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.
He doggedly continued the negotiations.
Conveys patience and perseverance, often for long, tedious tasks. Slightly more about endurance than active resistance.
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.
The reporter doggedly repeated the question.
Literally 'without giving up', this is a straightforward and common way to express dogged continuation.
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.
He doggedly stuck to his opinion.
Implies doing something out of stubborn pride or defiance, often irrationally. Stronger emotional nuance.
A formal or literary term meaning persistently and tenaciously, often with a negative nuance of being relentless or obsessive.
To describe chasing, tracking, or following someone or something without letting up.
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.
He doggedly argued back.
The police doggedly pursued the suspect.
The detective doggedly followed the clues.