Translation guide
The concept of diligence in Japanese is expressed through words emphasizing steady effort, perseverance, and industriousness. The most common and natural term is 勤勉 (kinben), but other words like 努力 (doryoku) and 精励 (seirei) are used depending on context and nuance.
Expressing the quality of being consistently hardworking and attentive to one's duties or studies.
The most direct and common translation for 'diligence'. It implies steady, earnest effort in work or study. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼は勤勉な学生です。
He is a diligent student.
勤勉さが成功の鍵だ。
Diligence is the key to success.
Means 'effort' or 'hard work'. Often used in the context of striving toward a goal. While not a direct synonym for 'diligence', it captures the active, persistent effort aspect.
彼の努力が実を結んだ。
His diligence bore fruit.
A more formal or literary term meaning 'diligence' or 'assiduity'. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
精励恪勤の精神。
A spirit of diligence and hard work.
Emphasizing continuous, unwavering effort over time, often in the face of difficulty.
Means 'patience' or 'perseverance'. It highlights the sustained, tireless aspect of diligence. Commonly used in everyday language.
この仕事には根気が必要だ。
This job requires diligence (perseverance).
Literally 'tenacity' or 'stick-to-itiveness'. It conveys the idea of persistent, dogged diligence. Often used in positive contexts.
彼の粘り強さが問題を解決した。
His diligence (tenacity) solved the problem.
Describing someone who works hard and is productive, often with a sense of eagerness.
As above, 勤勉 also covers the sense of being industrious and hardworking.
彼女は勤勉に働いている。
She works diligently.
An adjective meaning 'diligent', 'hardworking', or 'conscientious', often in a practical, hands-on way. It can describe someone who is attentive to details and doesn't procrastinate. Casual and positive.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'steadily' or 'ploddingly'. It describes the manner of working diligently and persistently, often without fanfare. Very common.
勤勉 (kinben) describes a character trait of being hardworking and diligent, while 努力 (doryoku) refers to the act of making an effort or striving. You can say 努力する (make an effort), but 勤勉する is not used. 勤勉 is an adjective-like noun (na-adjective).
To describe doing something diligently, you can use adverbs like 勤勉に (kinben ni), こつこつ (kotsukotsu), or まめに (mame ni). こつこつ is particularly common for steady, incremental effort.
He diligently keeps a diary.
彼はこつこつと勉強している。
He studies diligently (steadily).