Translation guide
The English verb 'persevere' means to continue doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that emphasize enduring hardship, not giving up, and persisting until the end.
To continue with an effort or task despite challenges, without a strong emphasis on enduring suffering.
The most common and versatile word for 'persevere' in the sense of doing one's best and not giving up. Used in many contexts from casual to formal.
最後まで頑張ります。
I will persevere until the end.
彼は試験勉強を頑張っている。
He is persevering with his exam studies.
Literally 'continue without giving up'. A clear and natural way to express perseverance.
諦めずに続ければ、いつか成功する。
If you persevere, you will succeed someday.
Implies sticking to something persistently, like being tenacious. Often used in negotiations or when someone refuses to give up easily.
To persist in the face of significant difficulty, pain, or suffering.
Means to endure or bear something difficult. Often used for physical or emotional hardship.
To continue steadily with something over a long time, often with a sense of dedication.
To keep a positive attitude and continue trying despite setbacks.
Means 'to persevere without being discouraged'. Common in motivational contexts.
頑張る focuses on active effort and doing one's best, while 耐える emphasizes passive endurance of hardship. Use 頑張る for general perseverance and 耐える when the difficulty is the main point.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all nuances of 'persevere'. Avoid directly translating 'persevere' as a standalone word; instead, choose the expression that matches the specific context.
彼女は何度も失敗したが、研究を粘り強く続けた。
She persevered with her research despite many failures.
彼は最後まで粘って契約を取った。
He persevered until the end and got the contract.
彼は苦難に耐えて目標を達成した。
He persevered through hardships and achieved his goal.
A stronger, more literary term combining 'endure' and 'bear patiently'. Implies stoic perseverance.
彼女は苦しみを堪え忍んだ。
She persevered through the suffering.
Literally 'grit one's teeth and persevere'. A vivid expression for enduring pain or difficulty with determination.
歯を食いしばって頑張れば、道は開ける。
If you persevere with grit, a path will open.
Simply 'to continue'. When used in contexts of effort, it implies perseverance.
毎日練習を続けることが大切です。
It's important to persevere with daily practice.
Means to carry something through to the end, to see it through. Emphasizes completion despite obstacles.
彼はそのプロジェクトを最後までやり抜いた。
He persevered with the project until the very end.
To stick to one's principles or course of action consistently. Often used for beliefs or attitudes.
彼は自分の信念を貫いた。
He persevered in his beliefs.
Even if you fail, please persevere without losing heart.
Similar to above, using the casual verb めげる (to be discouraged).
彼は批判にめげずに続けた。
He persevered without being discouraged by criticism.
If you persevere, you will improve.