Translation guide
Expresses the idea of working hard, with diligence, effort, and persistence. Japanese often uses specific verbs and set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
General expression for working diligently, putting in steady effort.
The most common and natural way to say 'work hard'. 一生懸命 means 'with all one's might'.
彼は毎日一生懸命働いている。
He works diligently every day.
Emphasizes working seriously, earnestly, and conscientiously.
彼女は真面目に働く人です。
She is a person who works diligently.
Implies working steadily and persistently, little by little, without giving up.
毎日コツコツ働いて、やっと目標を達成した。
By working diligently every day, I finally achieved my goal.
A more formal or literary expression for working diligently. 勤勉 means 'industrious' or 'diligent'.
彼は勤勉に働き、成功を収めた。
He worked diligently and achieved success.
Focusing on putting in effort, often with a sense of dedication or striving.
The most direct way to say 'make an effort' or 'work hard'. Can be used alone or with other verbs.
成功するために努力している。
I am working diligently to succeed.
Literally 'put out one's spirit/energy', meaning to work diligently or devote oneself to a task.
彼は仕事に精を出している。
He is working diligently at his job.
A verb meaning to strive, work hard, or be diligent. Often used in formal or written contexts.
Emphasizing continuous, tireless effort, often with a nuance of not slacking off.
Literally 'work without resting', conveying diligence through continuous effort.
彼らは休まず働いて、プロジェクトを完成させた。
They worked diligently without rest and completed the project.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'diligently', 'busily', or 'assiduously'. Conveys a sense of steady, cheerful industry.
彼女は毎日せっせと働いている。
She works diligently every day.
一生懸命 is the most general and widely used for 'working hard'. 真面目に adds a nuance of seriousness and conscientiousness. コツコツ emphasizes steady, persistent effort over time, like 'plugging away'.
Directly translating 'diligently' as 勤勉に can sound stiff or bookish in casual conversation. Use 一生懸命 or 真面目に for everyday speech.
I work diligently on my research every day.