Translation guide
The English verb 'strive' means to make great efforts or to struggle toward a goal. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that convey effort, hard work, and determination. The most common and natural equivalents depend on the context: whether it's about general effort, striving for a specific goal, or struggling against difficulties.
Expressing that someone puts in significant effort or works diligently, often in a general sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'strive'. It means to make an effort or endeavor. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は成功するために努力している。
He is striving to succeed.
It's important to keep striving toward your goals.
A very common and versatile verb meaning to do one's best, persist, or work hard. It's used in everyday conversation and carries a sense of determination. Often used to encourage others (頑張って).
試験のために頑張っています。
I'm striving for the exam.
彼女は毎日遅くまで頑張っている。
She strives every day until late.
Means to strive, endeavor, or be diligent. Slightly more formal and often used in written contexts or speeches. It implies a focused, sustained effort.
研究に励んでいます。
I am striving in my research.
Literally 'to put out one's energy', meaning to work hard or devote oneself to something. It's a bit idiomatic and less common in casual speech.
彼は仕事に精を出している。
He is striving at his work.
Emphasizing the difficulty or the competitive aspect of striving, often against obstacles.
Means to struggle hard, fight bravely, or make a strenuous effort. It conveys a sense of battling against difficulties.
彼らは困難に負けずに奮闘した。
They strove without giving in to difficulties.
Means to endeavor, strive, or make an effort. Often used in formal contexts and with a sense of duty or conscious effort. Commonly used in the form 〜ように努める (strive to do something).
問題の解決に努めます。
I will strive to solve the problem.
Literally 'to pile up efforts', meaning to make repeated or accumulated efforts. It emphasizes continuous striving over time.
彼は努力を重ねて、ついに夢を実現した。
He strove repeatedly and finally realized his dream.
Focusing on the goal or aspiration rather than the effort itself, often used with targets or ideals.
Means 'to aim for' or 'to strive for'. It is used when there is a clear goal or target. Very common and natural.
彼は医者を目指して勉強している。
He is striving to become a doctor.
より良い社会を目指して努力しよう。
Let's strive for a better society.
Means 'to pursue' or 'to strive after'. It is used for abstract goals like happiness, truth, or excellence. More formal.
彼は幸福を追求している。
He is striving for happiness.
努力する is more formal and objective, often used in writing or serious speech. 頑張る is more emotional and personal, frequently used in daily conversation and encouragement. 頑張る can also imply enduring hardship, while 努力する focuses on the act of making an effort.
努力すれば報われる。
If you strive, you will be rewarded.
頑張れ！
Do your best! / Strive!
English often uses 'strive for' + noun. In Japanese, it's more natural to use 〜を目指す or 〜に努める rather than a direct translation. For example, 'strive for excellence' is naturally 卓越を目指す, not 卓越のために努力する, though the latter is understandable.
私たちは平和を目指して努力しなければならない。
We must strive for peace.
彼女は毎日スキルを向上させようと努めている。
She strives to improve her skills every day.