hard
/hɑːd/- 1.
Not soft, and difficult to cut, break, or bend. It can also mean solid, firm, or strong.
- This table has a hard surface.
- The floor was hard under my feet.
- The cheese became hard in the fridge.
- 2.
Difficult to do, understand, or deal with. This is the most common meaning in study and work.
- Math is hard for many students.
- It was hard to hear her voice.
- The exam was hard but fair.
- 3.
Needing a lot of effort, force, or strictness. It can describe work, punishment, or a person’s style.
- She works hard every day.
- The teacher gave us hard questions.
- He had a hard life as a child.
With a lot of force or effort. It often means strongly, deeply, or intensely.
- The rain hit hard against the window.
- He tried hard to finish on time.
- They laughed hard at the joke.
Adinary Nuance
Hard is broader than difficult. Use hard for something that needs effort or feels tough in daily speech, and difficult for a more formal or neutral tone. Tough often sounds more casual and can suggest stress, resilience, or a challenge rather than just a problem.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khó
- Spanish
- difícil
- Chinese
- 困难的
- Japanese
- 難しい
- Korean
- 어려운
Etymology
Hard comes from Old English heard, meaning 'firm, solid, severe.' It has kept both the physical and the difficult meanings in modern English.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is hard the same as difficult?
- Sometimes, but not always. Hard is more common in speech, while difficult sounds a little more formal.
- Can I say hard work in business writing?
- Yes. Hard work is very common and natural in both business and everyday English.
- What is the difference between hard and tough?
- Hard usually means not soft or needing effort. Tough often means strong, difficult, or stressful.
- Can hard be used as an adverb?
- Yes. For example: 'He worked hard.' It means with a lot of effort.