる is Group 2 (ichidan). Not to be confused with the literal meaning of breaking a bone. Often used after completing a demanding task.

Examples

1. この翻訳は専門用語が多くて骨が折れる。 This translation has so many technical terms — it's really tough going.
2. 一人で引っ越しの準備をするのは骨が折れた。 Preparing for the move on my own was a real grind.
3. 骨の折れる仕事だが、やりがいがある。 It's backbreaking work, but it's rewarding.

Usage Guide

Context: work, tasks, daily life

Tone: empathetic

Origin & History

Idiomatic metaphor from the physical sensation of exhaustion being so intense it feels as if one's bones might break. The expression has been in use since the Edo period.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal