Translation guide
The English word 'striving' refers to making great efforts to achieve something, often with a sense of struggle or determination. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and nouns that emphasize effort, perseverance, and ambition.
To express the act of working hard toward a goal, often with determination.
The most common and neutral way to say 'to strive' or 'to make an effort'. It can be used in both formal and casual contexts.
彼は成功するために努力している。
He is striving to succeed.
A very common, slightly casual verb meaning 'to do one's best' or 'to persevere'. Often used to encourage someone or describe personal effort.
試験のために頑張っています。
I'm striving for the exam.
A slightly formal verb meaning 'to strive' or 'to devote oneself to'. Often used in written language or formal speech.
彼は研究に励んでいる。
He is striving in his research.
A formal verb meaning 'to endeavor' or 'to strive'. Often used in business or official contexts.
問題解決に努めます。
We will strive to solve the problem.
To describe the ongoing nature of striving, often as a personal quality or lifestyle.
The noun form meaning 'effort' or 'striving'. Can be used in phrases like 'striving is important'.
努力は報われる。
Striving pays off.
Literally 'to continue effort', meaning to keep striving.
彼は努力を続けている。
He keeps striving.
To express striving toward a particular objective or ambition.
A pattern meaning 'to strive aiming for ~'. Replace 〜 with the goal.
彼は医者を目指して努力している。
He is striving to become a doctor.
A casual pattern meaning 'to do one's best toward ~'.
大会に向けて頑張ろう。
Let's strive for the tournament.
To emphasize striving despite difficulties or challenges.
Means 'to strive desperately' or 'to make a frantic effort'. Conveys a sense of urgency.
彼は必死に努力して合格した。
He strove desperately and passed.
Means 'to struggle' or 'to strive hard', often against difficulties. Slightly formal.
チームは最後まで奮闘した。
The team strove until the end.
努力する is more formal and objective, while 頑張る is warmer and often used in daily conversation or to cheer someone on. 頑張る can also imply emotional support, whereas 努力する focuses on the act of effort itself.
English often uses the gerund 'striving' as a noun. In Japanese, it's more natural to use the noun 努力 or a verb phrase. Avoid directly translating 'striving' as a single noun in all cases.