Translation guide
Expresses putting in great effort, diligence, or labor. Japanese has many nuanced ways to say 'work hard,' depending on context: physical labor, studying, striving toward a goal, or encouraging someone.
I work hard every day.
Work hard! (encouragement)
To say someone works hard in general, is diligent, or puts in a lot of effort.
The most common and neutral way to say 'work hard' (literally 'work with all one's might'). Suitable for both physical and mental work.
He works hard every day.
Very common, slightly more casual than 一生懸命. Often used in spoken encouragement or self-motivation.
Means 'diligent' or 'hardworking' as a character trait. Often used in formal or written contexts.
Means 'to make an effort' or 'to strive.' Focuses on the act of trying hard, often toward a goal.
I'm working hard to succeed.
To emphasize hard physical work, often with a sense of toil or sweat.
To express working hard in an academic context, such as studying or preparing for exams.
Means 'to study furiously/intensely.' Very common for exam preparation.
Cheering someone on or telling them to do their best.
The most common way to say 'Do your best!' or 'Work hard!' Used in countless situations.
To describe working hard in one's job or career, often with a sense of dedication.
Means 'to devote oneself to work.' Implies passion and immersion.
一生懸命 describes the manner of working hard (adverb), while 頑張って is often used as encouragement ('Do your best'). 頑張って働く combines both.
I studied hard.
Let's work hard today too.
She is a very hardworking student.
My father worked hard (by the sweat of his brow) to support the family.
Means 'to work risking one's body,' implying physically demanding or dangerous work.
He is a craftsman who works hard physically.
Literally 'put out spirit/energy,' meaning to work diligently, often physically. Slightly old-fashioned.
The farmer is working hard in the fields.
I studied really hard before the exam.
Literally 'study desperately,' conveys a sense of urgency and extreme effort.
He is studying desperately hard to pass.
Slang for 'to grind/study obsessively,' often with a negative nuance of being a nerd.
He's always grinding away at his studies.
Good luck on your exam (Work hard!).
Means 'Do it properly/thoroughly,' often used to encourage someone to work hard and not slack off.
Please work hard at your job.
Literally 'Do your best with all your might.' Stronger encouragement, often used in sports or challenges.
Give it your all in the match!
He is working hard on the new project.
Onomatopoeic phrase meaning 'to work energetically/hard,' often used for ambitious career people.
She's a career woman who works really hard.
Means 'to struggle hard' or 'to fight hard,' often used in business or sports contexts.
The employees are working hard to achieve the target.
頑張って！
Work hard! / Good luck!
Avoid directly translating 'work hard' as ハードに働く (hādo ni hataraku). While understood, it sounds unnatural. Use the phrases above instead.