Translation guide
Describes doing something with persistent determination, despite difficulties or opposition. In Japanese, this is often expressed through adverbs, verb forms, or set phrases that convey tenacity, stubbornness, or unwavering effort.
To describe continuing an action with strong will and not giving up, even when it's hard.
Literally 'with sticky strength', this is the most common and natural way to express dogged persistence in a positive sense. It implies patience and tenacity.
彼は粘り強く交渉を続けた。
He doggedly continued the negotiations.
Conveys patience and perseverance, often for long, tedious tasks. Slightly more about endurance than active resistance.
彼女は根気よく練習を繰り返した。
She doggedly repeated the practice.
Often has a negative nuance of being annoyingly persistent, like pestering. Can be used for dogged pursuit but be careful with context.
Can sound negative or critical; use when the persistence is unwelcome or excessive.
記者はしつこく質問を繰り返した。
The reporter doggedly repeated the question.
Literally 'without giving up', this is a straightforward and common way to express dogged continuation.
彼は諦めずに走り続けた。
He doggedly kept running.
To describe holding one's ground or opinion firmly, often in the face of opposition or reason.
Means stubbornly, often with a negative connotation of being inflexible. Suitable when doggedness borders on obstinacy.
彼は頑固に自分の意見を曲げなかった。
He doggedly stuck to his opinion.
Implies doing something out of stubborn pride or defiance, often irrationally. Stronger emotional nuance.
彼は意地になって反論した。
He doggedly argued back.
A formal or literary term meaning persistently and tenaciously, often with a negative nuance of being relentless or obsessive.
警察は執拗に犯人を追跡した。
The police doggedly pursued the suspect.
To describe chasing, tracking, or following someone or something without letting up.
The combination of 'shitsukoku' (persistently) and 'ou' (chase) is a natural way to express dogged pursuit.
パパラッチが有名人をしつこく追った。
The paparazzi doggedly pursued the celebrity.
Literally 'continue chasing', this verb form emphasizes the ongoing nature of the pursuit.
探偵は手がかりを追い続けた。
The detective doggedly followed the clues.
粘り強く (nebarizuyoku) is generally positive, implying admirable perseverance. 頑固に (ganko ni) is often negative, implying unreasonable stubbornness. Choose based on whether you want to praise the persistence or criticize the inflexibility.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'doggedly'. Translating directly as 犬のように (like a dog) would be confusing and unnatural. Instead, choose the expression that matches the specific nuance of persistence, stubbornness, or relentlessness.