How to say "strive" in Japanese

• 励むはげむJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'strive' as applying oneself with energy and diligence to a task or activity. The nuance is vigorous, wholehearted effort, typical of someone working hard at their studies, work, or practice.
  今いままで以上いじょうにいっそう勉強べんきょうに励はげみなさい。↗

  You should study even more than before.
• 努めるつとめるJLPT N2approx.Common
  ichidan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'strive' as endeavoring to do something: a deliberate, sustained effort directed at achieving an aim. Typical when someone strives to improve, to succeed, or to live up to expectations.
  お手伝てつだいさんたちは主人しゅじんの命令めいれいを実行じっこうしようと努つとめた。↗

  The servants tried to carry out their master's order.

Both are natural renderings of 'strive' and overlap heavily: choose 「励む」 for energetic, diligent effort devoted to an activity, and 「努める」 for a conscious, sustained endeavor to do or achieve something.

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

• 励むはげむto work hard
• 努めるつとめるto endeavor (to do)
• あがくto struggle (to escape an adverse situation)