Translation guide
The English word 'efforts' refers to attempts, hard work, or endeavors to achieve something. In Japanese, the concept is often expressed through nouns like 努力 (doryoku), verbs like 頑張る (ganbaru), or set phrases. The choice depends on whether you're talking about sustained effort, a single attempt, or encouraging someone.
Referring to continuous effort, diligence, or striving toward a goal.
The most direct and common translation for 'effort' as a noun. It implies persistent, purposeful striving. Often used with verbs like する (to do), 続ける (to continue), or 重ねる (to accumulate).
His efforts bore fruit.
If you keep up your efforts, you'll succeed someday.
Noun form of 頑張る, meaning 'doing one's best' or 'perseverance'. More casual and personal than 努力. Often used to praise someone's effort.
I admire her efforts.
Formal term for exerting oneself or making efforts, often used in business or official contexts. Implies going out of one's way to help or achieve something.
We appreciate your efforts.
Referring to a single attempt or effort to do something, often with a specific action in mind.
Means 'attempt' or 'trial'. Used for a specific effort to do something new or challenging. Often implies an experimental or initial effort.
Efforts to develop a new treatment have begun.
A casual verb phrase meaning 'to give it a try' or 'to make an effort to do something'. Emphasizes the act of attempting rather than sustained effort.
Means 'challenge' or 'attempt'. Used when taking on a difficult task or goal. Often implies a bold or ambitious effort.
Referring to efforts made by a group, organization, or society, often toward a common goal.
Refers to initiatives, efforts, or undertakings, especially by organizations or groups. Common in business, education, and social contexts.
We will strengthen our efforts toward environmental protection.
Means 'activities' or 'efforts' in a broad sense. Often used for ongoing campaigns, volunteer work, or organizational operations.
Cheering someone on or urging them to try hard.
The most common way to say 'Do your best!' or 'Good luck!' Used in countless situations to encourage effort.
Good luck on your exam (lit. Make an effort on your exam).
A stronger, more direct imperative form of 頑張る. Often used in sports or when cheering loudly.
Keep up the effort! Just a little more!
A formal, somewhat literary expression meaning 'I pray for your efforts'. Not commonly used in daily conversation.
I wish you success and pray for your efforts.
Expressing that effort is required or that something takes effort.
Pattern meaning 'Effort is necessary for ~'. Used to state that achieving something requires hard work.
Learning a language requires effort.
Means 'depending on one's efforts'. Used to say that success is determined by how much effort one puts in.
Success depends on your efforts.
English often uses 'make an effort' as a polite way to say 'try'. In Japanese, directly translating this as 努力をする can sound overly serious or stiff in casual contexts. Instead, use やってみる (give it a try) or 頑張る (do one's best) depending on the nuance.
I'll make an effort to do it by tomorrow. (casual)
I'll make an effort to finish it early. (more formal/serious)
努力 (doryoku) is a neutral noun for sustained effort, often used in objective descriptions. 頑張り (ganbari) comes from the verb 頑張る and carries a warmer, more personal tone, often implying emotional support or praise. Use 努力 for factual statements and 頑張り when acknowledging someone's hard work with empathy.
Her efforts paid off.
Despite our best efforts, we failed.
Uses the phrase 最善を尽くす (to do one's best) instead of a direct 'efforts' noun.
できるかどうかやってみる。
I'll make an effort to see if I can do it.
彼は世界記録に挑戦した。
He made an effort to break the world record.
ボランティア活動に参加する。
I participate in volunteer efforts.