taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
diligent; absorbed; engrossed
Literary or formal word describing someone who is diligently absorbed in a task, often with a sense of single-minded devotion. Commonly used as 〜とした or 〜と.
He is diligently absorbed in his research.
His figure, working diligently, earned the respect of those around him.
Kanji spelling; the repetition mark 々 is used. The variant 汲汲 is also seen.
Kana spelling; useful for learners since the kanji forms are rare.
Alternate kanji spelling without the repetition mark.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 汲 means 'draw water', and the reduplicated form 汲々 likely developed the sense of continuously drawing or applying oneself, hence 'diligent'.