Translation guide
The English adjective 'persevering' describes someone who continues trying despite difficulties. In Japanese, this quality is often expressed through verbs, adjectives, or set phrases rather than a single direct adjective. The most natural translations depend on whether you are describing a person's character, their actions, or encouraging someone to keep going.
To say someone is persevering, tenacious, or doesn't give up easily as a personality trait.
Literally 'sticky-strong', this is the most common adjective for a persevering person. It implies patience and tenacity.
彼は粘り強い人だ。
He is a persevering person.
粘り強い交渉の末、契約を結んだ。
After persevering negotiations, they signed the contract.
Emphasizes patience and endurance over a long period. Often used for steady, unglamorous effort.
彼女は根気強く練習を続けた。
She perseveringly continued practicing.
Literally 'unyielding', this is a more literary or formal term for an indomitable spirit. Often used in set phrases like 不屈の精神 (indomitable spirit).
彼は不屈の精神で難病と闘った。
He fought the incurable disease with a persevering spirit.
To describe the act of persevering in a task, study, or effort.
A very natural phrase meaning 'to continue without giving up'. It directly captures the essence of persevering.
諦めずに続ければ、いつか成功する。
If you persevere, you will succeed someday.
A verb meaning 'to stick to something' or 'to persist'. Often used in sports or negotiations.
最後まで粘って勝った。
They persevered until the end and won.
Literally 'to continue doing one's best'. A very common and encouraging way to express persevering effort.
彼は毎日頑張り続けている。
He perseveres every day.
To tell someone to keep going, not give up, or stay strong.
The most common encouragement, meaning 'Do your best' or 'Keep going'. It implies persevering through difficulty.
試験頑張ってね。
Good luck on your exam (persevere!).
Directly means 'Don't give up'. A clear and supportive phrase.
夢を諦めないで。
Don't give up on your dreams.
Literally 'Don't lose', this is a rough, masculine encouragement often used in sports or tough situations.
負けるな！あと少しだ。
Don't give up! Just a little more.
粘り強い (nebarizuyoi) emphasizes tenacity and the ability to stick with something despite immediate obstacles, like a stubborn negotiator. 根気強い (konkizuyoi) emphasizes patience and endurance over a long, monotonous task, like practicing an instrument daily. Both can translate to 'persevering', but the nuance differs.
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'persevering' in all contexts. Using a direct translation like 忍耐強い (nintai zumoi, 'patient') may miss the active, persistent nuance. Instead, choose a phrase that fits the specific situation.