Translation guide
Describes a person who puts in consistent effort and diligence. In Japanese, this is often expressed through adjectives like 勤勉な, 真面目な, or phrases emphasizing effort. The best choice depends on context: formal vs. casual, innate trait vs. current behavior, and whether the focus is on diligence, seriousness, or effort.
To describe someone who is consistently hardworking, often in academic or professional settings.
The most direct equivalent for 'hardworking' in a formal or neutral sense. Implies diligence and steady effort. Often used for students or workers.
彼は勤勉な学生です。
He is a hardworking student.
The hardworking employees were recognized.
Means 'serious, earnest, diligent'. Very common in everyday speech. Implies a sincere, no-nonsense attitude toward work or study. Slightly less formal than 勤勉な.
真面目に働く人は信頼される。
People who work hard (earnestly) are trusted.
彼女は真面目な性格だ。
She has a hardworking (earnest) personality.
A noun meaning 'a hard worker' or 'someone who makes great effort'. Emphasizes consistent striving. Often used as a compliment.
彼は努力家だから成功した。
He succeeded because he's a hard worker.
To describe someone's inherent nature as hardworking in informal conversation.
A noun meaning 'hard worker' or 'industrious person'. Casual and warm, often used to describe someone who is always busy and productive.
うちの母は働き者で、休む暇がない。
My mom is a hard worker and never has time to rest.
A verb phrase meaning 'works a lot' or 'works hard'. Simple and direct, used in casual speech.
あの人はよく働くね。
That person works hard, doesn't he?
To emphasize the act of working hard or making an effort, rather than a fixed trait.
An adverb meaning 'with all one's might' or 'very hard'. Used to describe how someone works or studies. Extremely common.
彼は一生懸命勉強している。
He is studying very hard.
一生懸命働いても、給料が上がらない。
Even though I work hard, my salary doesn't increase.
A verb meaning 'to do one's best', 'to work hard', or 'to persevere'. Ubiquitous in Japanese. Can be used in many tenses and forms.
A verb meaning 'to make an effort' or 'to strive'. More formal than 頑張る. Often used in contexts of self-improvement or long-term goals.
彼は成功するために努力した。
He worked hard (made efforts) to succeed.
To describe someone who is hardworking in a particular duty or job, often with a sense of responsibility.
Means 'enthusiastic' or 'zealous'. Implies hard work driven by passion or keen interest. Often used for students, volunteers, or hobbyists.
彼は熱心に仕事に取り組んでいる。
He works hard (enthusiastically) at his job.
Means 'energetic' or 'vigorous'. Describes someone who works hard with great energy and stamina. More formal and often used in written contexts.
彼女は精力的に活動している。
She is working hard (energetically) in her activities.
勤勉 (kinben) is formal and often used in written descriptions or evaluations. 真面目 (majime) is more about earnestness and seriousness, and is very common in daily speech. 一生懸命 (isshoukenmei) is an adverb describing the manner of working hard, not a personality trait. Use 真面目な人 for a 'hardworking/serious person' in casual talk, and 勤勉な for formal contexts.
Do not translate 'hardworking' as 固く働く (kataku hataraku) or similar literal combinations. These are unnatural. Use the adjectives and phrases provided.
頑張る (ganbaru) is extremely versatile. It can be used for studying, working, sports, or any challenging activity. It often implies perseverance through difficulty. The te-form 頑張って is a common encouragement.
彼女は勤勉な社員です。
She is a hardworking employee.
父は働き者です。
My father is a hard worker.
日本語を学ぶために一生懸命頑張っています。
I'm working hard to learn Japanese.
I'm working hard for the exam.
頑張って！
Do your best! / Work hard!