Translation and Meaning of: 努めて - tsutomete

The Japanese word 努めて [つとめて] is a term that carries interesting nuances and can be a bit challenging for language learners. If you've come across it in texts or conversations, you may have felt curious about its exact meaning, origin, or how to use it correctly. In this article, we will explore all of this, from the translation to the cultural context in which it appears.

In addition to understanding what 努めて means, we will see how it is perceived in Japan, its frequency in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you want to master this vocabulary and use it confidently, keep reading!

Meaning and translation of 努めて

努めて [つとめて] is an adverb that can be translated as "to strive to," "to do one's best to," or "intentionally." It is used to express the idea of doing something with dedication or purpose, often implying a conscious effort. For example, if someone says 努めて笑顔でいる (tsutomete egao de iru), it means that the person is striving to keep a smile, even in difficult situations.

It is worth noting that 努めて is not a casual word; it carries a more formal tone and reflects a deliberate attitude. Therefore, it is common to find it in contexts such as speeches, motivational texts, or advice, where the idea of perseverance and effort is central.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 努 (tsutome) is composed of two elements: the radical 力 (chikara), which means "strength," and 奴 (yatsu), which originally referred to "servant" or "worker." Together, they convey the notion of "applying strength" or "dedicating oneself to a task." This combination aptly reflects the meaning of the word, as 努めて involves an act of conscious effort.

It's interesting to note that the same kanji appears in other related words, such as 努力 (doryoku), which means "effort" or "hard work". This connection helps to understand why 努めて is linked to actions that require dedication and persistence, whether in work, studies, or personal life.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, the idea of striving is highly valued, and 努めて fits perfectly in this cultural context. It is often used in situations where individuals need to demonstrate resilience, such as in the workplace or in personal challenges. For example, a boss might say to employees: 努めて協力してください (tsutomete kyōryoku shite kudasai), that is, "please strive to cooperate".

Although it is not a common word like 頑張って (ganbatte), 努めて appears with some regularity in formal texts, self-help books, and even in political speeches. Its use reinforces the importance that Japanese society places on effort and discipline, values that are deeply rooted in the country's culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 頑張って (Ganbatte) - Do your best, give it your all.
• 努力して (Doryoku shite) - Make an effort, dedicate yourself.
• 勤めて (Tsutomete) - Work, dedicate yourself to a task or job.
• 尽力して (Jinryoku shite) - Commit completely, do your best.
• 奮闘して (Funtou shite) - Fight with effort, face challenges with determination.

努めて

Romaji: tsutomete
Kana: つとめて
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Make an effort!; Work hard!

Meaning in English: make an effort!;work hard!

Definition: To strive and aim.

Example Sentences - (努めて) tsutomete

See below some example sentences:

私は努めて日本語を勉強しています。

Watashi wa tsutomete Nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu

I am striving to study Japanese.

I'm working hard to study Japanese.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 努めて - verb meaning "to strive" or "to work hard"
• 日本語 - noun meaning "Japanese", the Japanese language
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action, in this case "study"
• 勉強しています - compound verb meaning "to be studying", in the present continuous tense

私たちは常に顧客の要望に応えるよう努めています。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni kokyaku no yōbō ni kotaeru yō tsutomete imasu

We are always striving to meet our customers' demands.

We always strive to respond to customer needs.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 顧客 - Clients
• の - in
• 要望 - Orders
• に - For
• 応える - Attend
• よう - For
• 努めています - We're making an effort