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努力
doryoku
What does "努力" mean in English?
effort彼は毎日努力しています。
He is making efforts every day.
How to use "努力" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
Consistent hard work and persistent effort to achieve a goal, often requiring dedication over time.
成功するためには、努力が必要です。
Effort is necessary to succeed.
彼女は努力家で、毎日勉強しています。
She is hardworking and studies every day.
Used in both personal and professional contexts to describe sustained work toward improvement or achievement.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 努力 vs. 頑張る
努力 is a noun describing the act or quality of effort, while 頑張る (ganbaru) is a verb meaning 'to do one's best.' Use 努力 to describe the effort itself (e.g., 彼の努力は素晴らしい 'His effort is admirable') and 頑張る to encourage action (e.g., 頑張って！ 'Do your best!').
Gold Rule
When to Use 努力
Use 努力 when referring to sustained, measurable effort toward a specific goal, especially in contexts like studying, work, or personal growth. It implies a process rather than a one-time action.
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 努力 (nǔ lì), combining 努 (nǔ, 'to exert') and 力 (lì, 'strength'). Entered Japanese as a compound word with the same meaning, emphasizing the combination of mental and physical exertion.
Usage Notes
While similar to 'hard work' in English, 努力 carries a stronger connotation of persistent, long-term dedication rather than short-term intensity. It is commonly used in educational, professional, and personal development contexts.
Word Breakdown
努
to exert (mental or physical strength)
root力
strength, power
root和英辞典