는 힘든

a difficult or hard [noun]; “is difficult” when 는 is attached to the preceding word

→ 는
phrase Rare #22,830
a difficult or hard [noun]; “is difficult” when 는 is attached to the preceding word 힘든 is the attributive form of 힘들다, meaning “difficult,” “hard,” or “tough,” and usually comes before a noun. 는 is a topic or contrast particle attached to the preceding word, so 는 힘든 is not a fixed phrase by itself. The exact meaning depends on the surrounding sentence.
KO: 그에게는 힘든 시간이었죠.
EN: It was a difficult time for him.

스튜어디스는 힘든 일 이다

Being a flight attendant is hard work.

— 중경삼림 (1994)

그 에게는 힘든 시간 이었죠

It was a difficult time for him.

— 이중 배상 (1944)

이제는 힘든 것도 없어.

Nothing feels difficult anymore.

— 다운폴 (2004)