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).
彼の努力が実を結んだ。
His efforts bore fruit.
努力を続ければ、いつか成功する。
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.
彼女の頑張りには感心する。
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.
ご尽力に感謝いたします。
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.
新しい治療法の試みが始まった。
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.
環境保護への取り組みを強化する。
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.
試験、頑張ってね。
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.
頑張れ！あと少しだ！
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.
ご成功とご努力をお祈りします。
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.
語学の習得には努力が必要だ。
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.
成功は努力次第だ。
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.
明日までにやってみます。
I'll make an effort to do it by tomorrow. (casual)
努力して早く終わらせます。
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.
彼女の努力が報われた。
Her efforts paid off.
最善を尽くしたが、失敗した。
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.