Translation guide
The English phrase "make an effort" covers a range of intentions, from trying hard to doing something reluctantly. In Japanese, the best expression depends on whether you are emphasizing hard work, a conscious attempt, or a minimal effort. This guide organizes the most natural Japanese equivalents by these nuances.
Expressing that someone works hard, exerts themselves, or strives to achieve something.
The most common and versatile word for 'do one's best' or 'try hard'. Used in many contexts, from studying to sports.
試験に向けて頑張っています。
I'm making an effort for the exam.
頑張ってください。
Please do your best. / Good luck!
A more formal word for 'make an effort' or 'strive'. Often used in serious or long-term contexts like career or personal growth.
彼は成功するために努力した。
He made an effort to succeed.
A formal verb meaning 'to endeavor' or 'to strive'. Often used in written or polite speech.
問題解決に努めます。
I will make an effort to solve the problem.
Expressing an attempt or a conscious effort to do a specific action.
A grammar pattern meaning 'make an effort to do' or 'try to do'. It implies a conscious decision to do something regularly or as a habit.
毎日運動するようにしています。
I'm making an effort to exercise every day.
遅刻しないようにしてください。
Please make an effort not to be late.
Means 'try doing something' to see what happens. It's less about sustained effort and more about attempting an action.
新しいレシピを作ってみた。
I made an effort to try a new recipe.
Expressing that someone does something with little enthusiasm or just enough to get by.
Means 'do it just in case' or 'do it for form's sake'. Implies a half-hearted effort.
一応掃除したけど、まだ汚い。
I made an effort to clean, but it's still dirty.
Literally 'even if only in form', used when making a token effort.
形だけでも謝ったほうがいい。
You should make an effort to apologize, even if it's just for show.
頑張る is casual and widely used in daily life, while 努力する is more formal and implies sustained, serious effort. Use 頑張る with friends, 努力する in speeches or writing.
The phrase 'make an effort' cannot be directly translated as 努力を作る or similar. Always use the verbs or patterns above.