Translation guide
Expresses the idea of making great, often exhausting, effort. Japanese conveys this through nouns, verbs, and set phrases that emphasize hard work, perseverance, or struggle.
Describing the act of working very hard, often physically or mentally demanding.
The most general and common word for effort or hard work. Can be used in many contexts.
彼は努力を惜しまない。
He spares no effort.
努力が実を結んだ。
The hard work paid off.
Adverb/noun meaning 'with all one's might' or 'very hard'. Commonly used with verbs like 頑張る or 働く.
一生懸命勉強した。
I studied very hard.
Strenuous efforts, often in the face of difficulty. Implies a struggle.
彼の奮闘は報われた。
His strenuous efforts were rewarded.
Hard work and perseverance. Often used in the compound 刻苦勉励 (assiduous study).
刻苦勉励の末、成功した。
After strenuous efforts, he succeeded.
Emphasizing sustained effort over time, not giving up.
Noun form of 頑張る (to do one's best). Connotes persistent effort and determination.
彼の頑張りには感心する。
I admire his persistent efforts.
Tenacity, persistence. Literally 'stickiness', metaphorically not giving up.
Effort that is physically or mentally draining, often with a sense of hardship.
Hardship, toil, trouble. Implies effort that involves suffering or difficulty.
苦労して山頂に着いた。
We reached the summit after strenuous efforts.
Literally 'bone-breaking', meaning great effort or pains taken.
努力 is a more formal, objective term for effort, while 頑張り is more emotional and personal, often used to praise someone's spirit.
The English phrase 'strenuous efforts' can sound unnatural if directly translated. Use the Japanese words above depending on context, rather than trying to combine 激しい (intense) with 努力.
粘り強い努力が必要だ。
Tenacious efforts are necessary.
骨折り損のくたびれ儲け。
All that effort for nothing. (proverb)