Translation guide
Describes persistent, stubborn determination, often in the face of difficulty. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that convey tenacity and refusal to give up.
To describe someone or their efforts as stubbornly persistent and unwilling to give up.
To describe a person's character or behavior as stubbornly determined, sometimes to a fault.
Means 'stubborn' or 'obstinate'. When used positively, it can overlap with 'dogged', but often implies inflexibility.
Often negative. Use only when the stubbornness is admirable or neutral in context.
彼の頑固な意志がチームを救った。
His dogged will saved the team.
To describe relentlessly following or chasing someone or something.
Literally 'persistently chase'. Used for physical or metaphorical pursuit.
記者はスキャンダルを執拗に追った。
The reporter doggedly pursued the scandal.
粘り強い (nebarizuyoi) is almost always positive, implying admirable persistence. しつこい (shitsukoi) often has a negative nuance of being annoyingly persistent. Choose based on whether you want to praise or criticize the persistence.
彼の粘り強い性格が成功をもたらした。
His dogged personality brought him success.
セールスマンがしつこくて困った。
The salesman was so dogged it was a problem.
There is no direct Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'dogged' in all contexts. Avoid trying to translate it word-for-word. Instead, use the options above based on the specific nuance you need.
彼女は粘り強い決意を示した。
She showed dogged determination.
彼の真実への執拗な追求は立派だった。
His dogged pursuit of the truth was admirable.
Literally 'sticky-strong', this is the most common and natural adjective for dogged persistence. It implies patience and endurance.
彼は粘り強い交渉で知られている。
He is known for his dogged negotiations.
粘り強い努力が実を結んだ。
Her dogged efforts paid off.
Often means 'persistent' but can carry a negative nuance of being annoyingly persistent or stubborn. Use with care.
Can sound negative, like 'pestering' or 'nagging'. Not always a direct equivalent of 'dogged'.
彼のしつこい追及に参った。
I was worn down by his dogged questioning.
A more formal, written term meaning 'persistent' or 'tenacious'. Often used in news or literary contexts.
警察の執拗な捜査が犯人逮捕につながった。
The police's dogged investigation led to the arrest of the culprit.
Emphasizes patience and perseverance over a long period. Similar to 'persistent' or 'indefatigable'.
根気強い練習が成功の鍵だ。
Dogged practice is the key to success.
Literally 'not give up'. A simple, common way to express doggedness as a verb or modifier.
彼女は諦めない精神で難局に当たった。
She tackled the crisis with a dogged spirit.
諦めないで続けることが大切だ。
It's important to keep going with dogged determination.
Means 'single-minded' or 'wholehearted'. Often used for devoted, unwavering pursuit of a goal.
彼の一途な研究姿勢は尊敬に値する。
His dogged dedication to research is admirable.
More colloquial and negative, implying annoying persistence in chasing.
パパラッチが有名人をしつこく追い回した。
The paparazzi doggedly hounded the celebrity.