Translation guide
The ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges; self-discipline and determination.
I don't have the willpower to diet.
Natural but slightly formal. More casual: ダイエットのやる気が出ない。
She has amazing willpower.
The general ability to resist impulses, stick to goals, or do what needs to be done despite difficulty.
The most direct translation for 'willpower' as a psychological strength. Common in self-help and formal contexts.
People with strong willpower tend to achieve their goals.
Dieting requires willpower.
Emphasizes self-restraint and the ability to control desires or emotions. Often used in contexts of resisting temptation.
Mental strength or fortitude. Broader than willpower, often used for enduring hardship or maintaining focus.
Literary term for self-conquest or self-mastery. Rare in everyday speech, but appears in philosophical or martial arts contexts.
The firm decision to achieve something, often in the face of obstacles.
Will, volition, or determination. Often used in phrases like 'strong will' or 'will to do something'.
He has a strong will.
My will is weak, so I end up eating sweets.
Resolution or determination, often for a specific goal. Implies a conscious decision.
Motivation or drive to do something. More about enthusiasm than strict self-control, but often overlaps with willpower in casual contexts.
The act of saying no to a particular desire, like food, shopping, or procrastination.
To endure, bear, or put up with something. Very common for resisting urges or discomfort.
I resist sweets. / I hold back from eating sweets.
I can't resist any longer!
To suppress or hold back (tears, laughter, anger, etc.). More about emotional control.
To cut off or abstain from something. Often used for quitting habits.
I cut out sweets.
意志力 (willpower) is the psychological resource for self-control. 自制心 (self-control) is the trait of restraining impulses. 精神力 (mental strength) is broader, encompassing resilience and endurance. In daily conversation, 意志力 and 自制心 are often interchangeable, but 自制心 is more about resisting temptation, while 意志力 can also refer to proactive goal pursuit.
When willpower is depleted, self-control also weakens.
意志力 is a somewhat formal or psychological term. In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers often use simpler expressions like 我慢する (to endure) or やる気 (motivation) instead of explicitly saying 'willpower'.
I'm on a diet, but I resisted the cake. (Natural)
It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.
I wish I had more willpower.
Please tell me how to strengthen my self-control.
He lacks self-control.
I overcame the difficulty through mental strength.
克己心を養う。
Cultivate self-mastery.
He resolved to quit smoking.
I can't muster the willpower/motivation.
涙をこらえた。
I held back my tears.
ダイエット中だけど、意志力でケーキを断った。
I'm on a diet, and I refused the cake through willpower. (Unnatural/overly formal)