Translation of Japanese word "硬い" to English
硬い
かたい
[katai]
IPA: /ka tai/
Meaning
AdjectiveSolid and firm. Resistant to pressure; difficult to break, cut, or penetrate.
How to use
硬い (katai) — 'hard / firm / stiff / formal'. 硬いパン — hard bread. Homophones: 固い (solid), 堅い (dependable). Japanese adjectives inflect directly for tense and negation, functioning similarly to verbs in some ways.
🇬🇧 English
hard / firm
Pronunciation Guide
Japanese Kanji: 硬い
Phonetic Reading (Hiragana): かたい
Romaji Transcription: katai
Example Sentences
この木は硬いです。
このきはかたいです。
This wood is hard.
私は硬い卵を食べました。
わたしはかたいたまごをたべました。
I ate hard-boiled eggs.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- とても硬い (totemo katai)— very hard / firm
Frequency rank: #890 in Japanese
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common Japanese words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Japanese word "硬い" mean?▼
The Japanese word "硬い" means "hard / firm" in English.
How do you pronounce the Japanese word "硬い"?▼
The word "硬い" is read as "かたい" (katai). You can hear the correct audio pronunciation by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see a usage guide or example with "硬い"?▼
Yes, here is a practical context/example: "この木は硬いです。".
More Adjectives words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →