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
取り組み
とりくみ (torikumi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "effort" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努力 and 取り組み.
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, 取り組み (とりくみ (torikumi)) maps to "effort, initiative, approach, measure" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the actions or efforts taken to deal with a problem, implement a plan, or achieve a goal. Often used in formal or business contexts. Can be a noun or the stem of a verb. 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 "取り組み"
環境問題への企業の取り組みが注目されている。
Companies' initiatives regarding environmental issues are drawing attention.
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.". "取り組み" represents "effort, initiative, approach, measure".