Translation guide
The English word 'ambitious' can describe a person, a goal, or a plan. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on whether you are talking about a person's character, a large-scale project, or an aspiration. Direct translations exist, but some sound more natural in specific contexts.
To describe someone who is determined to achieve success, often in career or personal goals.
A noun meaning 'an ambitious person'. It implies a strong desire for power, fame, or success. Can have a slightly negative nuance of being ruthlessly ambitious.
彼は若い頃から野心家だった。
He has been ambitious since he was young.
Literally 'to have ambition'. A common way to say someone is ambitious. More neutral than 野心家.
彼女はとても野心がある。
She is very ambitious.
A na-adjective meaning 'motivated' or 'eager'. Often used for someone who is proactive and enthusiastic about their work or studies. Less about power and more about drive.
彼は仕事に意欲的だ。
He is ambitious about his work.
Literally 'to have a desire to improve'. Describes someone who is always trying to better themselves. Very positive nuance.
彼女は向上心があるから、どんどん上達する。
She is ambitious to improve, so she gets better and better.
A literary expression meaning 'to harbor great ambitions'. Used in formal or inspirational contexts.
若者は大志を抱くべきだ。
Young people should be ambitious.
To describe a project, target, or plan that is bold and requires great effort.
A na-adjective directly meaning 'ambitious'. Used for plans, projects, goals. Can sound slightly formal or written.
これは野心的な計画だ。
This is an ambitious plan.
Also used for goals or plans, emphasizing the proactive and eager nature of the undertaking.
Literally 'big goal'. A simple and natural way to express an ambitious target without using a direct translation.
彼は大きな目標を持っている。
He has ambitious goals.
Means 'grand' or 'magnificent'. Used for very large-scale, impressive plans or visions.
To describe an action or attempt that is daring, perhaps overly so.
Means 'bold' or 'daring'. Often used for ambitious attempts or moves that involve risk.
それは大胆な試みだった。
That was an ambitious attempt.
Can also be used for attempts, but often implies a strategic or calculated ambition.
Means 'reckless' or 'foolhardy'. Used when ambition crosses into overconfidence. Negative nuance.
Only use when the ambitious attempt is clearly unwise or dangerous.
野心 (yashin) often implies a desire for power, status, or fame, and can carry a negative connotation of being ruthlessly ambitious. 意欲 (iyoku) is more about eagerness and motivation, and is generally positive. Use 意欲的 for a hardworking, driven person, and 野心家 for someone who might step on others to get ahead.
The English word 'ambitious' is often translated as 野心的 (yashinteki), but this can sound overly formal or written. In casual conversation, it's more natural to use phrases like やる気がある (yaruki ga aru - motivated) or 大きな目標を持っている (ookina mokuhyou wo motteiru - has big goals) depending on the context.
意欲的な目標を設定しよう。
Let's set ambitious goals.
壮大なプロジェクトが始まった。
An ambitious project has begun.
野心的な試みだが、成功するかもしれない。
It's an ambitious attempt, but it might succeed.
彼の計画は無謀だ。
His plan is overly ambitious (reckless).