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.
He is a persistent negotiator.
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.
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.
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.
I can't get rid of this persistent cough.
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.
He persistently asked the same question.
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.
He persistently made advances.
The adverbial form of 粘り強い, used for positive, determined persistence in actions.
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.
I admire his persistence.
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.
She is persistent in her studies.
The persistent rain ruined our picnic.
He made persistent efforts to improve.
This stain is persistent and won't come off.
会議が長引いている。
The meeting is dragging on (is persistent).
Many companies went bankrupt due to the persistent recession.
その政治家には根強い人気がある。
That politician has persistent popularity.
A persistent rumor is spreading.
持続的な経済成長が必要だ。
Persistent economic growth is necessary.