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:

私は隙がないように努力しています。

Watashi wa sukima ga nai you ni doryoku shiteimasu

I'm trying hard not to have gaps.

I'm working hard not to take a chance.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 隙 (suki) - Japanese noun meaning "gap", "gap", "opportunity"
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ない (nai) - negative form of the verb "aru" (to be)
• ように (you ni) - Japanese expression indicating the intention or purpose of an action
• 努力 (doryoku) - Japanese noun meaning "effort", "dedication"
• しています (shite imasu) - present form of the verb "suru" (to do) with the auxiliary "imasu" (to be doing)

自分の努力で才能が殖える。

Jibun no doryoku de sainou ga fuetoru

Your talent will grow with your own efforts.

• 自分 - personal pronoun that means "myself"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my"
• 努力 - noun meaning "effort, endeavor"
• で - particle that indicates means, in this case, "through"
• 才能 - noun that means "talent, skill"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "talent"
• 殖える - Verb that means "to grow, increase"

自ずから努力することが成功への鍵です。

Jizukara doryoku suru koto ga seikou e no kagi desu

The key to success is working hard.

• 自ずから - on its own, naturally
• 努力すること - strive, dedicate
• 成功への - towards success
• 鍵 - key