Translation guide
Describes doing something with complete focus and dedication, without being distracted by other things.
To describe an action done with unwavering concentration and purpose, often toward a goal.
An adverb meaning 'with one heart/mind', used for focused, dedicated effort. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
To describe an action done with an almost excessive or narrow-minded concentration, ignoring other aspects.
An adverb meaning 'recklessly' or 'with desperate single-mindedness'. Often implies a frantic, all-out effort without regard for consequences.
彼はがむしゃらに働いて、体を壊した。
He worked single-mindedly and ruined his health.
一心に emphasizes concentrated mental focus, often on a task. ひたむきに implies earnest, sincere devotion, often over time. 一途に is used for wholehearted dedication, especially in emotional contexts like love or loyalty.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'single-mindedly'. Choose the expression based on the nuance: focused effort (一心に), sincere devotion (ひたむきに), or reckless drive (がむしゃらに). Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
彼は一心に勉強している。
He is studying single-mindedly.
彼女は一心にゴールを目指した。
She single-mindedly aimed for the goal.
An adverb meaning 'earnestly' or 'with single-minded devotion'. Often implies a pure, sincere focus.
彼はひたむきに練習を続けた。
He continued practicing single-mindedly.
An adverb meaning 'wholeheartedly' or 'single-mindedly', often used for devotion to a person, cause, or activity. Slightly more emotional than 一心に.
彼は一途に彼女を愛した。
He loved her single-mindedly.
A set phrase meaning 'without looking aside', i.e., with complete concentration on one thing. Often used for studying or working.
彼は脇目も振らずに仕事に打ち込んだ。
He devoted himself to his work single-mindedly.
A formal, somewhat literary adverb meaning 'with undivided attention'. Used in writing or formal speech.
研究者は専心に実験に取り組んだ。
The researcher tackled the experiment single-mindedly.
A yojijukugo (four-character idiom) meaning 'rushing forward like a wild boar', i.e., with reckless single-mindedness. Used for headstrong, unthinking determination.
彼は猪突猛進に目標に向かって進んだ。
He charged single-mindedly toward his goal.