せっせと

せ

っ

せ

と

Common wordJLPTN2Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

adverb

diligently; industriously; working hard

onomatopoeic or mimetic word

Describes working steadily and persistently, often with a sense of busy, repetitive effort. Mimetic word evoking the sound or image of continuous small movements.

彼かれは

毎まい

日にち

せっせと

働はたら

い

て

いる

。

He works diligently every day.

子こ供どもたちはせっせとおもちゃを片かた付づけた。

The children busily put away their toys.

Usage patterns

せっせと〈動どう詞し〉to do (something) diligently/steadily
彼かれは毎まい朝あさせっせと庭にわの手て入いれをしている。
He diligently tends to the garden every morning.
せっせと働はたらくto work busily and steadily
彼かの女じょは家か族ぞくのためにせっせと働はたらいている。
She works hard and steadily for her family.
せっせと通かようto diligently go back and forth (to a place)
彼かれは毎まい日にちせっせとジムに通かよっている。
He goes to the gym diligently every day.

Related words

コツコツN2
こつこつ emphasizes steady, step-by-step effort over time, while せっせと suggests a more active, bustling busyness.
一いっ生しょう懸けん命めいN4
一生懸命 stresses giving one's utmost effort toward a goal, whereas せっせと focuses on the repetitive, busy manner of working.
あくせくN1
あくせく often carries a negative nuance of fretful, harried busyness, while せっせと is more neutral or positive about diligent effort.
シコシコ
せっせと describes busily working without pause, whereas シコシコ conveys a calmer, patient repetition.

Opposites

のんびりN3
のんびり describes taking things leisurely and relaxed, the opposite of せっせと's busy, industrious effort.

Etymology

Mimetic word derived from the sound or image of quick, repeated movements; the exact origin is uncertain.