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
尽力
じんりょく (jinryoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "effort" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努力 and 尽力.
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, 尽力 (じんりょく (jinryoku)) maps to "effort, exertion, endeavor (often for someone else's benefit or a common goal)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents ある目的のために、全力を尽くして努力すること。特に、他者のためや共通の目標のために努力する際に用いられる。. 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 "尽力"
皆様の多大なるご尽力に感謝申し上げます。
Thank you for your great efforts.
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.". "尽力" represents "effort, exertion, endeavor (often for someone else's benefit or a common goal)".