Translation guide
How to express 'trying hard' in Japanese, covering effort, determination, and perseverance.
To express that someone is putting in a lot of effort or trying their best.
A very common and natural way to say 'try hard' or 'do one's best'. It combines '一生懸命' (with all one's might) and '頑張る' (to persevere).
試験のために一生懸命頑張ります。
I will try hard for the exam.
彼は一生懸命頑張っている。
He is trying hard.
Literally 'to exhaust one's full power'. A more formal or emphatic way to say 'try hard' or 'give it one's all'.
全力を尽くして戦います。
I will fight with all my might.
Means 'to make an effort' or 'to strive'. It's a straightforward verb for trying hard, often used in more serious or long-term contexts.
成功するために努力しています。
I am trying hard to succeed.
The most basic and versatile word for 'trying hard' or 'doing one's best'. It can be used in many situations, from casual encouragement to serious effort.
頑張って！
Try hard! / Do your best!
毎日頑張っています。
I try hard every day.
To express continuing to try hard despite challenges or over a long period.
Means 'to persevere tenaciously'. It emphasizes not giving up and continuing to try hard.
粘り強く頑張れば、いつか成功する。
If you try hard persistently, you will succeed someday.
Literally 'to try hard without giving up'. A common phrase encouraging persistence.
諦めずに頑張ってください。
Please try hard without giving up.
Means 'to struggle hard' or 'to fight bravely'. Often used in sports or challenging situations.
選手たちは暑さの中で奮闘した。
The athletes tried hard in the heat.
To express that someone is trying excessively hard, often with negative connotations.
Means 'to try too hard' or 'to overdo it'. Often used when someone is pushing themselves too much.
頑張りすぎないでね。
Don't try too hard, okay?
Literally 'to strain too much'. Used when someone is trying so hard that they become tense and perform poorly.
力みすぎて失敗した。
I tried too hard and messed up.
頑張る is more about emotional perseverance and is used in daily encouragement. 努力する is more objective and often refers to sustained, goal-oriented effort. 努力する can sound more serious or formal.
試験に合格するために努力した。
I made an effort to pass the exam.
試合で頑張った。
I tried hard in the game.
Avoid directly translating 'try hard' as 試す (to try) + 硬い (hard). This makes no sense in Japanese. Use the phrases above instead.
彼はいつも仕事を一生懸命頑張っている。
He always tries hard at work.
頑張れば上手になるよ。
Try hard and you'll improve.