Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Effort" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "effort", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
努力
どりょく (doryoku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
せっかく
せっかく (sekkaku)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "effort" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努力 and せっかく.
In Japanese, 努力 (どりょく (doryoku)) is typically associated with "effort; exertion" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to hard work or earnest endeavor towards a goal. Often used with する.
On the other hand, せっかく (せっかく (sekkaku)) maps to "with effort, specially" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "effort" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "努力"
彼の成功は日々の努力の結果です。
His success is the result of daily effort.
Bilingual Context for "せっかく"
私はせっかくに興味があります。
I am interested in with effort, specially.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の成功は日々の ＿＿＿ の結果です。" (Meaning: "His success is the result of daily effort.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "努力" fits here because it means "effort; exertion" in the context of: "His success is the result of daily effort.". "せっかく" represents "with effort, specially".