Translation guide
The English word 'effort' refers to the physical or mental energy needed to do something. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on whether you're talking about making an effort, the effort itself, or a lack of effort. Common translations include 努力 (doryoku) for sustained effort, 頑張る (ganbaru) for trying hard, and 骨折り (honeori) for laborious effort.
努力
effort (general noun)
Expressing the general concept of effort as a noun, often in contexts like 'it takes effort' or 'with effort'.
The most common and neutral word for effort, implying a conscious, sustained attempt to achieve something. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
成功には努力が必要です。
Success requires effort.
彼は努力を惜しまない。
He spares no effort.
The noun form of 頑張る (to do one's best). Conveys effort with a nuance of perseverance and emotional investment. Common in casual and motivational contexts.
君の頑張りには感心するよ。
I'm impressed by your effort.
Literally 'bone-breaking', this word emphasizes the physical or laborious aspect of effort. Often used in set phrases like 骨折り損 (wasted effort).
骨折り損のくたびれ儲けだった。
It was all effort for nothing.
Describing the action of putting in effort, often as a verb or in phrases like 'make an effort'.
The verb form of 努力, meaning 'to make an effort'. It is formal and suitable for both speech and writing.
もっと努力しなければならない。
I must make more effort.
The most common verb for 'to try hard' or 'to do one's best'. Used in everyday conversation, often as encouragement (頑張って). Implies persistence and emotional effort.
試験のために頑張っている。
I'm making an effort for the exam.
頑張ってください！
Do your best! / Good luck!
A slightly old-fashioned but still used phrase meaning 'to exert oneself' or 'to work diligently'. Conveys a sense of industrious effort.
Referring to a single attempt or endeavor, as in 'a good effort' or 'in an effort to'.
Means 'attempt' or 'try'. It focuses on the act of trying something, often with an experimental nuance. Suitable for both concrete and abstract efforts.
新しい試みは成功した。
The new effort was successful.
Literally 'result of effort', used to describe the outcome of an effort. Often used in evaluative contexts.
これはみんなの努力の結果です。
This is the result of everyone's effort.
A pattern meaning 'effort to do something'. The verb before 努力 is in the volitional form. Used in formal or written contexts.
問題を解決しようとする努力が必要だ。
Effort to solve the problem is necessary.
Expressing that something requires no effort or that someone is not making an effort.
Simply negating 努力する, meaning 'not making an effort'. Direct and clear.
彼は全然努力しない。
He makes no effort at all.
Means 'easy' or 'comfortable'. When describing a task, it implies it requires little effort. Often used in casual speech.
この仕事は楽だ。
This job is effortless.
Means 'cutting corners' or 'skimping on effort'. Has a negative connotation of not putting in proper effort.
Emphasizing that effort is made by multiple people together.
Means 'cooperation' or 'joint effort'. Focuses on working together. Commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
これはチームの協力の成果です。
This is the fruit of the team's joint effort.
Literally 'combine strengths', meaning to work together or make a united effort. Often used in motivational contexts.
みんなで力を合わせて頑張ろう。
Let's all combine our efforts and do our best.
努力 (doryoku) is a more formal, objective term for effort, often used in writing or serious speech. 頑張り (ganbari) is more emotional and personal, frequently used in casual conversation and encouragement. When cheering someone on, 頑張って is the natural choice, not 努力して.
努力は報われる。
Effort is rewarded. (proverbial, formal)
君の頑張りはすごいね。
Your effort is amazing. (casual praise)
While 努力する is correct, in many everyday situations Japanese speakers prefer 頑張る. Saying 努力しなさい can sound preachy or stiff. Use 頑張って for encouragement.
頑張ってね。
Make an effort, okay? / Good luck!
Literally 'put strength into', meaning to focus effort on something. Often used when talking about concentrating effort on a specific task or area.
環境問題に力を入れている。
We are putting effort into environmental issues.
彼は仕事に精を出している。
He is putting a lot of effort into his work.
手抜き工事が問題になった。
Shoddy work (lack of effort) became a problem.