Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Patience" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "patience", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
我慢
がまん (gaman)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
根気
こんき (konki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "patience" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 我慢 and 根気.
In Japanese, 我慢 (がまん (gaman)) is typically associated with "patience; endurance; self-control" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to enduring physical pain, emotional distress, or suppressing desires. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 根気 (こんき (konki)) maps to "patience; perseverance; persistence; energy to keep going" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to patience, perseverance, persistence, or the mental energy to keep going with a tedious/difficult task without giving up. Often used as 根気がいる. A literal translation of "patience" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "我慢"
痛いのを我慢して、最後まで走りきりました。
I endured the pain and ran to the very end.
Bilingual Context for "根気"
この緻密なジグソーパズルを完成させるためには、何日も集中力を保ち続ける_______が必要です。
To complete this highly detailed jigsaw puzzle, patience is required to keep maintaining focus for many days.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "痛いのを ＿＿＿ して、最後まで走りきりました。" (Meaning: "I endured the pain and ran to the very end.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "我慢" fits here because it means "patience; endurance; self-control" in the context of: "I endured the pain and ran to the very end.". "根気" represents "patience; perseverance; persistence; energy to keep going".