How to say "effort" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 努力どりょくnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe default word for effort in the sense of trying hard to achieve something. Fits most contexts where English 'effort' means sustained striving toward a goal.
- 取り組みとりくみnounEffort as an initiative or campaign aimed at dealing with a problem, such as tackling social issues or improving a situation. Emphasises grappling with a challenge rather than personal striving.
- 気合きあいnounEffort in the sense of fighting spirit or motivation, the drive you put into something. For plain 'effort' meaning hard work it is only a marginal choice; it really refers to spirit and determination.
- 労力ろうりょくnounEffort as labour, toil, or the time and energy expended on a task. Often used when weighing whether something is worth the effort involved.
- 苦心くしんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbEffort accompanied by trouble and hardship; the pains taken over something difficult. Suits contexts of painstaking, worrying hard work rather than ordinary effort.苦心の甲斐があった。↗That was well worth the trouble.
Use 努力 for effort in general, 「取り組み」 for efforts to tackle something, 気合 for spirit-driven effort, 労力 for labour or energy expended, and 苦心 for painful, painstaking effort.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
