Translation guide
The English verb 'persist' can mean to continue doing something despite difficulty, to continue to exist, or to stubbornly insist. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from common verbs to nuanced phrases.
To keep doing something even when it's hard, or to not give up.
The most common and versatile verb for continuing an action. Attach to the masu-stem of another verb (e.g., やり続ける) or use with a noun (e.g., 努力を続ける).
彼は困難にもかかわらず努力を続けた。
He persisted in his efforts despite the difficulties.
雨の中を歩き続けた。
I persisted in walking in the rain.
Implies sticking with something tenaciously, like not giving up in a negotiation or a difficult task. Often used in contexts requiring patience and determination.
交渉で最後まで粘った。
I persisted in the negotiations until the very end.
彼は粘ってついに目標を達成した。
He persisted and finally achieved his goal.
A very common word meaning to do one's best or persevere. It carries a sense of emotional effort and is used in many everyday situations.
最後まで頑張ってください。
Please persist until the end.
彼は病気にも負けず頑張っている。
He persists despite his illness.
Literally 'do without giving up'. A straightforward way to express persisting in an action.
諦めずにやり続ければ、いつか成功する。
If you persist without giving up, you'll succeed someday.
Literally 'bite and hang on', meaning to persistently question or argue. Used in debates or when someone won't let go of a point.
記者は首相に食い下がって質問した。
The reporter persisted in questioning the prime minister.
To remain in existence; to last or endure over time.
Intransitive verb meaning to continue, last, or go on. Used for states, events, or conditions that persist.
この天気はいつまで続くのだろう。
I wonder how long this weather will persist.
戦争が何年も続いた。
The war persisted for many years.
Means to remain or be left. Often used for lingering feelings, traces, or problems.
A more formal term for sustaining or maintaining something over time. Often used in technical or business contexts.
この薬の効果は長時間持続する。
The effect of this medicine persists for a long time.
Formal term for continued existence, often used for organizations, traditions, or systems.
その伝統は今も存続している。
That tradition persists even now.
To keep asserting something despite opposition or evidence to the contrary.
To insist or maintain stubbornly. Used when someone won't back down from their statement.
彼は自分が正しいと言い張った。
He persisted that he was right.
To continue asserting or claiming. A combination of 主張する (assert) and 続ける.
彼女は無実を主張し続けた。
She persisted in claiming her innocence.
To adhere stubbornly to an opinion or course of action. Stronger and more formal than 言い張る.
彼は自分の意見に固執した。
He persisted in his opinion.
Doubt persisted in my mind.
古い習慣がまだ残っている。
Old customs still persist.