Translation guide
The English word 'grit' refers to perseverance, courage, and small abrasive particles. This guide helps learners express these distinct meanings naturally in Japanese.
Expressing the quality of continuing despite difficulty, similar to 'grit' in 'she has grit'.
Commonly used for guts, willpower, and fighting spirit. Often appears in contexts like sports or overcoming challenges.
Spirit, drive, or fighting energy. Often used when psyching oneself up or pushing through with sheer will.
気合で乗り越えた。
I got through it with grit.
Tenacity, persistence. Emphasizes sticking with something over time rather than explosive effort.
彼の粘り強さが成功の鍵だ。
His grit is the key to his success.
Endurance, patience. Focuses on the capacity to withstand hardship without giving up.
この仕事には忍耐力が必要だ。
This job requires grit.
A more literary term for spirit, pluck, or strong will. Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼は気概のある若者だ。
He is a young man with grit.
Expressing the bravery aspect of 'grit', especially in facing danger or adversity.
The most direct and common word for courage. Suitable for most situations.
勇気を出して真実を話した。
She showed grit and told the truth.
Guts, nerve, boldness. Implies a fearless, sometimes reckless, courage.
Referring to tiny abrasive particles, like sand or dirt.
Grain of sand. The most common way to refer to a small particle of sand.
靴の中に砂粒が入った。
I got a piece of grit in my shoe.
Fine sand. Used when emphasizing the small size or texture.
風で細かい砂が目に入った。
The wind blew grit into my eyes.
Cloud of dust or sand. Often used for airborne particles.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts like sandpaper grit or abrasive materials.
The physical action of gritting one's teeth, often from determination or anger.
Literally 'to clench one's teeth'. Used both literally and figuratively for enduring pain or hardship.
痛みに耐えて歯を食いしばった。
I gritted my teeth against the pain.
彼は歯を食いしばって頑張った。
He gritted his teeth and persevered.
Do not translate 'grit' as 砂 (sand) when referring to courage or determination. Use words like 根性 or 勇気 instead.
彼は砂がある。
He has sand.
根性 implies a fighting spirit or guts, often in the face of immediate challenge. 粘り強さ emphasizes long-term persistence and tenacity.
マラソンを完走するには根性がいる。
It takes grit to finish a marathon.
風で顔に砂粒が飛んできた。
The wind blew grit into my face.
He has grit.
Colloquial term for guts or pluck, often used for someone with a strong, fearless character.
あの人は肝っ玉が据わっている。
That person has real grit.
砂埃がひどい。
There's a lot of grit in the air.
This sandpaper has a fine grit.