Translation and Meaning of: 尽くす - tsukusu

The Japanese word 尽くす (つくす) carries a deep and culturally relevant meaning, often associated with dedication, total effort, or even sacrifice. If you are looking to understand its use, translation, or how it fits into everyday Japanese life, this article will explore all this clearly and practically. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful explanations for students and curious learners of the Japanese language.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 尽くす, we will explore its origin, how it is perceived in Japan, and in which contexts it most frequently appears. Whether in personal relationships, work, or even in popular expressions, this word reflects important values of Japanese society. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 尽くす

尽くす is a verb that conveys the idea of fully dedicating oneself to something or someone, often implying intense effort or even selflessness. It can be translated as "to do one's utmost," "to dedicate oneself wholeheartedly," or "to exhaust resources." Unlike simply helping, 尽くす suggests a commitment that goes beyond what is expected.

A common example is its use in relationships, where someone says "彼女に尽くす" (kanojo ni tsukusu), indicating that they dedicate themselves entirely to their partner. In the workplace, the expression "仕事に尽くす" (shigoto ni tsukusu) shows someone who is extremely committed to their tasks. This nuance of total effort is what differentiates 尽くす from more neutral verbs like 助ける (tasukeru – to help).

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 尽, which forms part of the word, is composed of the radical 尸 (representing something related to "body" or "person") combined with 尺 (which in the past suggested the idea of "measure" or "limit"). Together, they convey the notion of "bringing something to the limit," which perfectly aligns with the current meaning of 尽くす. This etymology is confirmed by sources such as Kanjigen and the Gakken Kanji Dictionary.

It is worth noting that 尽 alone can be read as "jin" or "tsukusu," but in its verb form, it is almost always つくす. Although it is not one of the most frequent kanji in everyday Japanese, it appears in important expressions such as 力尽きる (chikara tsukiru – to run out of strength) or 尽きる (tsukiru – to be exhausted). Its use in 尽くす reinforces this idea of something that has been taken to the end, without reservations.

"Dedication" in Japanese culture

In Japan, the idea of fully dedicating oneself to something is highly valued, especially in contexts like work, family, and relationships. 尽くす often appears in dramas and songs to describe characters who sacrifice themselves for others, reflecting values such as 自己犠牲 (jiko gisei – self-sacrifice) and 義務 (gimu – duty).

On the other hand, it is important to note that, among younger generations, excessive use of 尽くす is sometimes viewed with caution, especially when it suggests imbalance in relationships. Expressions like "尽くしすぎ" (tsukushi-sugi – over-dedication) can have a negative connotation, indicating that someone is losing themselves for another person. This duality shows how the word is connected to broader cultural discussions in contemporary Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 尽くす

• 尽くす - dictionary form
• 尽くします - polite form
• 尽くしている - Continuous form
• 尽くさない - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 尽力する (Jinryoku suru) - Make the best possible effort.
• 全力を尽くす (Zenryoku o tsukusu) - Devote all efforts; do your best.
• 努力する (Doryoku suru) - Strive to achieve a goal.
• 精一杯する (Seiippai suru) - Give your best in a specific task.
• 献身する (Kenshin suru) - Devote yourself completely to a cause or person.

尽くす

Romaji: tsukusu
Kana: つくす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: exhaust; to finish; serve (a person); make friendship

Meaning in English: to exhaust;to run out;to serve (a person);to befriend

Definition: To perform an action to the fullest extent possible.

Example Sentences - (尽くす) tsukusu

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女に尽くすことを決めました。

Watashi wa kanojo ni tsukusu koto o kimemashita

I decided to dedicate myself to her.

I decided to do my best.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - noun that means "girlfriend"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case "for my girlfriend"
• 尽くす (tsukusu) - A verb that means "to dedicate oneself," "to serve," or "to treat with care."
• こと (koto) - noun that means "thing," used to transform the verb into a noun
• を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the action, in this case "the dedication"
• 決めました (kimemashita) - verb that means "to decide," conjugated in the past, indicating that the action has already been completed.

主催者はこのイベントを成功させるために全力を尽くします。

Shusaisya wa kono ibento wo seikou saseru tame ni zenryoku wo tsukushimasu

The organizer will do his best to make this event a success.

The organizer will do everything possible to make this event successful.

• 主催者 (shusai-sha) - organizer
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• この (kono) - this
• イベント (ibento) - event
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 成功 (seikou) - success
• させる (saseru) - make
• ために (tame ni) - for
• 全力 (zenryoku) - all the power
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 尽くします (tsukushimasu) - do the best we can

彼は敵を潰すために全力を尽くした。

Kare wa teki o tsubusu tame ni zenryoku o tsukushita

He gave it all of himself to crush the enemy.

He did his best to crush the enemy.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 敵 - Japanese noun that means "enemy"
• を - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence
• 潰す - Japanese verb that means "to crush" or "to destroy."
• ために - Japanese expression that means "for" or "in order to"
• 全力を尽くした - Japanese expression that means "did your best" or "did everything you could"

私たちはあなたの期待に応えるために最善を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa anata no kitai ni kotaeru tame ni saizen o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to meet your expectations.

We will do our best to meet your expectations.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• あなたの - "Your" in Japanese
• 期待 - "Expectation" in Japanese
• に - Japanese particle indicating the target of an action
• 応える - "Answering in Japanese
• ために - "To" or "in order to" in Japanese
• 最善 - "Best" or "great" in Japanese
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of an action
• 尽くします - "Do your utmost" or "do everything possible" in Japanese

私たちは家族を守るために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa kazoku o mamoru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to protect the family.

• 私たちは - "We"
• 家族を - "Family"
• 守るために - "To protect"
• 全力を尽くします - "We'll do our best"

私たちは任務を完了するために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa ninmu o kanryou suru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to complete the mission.

• 私たちは - We
• 任務を - mission
• 完了する - complete
• ために - for
• 全力を尽くします - do our best

私たちは目論見を達成するために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa mokuroumi o tassei suru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to achieve our perspectives.

• 私たちは - We
• 目論見 - Plan, objective
• を - object particle
• 達成する - Achieve, accomplish
• ために - to, with the objective of
• 全力を尽くします - We'll do our best