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.
Referring to tiny abrasive particles, like sand or dirt.
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.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts like sandpaper grit or abrasive materials.
The physical action of gritting one's teeth, often from determination or anger.
Literally 'to clench one's teeth'. Used both literally and figuratively for enduring pain or hardship.
I gritted my teeth against the pain.
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.
The wind blew grit into my face.
気合で乗り越えた。
I got through it with grit.
This job requires grit.
彼は気概のある若者だ。
He is a young man with grit.
He has grit.
Colloquial term for guts or pluck, often used for someone with a strong, fearless character.
That person has real grit.
There's a lot of grit in the air.
このサンドペーパーはグリットが細かい。
This sandpaper has a fine grit.
He gritted his teeth and persevered.