Translation guide
The adverb 'persistently' describes doing something continuously and with determination, often despite difficulty or opposition. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, verb forms, and phrases that convey repetition, stubbornness, or unwavering effort.
Describes an action done repeatedly over a long period with determination, often in the face of challenges.
Adverb meaning persistently, tenaciously, or stubbornly. Often used for actions that are repeated annoyingly or insistently, but can also be neutral.
彼はしつこく同じ質問を繰り返した。
He persistently repeated the same question.
Adverb meaning tenaciously or persistently, with a nuance of patience and resilience. Often positive.
彼女は粘り強く交渉を続けた。
She persistently continued the negotiations.
Adverb meaning patiently and persistently, emphasizing steady effort over time.
彼は根気よく練習を続けた。
He persistently kept practicing.
Phrase meaning 'without giving up', used to describe persistent effort.
彼は諦めずに挑戦し続けた。
He persistently kept trying without giving up.
Describes an action done in a stubborn or obstinate manner, often despite requests to stop.
Adverb meaning firmly, stubbornly, or persistently, often used with negation or refusal.
彼は頑として自分の意見を曲げなかった。
He persistently stuck to his opinion.
Adverb meaning persistently, to the end, or stubbornly. Often used when someone insists on something.
Adverb meaning stubbornly, obstinately. Can be negative.
彼は頑固に助けを拒んだ。
He stubbornly refused help.
Describes an action that occurs many times, often in an annoying or noticeable way.
Adverb meaning many times, repeatedly. Very common and neutral.
彼は何度も同じ話をする。
He persistently tells the same story.
Adverb meaning repeatedly, over and over. Can be used as a noun or suru-verb.
彼は繰り返し注意された。
He was persistently warned.
Adverb meaning frequently, repeatedly, incessantly. Often used for actions that are done eagerly or insistently.
Describes a state or action that continues without interruption.
Adverb meaning continuously, all the time, throughout. Very common.
雨がずっと降り続いている。
It has been raining persistently.
Adverb meaning constantly, incessantly, without ceasing. Slightly formal.
しつこく often has a negative nuance of being annoyingly persistent, while 粘り強く is positive, implying admirable tenacity. Use しつこく for unwanted repetition and 粘り強く for praiseworthy perseverance.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'persistently'. Choose the expression based on whether the persistence is positive, negative, repetitive, or continuous. Using しつこく in a positive context can sound rude.
彼はしつこく勉強した。
He studied persistently. (unnatural; sounds like he studied annoyingly)
He persistently claimed his innocence.
彼女はしきりにうなずいていた。
She was persistently nodding.
He is persistently complaining.
Adverb meaning incessantly, without a break. Often used for sounds or actions that are continuous and possibly annoying.
電話がひっきりなしに鳴る。
The phone rings persistently.