Translation guide
The English word "stamina" refers to physical or mental endurance, the ability to sustain prolonged effort. In Japanese, it is commonly expressed with words like スタミナ or 体力, but the best choice depends on context: general vitality, athletic endurance, mental fortitude, or figurative staying power.
The ability to keep going physically, often in sports, exercise, or daily activities.
A direct loanword from English, very common in sports, fitness, and casual conversation. It specifically refers to physical stamina and energy.
I ran out of stamina.
I'm running to build up my stamina.
Literally 'body power', this is the standard word for physical strength and endurance. It's used in both formal and casual contexts, and is broader than スタミナ, covering overall physical fitness.
Specifically means 'endurance' or 'staying power'. Often used in athletic or scientific contexts to describe the ability to sustain prolonged physical activity.
You need stamina for a marathon.
Refers to energy or vigor, often with a nuance of vitality or drive. Can be used for physical stamina but may also imply sexual vitality, so use with care.
I'm brimming with energy/stamina.
The ability to keep going mentally, such as during long study sessions, stressful work, or emotional challenges.
Literally 'mental power', this is the go-to word for mental stamina, willpower, or fortitude. It's used in both everyday and formal contexts.
Your mental stamina is tested.
Refers to patience, perseverance, and the stamina to keep doing something tedious or difficult over a long period. Often used for study or repetitive tasks.
Means 'endurance' or 'fortitude', often with a nuance of bearing hardship. It's more formal and less common in casual speech than 精神力.
The ability of something non-physical to last or remain effective, like a trend, a product, or an idea.
Means 'sustainability' or 'lasting power'. It can be used for both physical stamina and the staying power of abstract things like policies or motivation.
This policy lacks stamina/staying power.
Sometimes used figuratively in casual contexts, similar to English, e.g., 'economic stamina'. However, it's less common than literal physical uses.
スタミナ is a loanword that feels modern and sporty, while 体力 is a native Japanese word used in all contexts, including medical and everyday life. 体力 can also refer to overall physical strength, not just endurance. For general 'physical stamina', both are fine, but 体力 is safer in formal writing.
精力 can imply sexual vitality or virility. While it can mean general energy, it's safer to use 体力 or スタミナ for physical stamina unless the context is clearly about vigor or drive.
I got through it with mental stamina.
It's important to keep at it with stamina/patience.
It's a job that requires stamina/endurance.
このチームにはスタミナがある。
This team has stamina (staying power).