Translation guide
The English adverb 'strenuously' describes doing something with great effort, energy, or determination. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, verb forms, and set phrases depending on the nuance—whether it's physical exertion, vigorous action, or vehement denial.
Literally 'as if one's life depends on it'. Conveys frantic, desperate effort.
彼女は必死に泳いだ。
She swam strenuously.
Means 'with all one's strength'. Emphasizes physical power.
彼は力いっぱい押した。
He pushed strenuously.
Describes doing something with lively, dynamic energy, not necessarily involving strain.
Means 'energetically' or 'vigorously'. Suitable for sustained, enthusiastic effort.
彼は精力的に働いた。
He worked strenuously.
Means 'actively' or 'lively'. Often used for animated, bustling activity.
子供たちは活発に遊んだ。
The children played strenuously.
Describes strongly insisting, denying, or arguing something with intensity.
Simple adverb meaning 'strongly'. Used for vehement assertions or denials.
彼はその疑惑を強く否定した。
He strenuously denied the allegation.
Means 'fiercely' or 'intensely'. Conveys passionate, sometimes aggressive, verbal force.
彼女は激しく抗議した。
She protested strenuously.
Means 'emphatically stating'. Used when someone argues a point with great conviction.
彼は自分の無実を力説した。
He strenuously insisted on his innocence.
Describes continuing an action with stubborn resolve, often over a long period.
Means 'tenaciously' or 'persistently'. Emphasizes not giving up.
彼は粘り強く交渉した。
He negotiated strenuously.
Means 'patiently and persistently'. Suitable for long, tedious efforts.
彼女は根気よく練習した。
She practiced strenuously.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'strenuously'. Translating it word-for-word often results in unnatural Japanese. Choose the expression that best matches the specific nuance (physical effort, energy, vehemence, persistence).
Both mean 'with great effort', but 必死に implies a more desperate, life-or-death struggle, while 懸命に is slightly more neutral and commonly used for dedicated effort.