Translation and Meaning of: 励む - hagemu

The Japanese word 励む[はげむ] carries a deep and motivating meaning, often associated with effort and dedication. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding how this term is used in daily life and its relationship with Japanese culture can be quite enriching. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 励む appears, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

In addition to being a common verb, 励む reflects important values in Japanese society, such as perseverance and discipline. Whether in studies, work, or hobbies, the Japanese use this word to express a genuine commitment to progress. Let's dive into the details that make this expression an essential part of the Japanese vocabulary.

Meaning and use of 励む

励む is a verb that means "to strive," "to dedicate oneself," or "to apply oneself with effort." It is used when someone is intensely committed to an activity, whether in work, studies, or even a hobby. Unlike simply "to work" (働く), 励む carries a nuance of persistence and internal motivation.

A common example is in education, where teachers encourage students to 励む in their studies. In the corporate environment, employees may be praised for 励んでいる (working hard). This word not only describes an action but also conveys a sense of purpose and continuous improvement.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 励 is composed of two elements: the radical for "strength" (力) and the component 厉, which suggests rigidity or severity. Together, they reinforce the idea of applying force in a disciplined manner. This combination reflects well the meaning of the word, which goes beyond physical effort and includes mental determination.

The origin of the term dates back to ancient Japanese, where it already carried the idea of encouragement and persistence. Over the centuries, its use has remained consistent, demonstrating how values such as diligence are central to Japanese culture. Unlike some words that change meaning over time, 励む has preserved its motivational essence.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 励む is to associate it with situations of personal overcoming. Think of someone studying for an exam or training for a marathon – these are scenarios where はげむ fits perfectly. Repeating phrases like "勉強にはげむ" (to strive in studies) also helps to reinforce the vocabulary.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 励 and remember that it combines strength (力) with discipline. This mental image can facilitate the memorization of both the writing and the meaning. Avoid confusing it with words like 頑張る (ganbaru), which has a more generic tone of "doing your best." 励む is more specific, indicating a continuous and focused effort.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 奮闘する (Funtō suru) - Fight with determination; strive to the fullest.
• 頑張る (Ganbaru) - Do the best you can; persist in an effort.
• 努める (Tsutomeru) - Strive; dedicate oneself to a task.
• 精進する (Shōjin suru) - Devote yourself to improvement; the intense focus on a practice or skill.
• 力を入れる (Chikara o ireru) - Put in effort; dedicate energy warmly to an activity.

励む

Romaji: hagemu
Kana: はげむ
Type: Verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: be zealous; get ready; strive; strive; make an effort

Meaning in English: to be zealous;to brace oneself;to endeavour;to strive;to make an effort

Definition: = Make an effort to reach your goals.

Example Sentences - (励む) hagemu

See below some example sentences:

私は毎日励んでいます。

Watashi wa mainichi hageman de imasu

I make an effort every day.

I work hard every day.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 毎日 - adverb meaning "every day"
• 励んでいます - verb that means "to strive" or "to work hard," conjugated in the polite present continuous