How to say "persist" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 頑張るがんばるgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers persisting in the sense of trying hard and keeping at it despite difficulty; the word for effortful perseverance, as when encouraging someone or vowing not to give up.いや、頑張ればできるよ。↗Yes, he can, if he tries hard.
- 長引くながびくgodan verb, intransitive verbUsed for persisting in the sense of dragging on: an illness, negotiation, or bad weather lasting longer than expected. It describes the situation that lingers, not a person's effort.
- 粘るねばるgodan verb, intransitive verbPersisting as tenacious holding out: refusing to give in and sticking with something to the end, as in negotiations, competition, or sports.
- 踏ん張るふんばるgodan verb, intransitive verbPersisting as holding one's ground: bracing oneself and exerting effort to endure pressure or a difficult stretch without giving way.
- 突っ張るつっぱるgodan verb, intransitive verbOnly for persisting in one's opinion: being insistent and sticking to one's guns in a dispute. For effortful persistence or a situation that drags on, this is not the word you want.
Use 「頑張る」 for effortful keeping at it, 「長引く」 for situations that drag on, 「粘る」 for tenacious holding out, 「踏ん張る」 for bracing under pressure, and 「突っ張る」 only for insisting on one's opinion.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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