Translation guide
Describes persistent, stubborn determination, often in the face of difficulty. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that convey tenacity and refusal to give up.
To describe someone or their efforts as stubbornly persistent and unwilling to give up.
Literally 'sticky-strong', this is the most common and natural adjective for dogged persistence. It implies patience and endurance.
He is known for his dogged negotiations.
Her dogged efforts paid off.
Often means 'persistent' but can carry a negative nuance of being annoyingly persistent or stubborn. Use with care.
Can sound negative, like 'pestering' or 'nagging'. Not always a direct equivalent of 'dogged'.
I was worn down by his dogged questioning.
A more formal, written term meaning 'persistent' or 'tenacious'. Often used in news or literary contexts.
The police's dogged investigation led to the arrest of the culprit.
Emphasizes patience and perseverance over a long period. Similar to 'persistent' or 'indefatigable'.
Dogged practice is the key to success.
Literally 'not give up'. A simple, common way to express doggedness as a verb or modifier.
She tackled the crisis with a dogged spirit.
It's important to keep going with dogged determination.
To describe a person's character or behavior as stubbornly determined, sometimes to a fault.
Means 'stubborn' or 'obstinate'. When used positively, it can overlap with 'dogged', but often implies inflexibility.
Often negative. Use only when the stubbornness is admirable or neutral in context.
His dogged will saved the team.
Means 'single-minded' or 'wholehearted'. Often used for devoted, unwavering pursuit of a goal.
To describe relentlessly following or chasing someone or something.
粘り強い (nebarizuyoi) is almost always positive, implying admirable persistence. しつこい (shitsukoi) often has a negative nuance of being annoyingly persistent. Choose based on whether you want to praise or criticize the persistence.
His dogged personality brought him success.
The salesman was so dogged it was a problem.
There is no direct Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'dogged' in all contexts. Avoid trying to translate it word-for-word. Instead, use the options above based on the specific nuance you need.
She showed dogged determination.
His dogged pursuit of the truth was admirable.
His dogged dedication to research is admirable.