Translation guide
The English word 'persistent' can describe someone who continues firmly despite difficulty, a situation or problem that continues to exist, or an action that is done repeatedly. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these core meanings.
Describing a person who does not give up easily, showing determination and perseverance.
Literally 'sticky-strong', this is the most common and natural adjective for a persistent person. It emphasizes tenacity and not giving up.
彼は粘り強い交渉者だ。
He is a persistent negotiator.
粘り強く努力すれば、いつか成功する。
If you persistently make an effort, you will succeed someday.
Often has a negative nuance of being annoyingly persistent, like a pushy salesperson or someone who won't take no for an answer. Can also be used positively in some contexts, but caution is needed.
Can sound negative; use carefully. For positive persistence, prefer 粘り強い.
あのセールスマンはしつこい。
That salesman is persistent (in an annoying way).
Implies deep-seated, almost obsessive persistence, often with a grudge or strong desire. Stronger and more negative than しつこい.
彼は執念深く復讐の機会を狙っていた。
He was persistently looking for a chance for revenge.
Describing something that lasts for a long time or is difficult to get rid of, like a persistent cough, rumor, or problem.
Used for things that linger annoyingly, like a persistent cold, stain, or smell. Very common in everyday speech.
しつこい咳が治らない。
I can't get rid of this persistent cough.
この汚れはしつこくて落ちない。
This stain is persistent and won't come off.
A verb meaning 'to drag on' or 'be prolonged'. Used for situations that continue longer than expected, like a meeting, illness, or conflict.
Literally 'root-strong', used for deeply rooted, persistent beliefs, rumors, or demand. Often used in news or formal contexts.
A formal, technical term meaning 'sustained' or 'persistent'. Used in economics, science, or policy contexts.
Describing an action that is done repeatedly and often annoyingly, like persistent questioning or persistent efforts.
A very common pattern meaning 'to do something many times'. It naturally conveys persistence through repetition.
彼は何度も同じ質問をした。
He persistently asked the same question.
何度も電話したが、つながらなかった。
I persistently called, but couldn't get through.
The adverbial form of しつこい, used to describe doing something persistently, often with a negative nuance.
彼はしつこく言い寄ってきた。
He persistently made advances.
The adverbial form of 粘り強い, used for positive, determined persistence in actions.
彼女は粘り強く交渉を続けた。
She persistently continued the negotiations.
粘り強い is almost always positive, implying admirable perseverance. しつこい is often negative, implying annoyance. When describing a person, choose based on whether you want to praise or criticize their persistence. For situations, しつこい is neutral to negative, while 長引く is neutral and focuses on duration.
彼の粘り強さには感心する。
I admire his persistence.
彼のしつこさにはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his persistence.
Avoid directly translating 'persistent' as パーシステント (a loanword) in most contexts. It is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the Japanese expressions above instead.
彼女は勉強に粘り強い。
She is persistent in her studies.
長引く雨でピクニックが台無しになった。
The persistent rain ruined our picnic.
彼は粘り強く改善に努めた。
He made persistent efforts to improve.
The meeting is dragging on (is persistent).
長引く不況で多くの会社が倒産した。
Many companies went bankrupt due to the persistent recession.
That politician has persistent popularity.
根強い噂が広まっている。
A persistent rumor is spreading.
持続的な経済成長が必要だ。
Persistent economic growth is necessary.