How to say "diligence" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 精進しょうじんCommon
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbDiligence as devoted, concentrated effort at a pursuit, with a nuance of striving to improve oneself; typical of someone resolved to master a craft, and often used of one's own ongoing effort.
    天才てんさいは1パーセントが霊感れいかんであり、99パーセントは精進しょうじんである。↗
    Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
  • 丹精たんせいCommon
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbEmphasizes sincerity and earnest care rather than sheer industry: the diligence of pouring heart and effort into something you make, grow, or tend, so it suits devoted handiwork more than abstract hard work.
    丹精たんせいをこめてつくったこの美うつくしい織物おりものをごらんください。↗
    Take a look at this beautiful embroidery made with great effort.
  • 勉強べんきょうJLPT N5approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbIts core meaning is study, so it fits 'diligence' only when the effort is studying or learning; for diligence in other pursuits it is seldom the word you want.

Use 精進 for devoted, sustained effort toward mastering something, 丹精 for earnest care poured into making or tending something, and 勉強 only when the diligence is study or learning.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android