Translation guide
The English word 'grit' refers to perseverance, courage, and small abrasive particles. This guide helps learners express these distinct meanings naturally in Japanese.
Expressing the quality of continuing despite difficulty, similar to 'grit' in 'she has grit'.
Commonly used for guts, willpower, and fighting spirit. Often appears in contexts like sports or overcoming challenges.
Spirit, drive, or fighting energy. Often used when psyching oneself up or pushing through with sheer will.
Tenacity, persistence. Emphasizes sticking with something over time rather than explosive effort.
His grit is the key to his success.
Endurance, patience. Focuses on the capacity to withstand hardship without giving up.
A more literary term for spirit, pluck, or strong will. Often used in formal or written contexts.
Expressing the bravery aspect of 'grit', especially in facing danger or adversity.
The most direct and common word for courage. Suitable for most situations.
Referring to tiny abrasive particles, like sand or dirt.
The physical action of gritting one's teeth, often from determination or anger.
Do not translate 'grit' as 砂 (sand) when referring to courage or determination. Use words like 根性 or 勇気 instead.
He has sand.
根性 implies a fighting spirit or guts, often in the face of immediate challenge. 粘り強さ emphasizes long-term persistence and tenacity.
It takes grit to finish a marathon.
I got through it with grit.
This job requires grit.
He is a young man with grit.
She showed grit and told the truth.
Guts, nerve, boldness. Implies a fearless, sometimes reckless, courage.
He has grit.
Colloquial term for guts or pluck, often used for someone with a strong, fearless character.
That person has real grit.
Grain of sand. The most common way to refer to a small particle of sand.
I got a piece of grit in my shoe.
Fine sand. Used when emphasizing the small size or texture.
The wind blew grit into my eyes.
Cloud of dust or sand. Often used for airborne particles.
There's a lot of grit in the air.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts like sandpaper grit or abrasive materials.
This sandpaper has a fine grit.
Literally 'to clench one's teeth'. Used both literally and figuratively for enduring pain or hardship.
I gritted my teeth against the pain.
He gritted his teeth and persevered.
The wind blew grit into my face.