Translation and Meaning of: 努力 - doryoku

The Japanese word 努力[どりょく] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. It carries a deep meaning and reflects important values in Japanese society. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you want to understand why 努力 is so relevant, keep reading!

In addition to being commonly found in books, animes, and motivational speeches, 努力 also appears in academic and professional contexts. Its usage goes far beyond a simple translation to "effort." Here, you will discover cultural nuances, practical examples, and how this word connects with the Japanese mindset of perseverance and dedication.

Meaning and origin of 努力

The word 努力 is composed of two kanjis: 努 (to strive) and 力 (strength). Together, they form the concept of "dedicated effort" or "hard work." Unlike other words that may indicate a momentary effort, 努力 implies a continuous persistence, often with a clear goal in mind.

According to the Japanese dictionary 大辞林, 努力 is defined as "to apply physical or mental energy to achieve something." This definition reinforces the idea that it is not just about trying, but about maintaining a constant commitment. The origin of the kanji 努 traces back to the Chinese concept of "effort," while 力 is associated with ability and vigor.

Cultural and social use of 努力

In Japan, 努力 is more than just a word—it's a cultural value. From an early age, children are taught to value continuous effort, whether in studies, sports, or the arts. This concept is deeply tied to the philosophy that dedication, even without innate talent, can lead to success.

In companies and schools, it is common to hear phrases like "努力は必ず報われる" (effort will definitely be rewarded). This mindset reflects the Japanese belief in the power of persistence. Unlike cultures that may prioritize quick results, in Japan, the process of making an effort is valued just as much as the final goal.

How to memorize and use 努力 correctly

An effective way to fix 努力 in memory is to associate it with real situations. For example, think of an athlete who trains daily for a competition—that is 努力. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "彼は努力家だ" (he is a hardworking person), which help to understand the everyday use of the word.

Avoid confusing 努力 with terms like 頑張る (to strive in a specific moment). While 頑張る can be used for immediate encouragement, 努力 refers to a prolonged effort. Understanding this difference is crucial for using the word naturally in conversations or texts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 努める (Tsutomeru) - Stay committed to achieving a goal.
• 頑張る (Ganbaru) - Make the best effort possible; persist.
• 努力する (Doryoku suru) - Make conscious efforts to achieve something.
• 奮闘する (Funtō suru) - Make intense and determined efforts in a task.
• 精進する (Shōjin suru) - Dedicate yourself and improve in a skill or task.
• 力を尽くす (Chikara wo tsukusu) - To use all one’s strength and capability for something.
• 努めて (Tsutomete) - Putting effort into something, usually referred to in a continuous context.
• 努めている (Tsutome te iru) - Currently striving to make an effort.
• 努力中 (Doryoku chū) - Currently making an effort on a specific task.
• 努力家 (Doryokuka) - Someone who dedicates themselves to making constant efforts.
• 努力家の (Doryokuka no) - Related to a person dedicated to efforts.
• 努力家たち (Doryokuka-tachi) - Group of people dedicated to efforts.
• 努力家たちの (Doryokuka-tachi no) - Possessive related to the efforts of a dedicated group of people.
• 努力家たちに (Doryokuka-tachi ni) - Directed at a group of people who make efforts.
• 努力家たちへ (Doryokuka-tachi e) - Towards a group of people dedicated to efforts.
• 努力家たちから (Doryokuka-tachi kara) - From a group of people who make efforts.
• 努力家たちまで (Doryokuka-tachi made) - Even a group of people dedicated to efforts.
• 努力家たちと (Doryokuka-tachi to) - With a group of people who dedicate themselves to efforts.
• 努力家たちでも (Doryokuka-tachi demo) - Even among a group of people dedicated to efforts.
• 努力家たちにも (Doryokuka-tachi ni mo) - Also aimed at a group of people who strive.
• 努力家たちには (Doryokuka-tachi ni wa) - Regarding a group of people who make efforts.

努力

Romaji: doryoku
Kana: どりょく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: big effort; effort; effort; effort

Meaning in English: great effort;exertion;endeavour;effort

Definition: Trying to achieve something with all your might.

Example Sentences - (努力) doryoku

See below some example sentences:

彼の努力が成程、成功へと繋がった。

Kare no doryoku ga naruhodo, seikou e to tsunagatta.

His effort, in fact, led to success.

His effort really resulted in success.

• 彼 (かれ, kare): he
• の (no): possessive particle (of)
• 努力 (どりょく, doryoku): effort
• が (ga): subject particle
• 成程 (なるほど, naruhodo): in fact
• 成功 (せいこう, seikou): success
• へ (e): direction particle (to)
• と (to): citation particle (here, indicating result)
• 繋がった (つながった, tsunagatta): connected, took to

頂点を目指して努力し続ける。

Chouten wo mezashite doryoku shitsuzukeru

Keep striving to reach the top.

Keep aiming for the top.

• 頂点 - top, peak
• を - direct object particle
• 目指して - To aim, to have as a goal
• 努力 - effort, commitment
• し続ける - keep doing

私たちは目標を定めて努力します。

Watashitachi wa mokuhyō o sadameru shite doryoku shimasu

We set goals and strive to achieve them.

We set goals and we will work hard.

• 私たちは - We
• 目標を - Goals
• 定めて - We define
• 努力します - We strive

相当な努力が必要です。

Sōtōna doryoku ga hitsuyōdesu

Considerable effort is required.

You need considerable effort.

• 相当な - means "considerable" or "quite a lot".
• 努力 - means "effort" or "dedication".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - polite way of "being" or "being".

多少の努力は必要です。

Tashou no doryoku wa hitsuyou desu

Some effort is required.

Some efforts are needed.

• 多少 - It means "a little" or "some quantity."
• の - Possessive particle, indicating that "um pouco" belongs to something or someone.
• 努力 - means "effort" or "dedication".
• は - topic particle, indicating that "effort" is the theme of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - verb ser/estar in the polite form.

努力は必ず報われる。

Doryoku wa kanarazu mukuwareru

Effort is always rewarded.

Effort is always rewarded.

• 努力 - Effort, dedication
• は - Topic particle
• 必ず - certainly, for sure
• 報われる - to be rewarded, to be gratified

天才は努力の結果です。

Tensai wa doryoku no kekka desu

A genius is the result of effort.

• 天才 - It means "genius" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "genius".
• 努力 - It means "effort" in Japanese.
• の - Particle of possession in Japanese, indicating that the "effort" belongs to the "genius."
• 結果 - It means "result" in Japanese.
• です - The verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the "result" is the "genius" as a result of "effort."

尚更努力しようと思います。

Shoukou doryoku shiyou to omoimasu

I will try even harder.

I will try to work harder.

• 尚更 - even more
• 努力 - effort
• しよう - tentar/fazer
• と - connective that indicates that the previous sentence is the reason for the next
• 思います - pensar/considerar

彼女は社会的な地位を高めるために努力している。

Kanojo wa shakaiteki na chii o takameru tame ni doryoku shite iru

She is trying hard to increase her social standing.

She is working hard to improve her social status.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 社会的な (shakaitekina) - Social
• 地位 (chii) - Position
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 高める (takameru) - increase
• ために (tameni) - For
• 努力している (doryoku shiteiru) - You are making an effort.

彼女に近付けるように努力しています。

Kanojo ni chikazukeru you ni doryoku shiteimasu

I'm trying hard to get closer to her.

I'm trying to get closer to her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or recipient of the action
• 近付ける (chikazukeru) - a verb meaning "to approach"
• ように (youni) - an expression meaning "so as"
• 努力しています (doryokushiteimasu) - a verb meaning "I am trying hard"