Translation guide
This English phrase describes persistent, hard work in the face of difficulties. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through specific compound verbs, idiomatic phrases, or proverbs that emphasize perseverance, effort, and patience.
To describe the act of working hard and persevering despite difficulties or suffering.
A formal, written term meaning 'to work hard and persevere,' often used in contexts of diligent study or training.
彼は刻苦勉励して医者になった。
He worked diligently and endured hardships to become a doctor.
Similar to 刻苦勉励, emphasizing both hard work and refinement of skills. Slightly more formal.
刻苦精励の末、成功を収めた。
After working diligently and enduring hardships, he achieved success.
Literally 'to work without sparing one's bones and flesh,' meaning to work tirelessly and selflessly despite physical strain.
彼は家族のために骨身を惜しまず働いた。
He worked diligently, enduring hardships for his family.
Literally 'to work until one's body turns to powder,' expressing extreme dedication and hard work despite exhaustion.
彼女は身を粉にして働いて、子供を育てた。
She worked diligently, enduring hardships to raise her children.
Means 'to accumulate hardships' or 'to go through many difficulties,' often implying persistent effort over time.
苦労を重ねて、やっと夢を叶えた。
After working diligently and enduring many hardships, he finally realized his dream.
To emphasize the aspect of enduring or tolerating difficulties while continuing to work.
A common verb meaning 'to endure, be patient, persevere.' Often used in work contexts.
辛抱強く働き続けた。
He continued working diligently, enduring hardships.
Means 'to endure, put up with.' More about tolerating unpleasantness than active diligence, but often used together with work.
彼は我慢して厳しい仕事を続けた。
He endured the hardships and continued the tough work.
A compound verb meaning 'to endure patiently,' often used in literary or formal contexts.
To use well-known sayings that encapsulate the idea of working hard through adversity.
Proverb meaning 'Even on a cold stone, if you sit for three years, it will become warm.' Encourages perseverance; implies that enduring hardship will eventually lead to success.
石の上にも三年というから、もう少し頑張ろう。
They say perseverance pays off, so let's keep working diligently a little longer.
Literally 'fall seven times, stand up eight.' Emphasizes resilience and never giving up despite repeated failures or hardships.
七転び八起きの精神で、困難を乗り越えた。
With the spirit of never giving up, he overcame hardships through diligent work.
Directly translating 'working diligently enduring hardships' word-for-word into Japanese will sound unnatural. Instead, use the idiomatic expressions or compound verbs provided.
Choose the expression based on formality and medium. 刻苦勉励 is suitable for written, formal contexts like speeches or essays, while 骨身を惜しまず働く is better for casual conversation.
彼は苦難に耐え忍んで働いた。
He worked diligently, enduring hardships.