Translation guide
How to express doing something insistently in Japanese, from polite persistence to forceful demands.
To keep asking, requesting, or doing something repeatedly despite resistance or difficulty.
Adverbial form of しつこい (persistent, insistent). Often used for repeatedly asking or doing something to the point of annoyance. Can be negative or neutral depending on context.
彼はしつこく同じ質問を繰り返した。
He insistently repeated the same question.
しつこく頼んで、やっとOKをもらった。
I asked insistently and finally got the OK.
To state, demand, or assert something strongly, leaving no room for doubt.
To ask or demand something in a way that conveys urgency or pressure.
English 'insistently' covers a wide range of nuances. Direct translation as 主張して (shuchou shite) is often unnatural. Choose the adverb or verb that matches the specific action (asking, demanding, asserting, etc.).
しつこく implies repetition to the point of annoyance, while 強く simply means 'strongly' without the negative connotation. Use しつこく for pestering, 強く for firm statements.
しつこく誘われて困った。
I was bothered by being invited insistently.
強く勧められた。
I was strongly recommended.
Formal/literary word meaning persistently or tenaciously. Often used in written language or formal speech.
警察は執拗に容疑者を追及した。
The police insistently pursued the suspect.
Literally 'tenaciously', emphasizes perseverance and not giving up. Positive nuance, like patiently persisting.
彼女は粘り強く交渉を続けた。
She continued negotiating insistently.
Onomatopoeic adverb for saying something long-windedly or repetitively, often with a negative nuance of being tedious.
彼はくどくどと同じ説明をした。
He insistently gave the same explanation over and over.
The president insistently asserted the need for reform.
Firmly, resolutely. Used for unwavering insistence, often in formal or serious contexts.
彼は断固として要求を拒否した。
He insistently refused the demand.
Verb meaning to insist, assert, or maintain stubbornly. Often implies the person won't back down even if wrong.
彼は自分が正しいと言い張った。
He insistently maintained that he was right.
Adverb meaning 'to the end', 'persistently'. Used to emphasize that one sticks to a position or action.
彼はあくまで自説を曲げなかった。
He insistently stuck to his opinion.
Adverb meaning 'frequently', 'repeatedly', 'eagerly'. Often used for insistent requests or actions.
彼はしきりに出発を促した。
He insistently urged them to depart.
子供がしきりにお菓子をねだった。
The child insistently begged for sweets.
Verb meaning to pester or plead for something, often used for children or when someone is being annoyingly insistent.
娘は新しいゲームを買ってとせがんだ。
My daughter insistently begged me to buy a new game.
Verb meaning to press for something, urge, or demand (e.g., payment, reply). More formal than せがむ.
取引先に支払いを催促した。
We insistently pressed the client for payment.