godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
brace one's core; bear down; strain abdominal muscles
Physical sense: tensing the abdominal muscles, often when lifting or pushing something heavy. Similar to the English 'brace your core'.
重い荷物を持ち上げるときは、しっかり気張ってください。
When lifting a heavy load, please brace your core firmly.
彼
He strained his abdominal muscles and carried the heavy box.
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
exert oneself; push oneself; go all out
Figurative sense: putting in great effort, often in a determined or spirited way. Can imply a burst of energy or resolve.
試験のために気張って勉強した。
I pushed myself and studied hard for the exam.
ここが正念場だ。気張っていこう。
This is the critical moment. Let's go all out.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
splurge on; spend generously on; pay a lot for
Transitive use: spending money freely or generously on something, often beyond the usual amount. Colloquial.
彼は彼女の誕生日に気張って高いプレゼントを買った。
He splurged on an expensive present for her birthday.
今夜は気張って寿司を取ろう。
Let's splurge and order sushi tonight.