How to say "diligent" in Japanese

• まめCommon
  na-adjectiveThe conscientious, attentive side of 'diligent': someone who works steadily and never lets tasks slip. It is usually written in kana, and its nuance is quiet, unflagging everyday effort.
  彼女かのじょってまめだね。↗

  She doesn't have a lazy bone in her body.
• 勤勉きんべんJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounDiligence as a personal trait: a hard-working, industrious person. Use it to characterize someone's general attitude to work, rather than the way one particular task is carried out.
  トムはいまや以前いぜんにもまして勤勉きんべんに働はたらいている。↗

  Tom works more diligently now.

Both mean diligent, but 「まめ」 pictures steady, conscientious effort — attentively keeping at tasks without slacking — while 勤勉 names the trait itself, characterizing a person as hard-working and industrious.

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

• まめdiligent
• 勤勉きんべんdiligent
• こまめdiligent
• 汲々きゅうきゅうdiligent
• てまめdiligent
• かいがいしいbrisk and efficient
• まめまめしいhardworking
• たゆまぬassiduous
• 白しらunfeigned