Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Devote" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "devote", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
打ち込む
うちこむ (uchikomu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
徹する
てっする (tessuru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "devote" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 打ち込む and 徹する.
In Japanese, 打ち込む (うちこむ (uchikomu)) is typically associated with "to devote oneself to, to input (data), to drive in (a nail)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean to dedicate oneself passionately to an activity.
On the other hand, 徹する (てっする (tessuru)) maps to "to devote oneself to, to go through, to penetrate, to act thoroughly, to stick to (a principle)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Means to thoroughly carry out something, to devote oneself completely to a task or role, or to penetrate/pervade entirely. あることを徹底的に行う、完全にその状態になる、あるいは貫き通すこと。. A literal translation of "devote" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "打ち込む"
彼は仕事に熱心に打ち込んでいる。
He is earnestly devoted to his work.
Bilingual Context for "徹する"
彼は最後の最後まで自分の役割に徹した。
He devoted himself completely to his role until the very end.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は仕事に熱心に打ち込んでいる。" (Meaning: "He is earnestly devoted to his work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "打ち込む" fits here because it means "to devote oneself to, to input (data), to drive in (a nail)" in the context of: "He is earnestly devoted to his work.". "徹する" represents "to devote oneself to, to go through, to penetrate, to act thoroughly, to stick to (a principle)".