How to say "predicament" in Japanese

• 窮地きゅうちCommon
  nounCovers 'predicament' in the sense of a tight, cornered position: you are trapped by circumstances and escape is difficult. Typical when someone is driven into a dilemma with no good options left.
  その大臣だいじんは不正ふせい取引とりひきによって窮地きゅうちに立たちました。↗

  The minister was in a fix over illegal dealings.
• 苦境くきょうCommon
  nounCovers 'predicament' as difficult or adverse circumstances that one endures over time, more hardship than sudden crisis; suits talk of a person or company going through hard times and trying to escape them.
  苦境くきょうにあるとき助たすけになるものだ。↗

  It helps us in times of difficulty.
• ピンチCommon
  nounThe casual, conversational choice for a sudden tough spot or crisis, as when things go wrong in a game or plan; spoken language for 'we're in a bind,' not for prolonged adversity.
  我々われわれは絶体絶命ぜったいぜつめいのピンチに追い込おいこまれた。↗

  We were driven to the wall.

Choose 窮地 for being cornered in a tight spot with no way out, 苦境 for prolonged hardship or adverse circumstances, and 「ピンチ」 for a casual, spoken crisis or bind.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 窮地きゅうちdilemma
• 苦境くきょうdifficult situation
• ピンチpinch
• 難場なんばpredicament
• 窮境きゅうきょうpredicament
• 体たらくていたらく(unpleasant) state of affairs
• 死地しちdilemma