困る

• Reading: こまる
• Romaji: komaru
• Kanji breakdown: 困 (kon/koma) — trouble, distress; tree (木) inside enclosure (囗)
• Pronunciation: /ko.ma.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be troubled; to be in difficulty; to be at a loss. Expresses a state of being stuck or not knowing what to do.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. Often used in the て-form 困って to describe an ongoing state of difficulty. The expression 困ったな is a common interjection meaning 'oh no' or 'what a problem.' Can also be used to express displeasure with someone's behaviour.

Examples

1. 財布を忘れて困りました。 I was in trouble because I forgot my wallet.
2. 道がわからなくて困っています。 I'm stuck because I don't know the way.
3. 雨が降って困ったね。 The rain was a real problem, huh?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, problem-solving, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 困 depicts a tree (木) enclosed within walls (囗), symbolising something confined and unable to grow — a vivid metaphor for being stuck or troubled.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal