Translation guide
Fortitude refers to mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, or pain with courage and patience. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words emphasizing perseverance, endurance, and inner strength, often with cultural nuances of stoicism and quiet resilience.
The general quality of mental and emotional strength when dealing with pain, adversity, or difficulty.
Literally 'unyielding,' this word conveys an indomitable spirit and unwavering fortitude. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who never gives up despite severe challenges.
I admire his fortitude.
This means 'endurance' or 'perseverance,' emphasizing the ability to withstand prolonged hardship. It's a common, neutral term for fortitude in everyday contexts.
She has fortitude.
A formal, literary term meaning 'fortitude' or 'resolute courage.' It implies a strong, unshakable character, often used in written descriptions of admirable personalities.
His fortitude shines through his personality.
This noun form of 'patient and enduring' emphasizes the capacity to bear discomfort or pain without complaint. It's a more colloquial way to describe fortitude in daily life.
I'm amazed by his fortitude.
Describes someone who is stout-hearted and brave in the face of adversity, often used for someone who remains composed and strong despite emotional pain.
To act with fortitude.
The ability to suffer silently and patiently, often valued in Japanese culture as a virtue.
This word means 'patience' or 'endurance,' often with a nuance of bearing something stoically. It's commonly used in phrases like 辛抱強い (patient, persevering).
To wait with fortitude.
This is the most common word for 'endurance' or 'putting up with' something. It implies suppressing one's feelings or desires and is central to the Japanese concept of silent fortitude.
A compound verb meaning 'to bear and endure,' emphasizing patient suffering. It's more literary and conveys a sense of quiet, prolonged fortitude.
A formal term meaning 'self-denial' or 'stoicism,' referring to overcoming one's own weaknesses or desires. It's used in contexts of moral fortitude and self-discipline.
Fortitude as the courage to uphold one's beliefs or values despite opposition or temptation.
This word means 'spirit,' 'backbone,' or 'moral courage.' It implies a strong will and fortitude to face challenges without compromising one's principles.
He is a person of fortitude.
Literally 'guts' or 'nerve,' this word describes the fortitude to face danger or difficulty boldly. It's often used in contexts requiring moral or physical courage.
A rare, formal term meaning 'constancy' or 'integrity,' referring to unwavering adherence to one's principles. It implies moral fortitude in the face of corruption.
These three words all relate to endurance, but with different nuances. 我慢 (がまん) is the most common and implies putting up with something unpleasant, often suppressing emotions. 辛抱 (しんぼう) suggests patient endurance with a sense of purpose or hope. 忍耐 (にんたい) is more formal and refers to long-term perseverance and fortitude. For general fortitude, 忍耐力 is a safe choice, while 我慢 is used in everyday situations of bearing discomfort.
To bear the pain (without complaining).
To persevere patiently until success.
Fortitude is necessary.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all nuances of 'fortitude.' Depending on context, you may need to use words for endurance, courage, or patience. Using 不屈 or 剛毅 in casual conversation may sound overly dramatic or literary. In everyday speech, phrases like 我慢強い or 忍耐力がある are more natural.
In Japanese culture, silent endurance (我慢) is often seen as a virtue. Expressing fortitude may involve not complaining and maintaining composure. The phrase 我慢強い (がまんづよい) is a common compliment for someone who shows such fortitude.
She faced her illness with great fortitude.
Uses 不屈の精神 for a formal, inspirational tone.
He showed remarkable fortitude in not complaining.
Uses 我慢強さ for everyday stoicism.
痛みを我慢する。
To endure pain with fortitude.
He endured hardships with fortitude.
To have fortitude (self-discipline).
胆力を試される。
One's fortitude is tested.
To firmly maintain one's fortitude (integrity).