tough
word
/ˈtəf/
tuhf
/tˈʌf/
tuhf
Definition
Describes something strong and hard to break, or a person/situation that is difficult or challenging. It can also refer to someone who is strong and able to deal with hardship.
Usage & Nuances
'Tough' is informal and can describe people, objects, situations or food (e.g., 'tough meat'). 'Tough' (strong, resilient) is different from 'hard' (solid) and 'strict' (disciplinarian). Common phrases: 'tough times', 'tough luck' (bad luck), 'act tough'.
Spanish: duro - difícil - resistentePortuguese (BR): duro - difícil - resistentePortuguese (PT): duro - difícil - resistenteChinese (Simplified): 坚硬的 - 困难的 - 顽强的Chinese (Traditional): 堅硬的 - 困難的 - 頑強的Hindi: कठिन - मजबूत - मुश्किलArabic: صعب - قاسي - قويBengali: কঠিন - শক্ত - দৃঢ়Russian: жёсткий - трудный - крепкийJapanese: タフ - 手ごわい - 固い (食べ物)Vietnamese: cứng - khó khăn - mạnh mẽKorean: 강한 - 힘든 - 질긴 (음식)Turkish: zor - sert - dayanıklıUrdu: سخت - مضبوط - کڑاIndonesian: keras - sulit - tangguh
Example Sentences
This steak is very tough.
basic
It was a tough exam.
basic
My grandfather is a very tough man.
basic
She went through some tough times after losing her job.
natural
Don't act tough — you can ask for help if you need it.
natural
That was a tough call, but you made the right decision.
natural