Translation guide
The concept of working hard in Japanese is expressed through various words and phrases that emphasize diligence, effort, and perseverance. The most common and versatile expression is 頑張る (ganbaru), which can be used in many contexts from casual encouragement to describing sustained effort. Other expressions carry nuances of strenuous labor, earnest dedication, or pushing oneself to the limit.
頑張っています。
I am working hard.
彼は毎日一生懸命働いています。
He works hard every day.
To express that someone is working hard, putting in effort, or trying their best in a general sense.
The most common and versatile verb for 'working hard' or 'doing one's best'. It can be used for studying, working, sports, etc. Often used in the progressive form 頑張っている to describe an ongoing state of working hard.
彼は毎日頑張っている。
He is working hard every day.
試験のために頑張ります。
I'll work hard for the exam.
Means 'to make an effort' or 'to strive'. Slightly more formal than 頑張る, often used in written contexts or when talking about sustained effort toward a goal.
彼は成功するために努力した。
He worked hard to succeed.
An adverb meaning 'with all one's might' or 'very hard'. Often used with verbs like 頑張る or 働く to emphasize the intensity of effort.
一生懸命働いています。
I am working very hard.
To describe working hard in a professional or task-oriented context, often implying diligence and long hours.
The basic verb for 'to work'. When combined with adverbs like 一生懸命 or よく, it conveys working hard. By itself, it simply means 'to work'.
彼はよく働く。
He works hard. (lit. He works well/a lot.)
毎日遅くまで働いている。
I work hard until late every day.
A na-adjective meaning 'diligent' or 'hardworking'. Often used to describe a person's character or work ethic. More formal and written.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to work oneself to the bone' or 'to work extremely hard', often to the point of exhaustion. Literally 'to turn one's body into powder'.
To express working hard despite challenges, not giving up, or enduring hardship.
Means 'to endure' or 'to bear'. Often used in contexts of working hard under tough conditions. Can be combined with よく to mean 'enduring well'.
彼はその厳しい仕事によく耐えた。
He endured the tough job well. (He worked hard under tough conditions.)
Literally 'to brace one's legs', figuratively means 'to hold one's ground' or 'to persevere'. Used when working hard to overcome a difficult situation.
To cheer someone on or tell them to keep up the good work.
The most common way to say 'Do your best!' or 'Good luck!' (literally 'Work hard!'). Used in almost any situation to encourage someone.
試験、頑張ってね。
Good luck on your exam. (Work hard on your exam.)
From English 'fight', used as an interjection to encourage someone, like 'Go for it!' or 'You can do it!'. Common in sports and casual settings.
ファイト！あと少しだよ。
You can do it! Just a little more.
頑張る is more colloquial and emotional, often used in daily conversation and encouragement. 努力する is more formal and objective, focusing on the act of making an effort toward a goal. In a business or academic context, 努力する may be more appropriate.
毎日頑張っているけど、結果が出ない。
I'm working hard every day, but I'm not getting results.
彼は目標達成のために努力を続けた。
He continued his efforts to achieve his goal.
In English, 'working hard' is a common phrase, but in Japanese, constantly saying 頑張っている about yourself can sound like you're seeking praise or complaining. It's often more natural to describe what you're doing specifically or use humble expressions.
最近、残業が多いんです。
I've been working a lot of overtime lately. (More natural than saying 'I'm working hard')
彼女は日本語を習得するために一生懸命頑張っています。
She is working hard to learn Japanese.
あなたの努力に感心します。
I admire your hard work.
彼は勤勉な学生だ。
He is a hardworking student.
彼は家族のために身を粉にして働いた。
He worked himself to the bone for his family.
Let's hang in there a little longer. (Let's keep working hard.)
Literally 'to clench one's teeth', meaning to endure pain or hardship and keep working hard. Often used in sports or intense work contexts.
歯を食いしばって最後まで走った。
I gritted my teeth and ran to the end. (I worked hard and persevered.)