Translation guide
The English word 'diligent' describes someone who works carefully and persistently. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several adjectives and verbs that emphasize different aspects: steady effort, earnestness, and conscientiousness. The most common and versatile word is まじめ, which covers seriousness and diligence in work and study. Other options like 勤勉 and こつこつ highlight hard work and steady effort, while 真剣 focuses on earnestness. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on context and nuance.
Describing a person who is diligent in a general sense: serious about their duties, works hard, and is reliable. This is the most common meaning for English 'diligent'.
The most common and versatile word for 'diligent'. It means serious, earnest, honest, and hardworking. It can describe a person's character or attitude toward work/study. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼はまじめな学生だ。
He is a diligent student.
まじめに仕事をする。
I work diligently.
Means 'hardworking' and 'studious', emphasizing persistent effort. Often used in formal or written contexts, such as describing a diligent worker or student. Slightly more formal than まじめ.
彼女は勤勉な社員です。
She is a diligent employee.
勤勉に勉強する。
I study diligently.
A more formal or literary variant of まじめ, using the same kanji but a different reading. It means serious, earnest, and diligent. Often used in written language or formal speech.
真面目な態度で取り組む。
I tackle it with a diligent attitude.
Emphasizing the process of working diligently over time, often in a steady, step-by-step manner. This nuance is common in English 'diligent' when describing consistent effort.
An adverb meaning 'steadily' or 'diligently', often used with verbs like 働く (work) or 勉強する (study). It implies persistent, patient effort without giving up. Very common in spoken and written Japanese.
彼はこつこつと働く。
He works diligently (steadily).
毎日こつこつ勉強することが大切だ。
It's important to study diligently every day.
Means 'steady', 'patient', and 'diligent', often implying a humble, unglamorous effort. It describes working diligently without seeking attention. Used for both people and actions.
When 'diligent' implies a serious, focused attitude, often in contrast to a casual or half-hearted approach. This is about the intensity of one's dedication.
Means 'serious', 'earnest', 'diligent'. It emphasizes a focused, no-nonsense attitude. Often used when someone is giving their full attention to a task. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
真剣に取り組む。
I tackle it diligently (with serious intent).
彼の真剣な姿勢が評価された。
His diligent (earnest) attitude was appreciated.
Means 'serious' or 'earnest', often implying genuine commitment. It can be used for diligent effort, but carries a nuance of 'not joking around'. Slightly more casual than 真剣.
When 'diligent' describes someone who is careful, thorough, and conscientious in performing a specific duty or task, such as a diligent worker or a diligent search.
Means 'careful', 'thorough', 'meticulous'. It describes diligent attention to detail. Often used for tasks like checking, preparing, or cleaning.
念入りに掃除する。
I clean diligently (thoroughly).
念入りな準備が必要だ。
Diligent (thorough) preparation is necessary.
Means 'painstaking', 'meticulous', 'diligent'. It implies careful and persistent effort, often in detailed work like research or craftsmanship. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
まじめ is the most general and widely used word for 'diligent', covering seriousness, honesty, and hard work. 勤勉 specifically emphasizes hard work and studiousness, often in formal contexts. 真剣 focuses on earnestness and intensity, implying full concentration. Choose まじめ for everyday descriptions of a diligent person; use 勤勉 for formal praise of work ethic; use 真剣 when stressing a serious, focused attitude.
English often uses 'diligent' as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'a diligent worker'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use an adverb + verb construction (e.g., まじめに働く) or a relative clause (e.g., まじめな人). Directly translating 'diligent worker' as 勤勉な労働者 is grammatically correct but can sound stiff; まじめに働く人 is often more natural.
Diligent (steady) effort paid off.
彼は地道に研究を続けている。
He continues his research diligently (steadily).
Study diligently (seriously).
丹念に調査する。
I investigate diligently (painstakingly).