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.
He spares no effort.
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.
I studied very hard.
Strenuous efforts, often in the face of difficulty. Implies a struggle.
His strenuous efforts were rewarded.
Hard work and perseverance. Often used in the compound 刻苦勉励 (assiduous study).
After strenuous efforts, he succeeded.
Emphasizing sustained effort over time, not giving up.
Effort that is physically or mentally draining, often with a sense of hardship.
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.
All that effort for nothing. (proverb)