Translation guide
The English word "tenacious" covers several related ideas: holding on tightly, being persistent, and having a good memory. Japanese expresses these with different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
Describes a person or effort that continues firmly despite difficulty.
Literally 'sticky-strong', this is the most common and natural way to describe a tenacious person or attitude. It implies patience and steady effort.
He won the contract through tenacious negotiation.
Often negative, meaning 'persistent in an annoying way'. Can be used for tenacious salespeople or lingering tastes, but be careful with tone.
Can sound critical. Avoid using for positive persistence unless context makes it clear.
That salesman is tenacious, but he's a good guy at heart.
Implies deep-seated, almost obsessive persistence, often with a negative or grudging nuance. Used for someone who never forgets a grudge.
He tenaciously pursued the criminal.
Describes a physical grip or a mental hold that is firm and unyielding.
General word for 'firm' or 'steady'. For a tenacious grip, use しっかりした握り (shikkari shita nigiri).
He had a tenacious grip on the rope.
Literally 'not let go'. Used in phrases like 手を離さない (won't let go of one's hand) to express tenacity in holding on.
Onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'firmly' or 'tightly'. Often used for a solid, unyielding grip or build.
Describes a mind that holds onto facts or experiences firmly.
Standard phrase for 'has a good memory'. To emphasize tenacity, add とても (very) or use 抜群 (outstanding).
She has a tenacious memory; she never forgets anything she hears once.
Means 'learns/remembers things well'. Slightly more casual and focused on picking up new information.
粘り強い is almost always positive, implying admirable perseverance. しつこい is often negative, meaning annoyingly persistent. Use 粘り強い for a tenacious athlete; use しつこい for a tenacious mosquito.
His tenacious efforts paid off.
I'm fed up with the tenacious soliciting.
When describing a person's tenacious character, you can simply say 諦めない人 (a person who doesn't give up). This is very natural and avoids choosing a specific adjective.
He is a tenacious person who never gives up no matter the difficulty.
The child held on to his mother's hand tenaciously.
彼は私の腕をがっちりと掴んだ。
He grabbed my arm tenaciously.
Our dog has a tenacious memory and learns tricks quickly.