synonym Comparative
努力
VS
勤しむ
Differences Between "努力" and "勤しむ"
Option A
努力
Meaning
effort; exertion; endeavor
Reading
どりょく (doryoku)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
毎日努力を続ければ、必ず実を結びます。
If you keep making an effort every day, it will surely bear fruit.
Option B
勤しむ
Meaning
to endeavor, to make an effort, to apply oneself diligently to, to be diligent
Reading
いそしむ (isoshimu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は毎日、熱心に勉強に勤しんでいる。
He diligently applies himself to his studies every day.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(effort; exertion; endeavor)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 努力: Refers to continuous, hard-working effort made to achieve a goal. Can be used with する as a verb (努力する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice you working so hard in secret? ...I see everything, even when you think I'm not looking. So... don't push yourself so hard that you collapse, alright?' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あんたが陰で必死に努力してることくらい、私が気付かないとでも思ってるの？...見てないようで、ちゃんと見てるんだから。だから...あんまり無理しすぎて倒れたりしないでよね。』
- 勤しむ: Used to describe putting effort or diligence into a task, study, or work. Often implies a continuous and earnest effort. (仕事や勉強などに熱心に、また継続的に努力する様子を表す。古風な響きもある。)
- 努力: Refers to continuous, hard-working effort made to achieve a goal. Can be used with する as a verb (努力する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice you working so hard in secret? ...I see everything, even when you think I'm not looking. So... don't push yourself so hard that you collapse, alright?' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あんたが陰で必死に努力してることくらい、私が気付かないとでも思ってるの？...見てないようで、ちゃんと見てるんだから。だから...あんまり無理しすぎて倒れたりしないでよね。』
- 勤しむ: Used to describe putting effort or diligence into a task, study, or work. Often implies a continuous and earnest effort. (仕事や勉強などに熱心に、また継続的に努力する様子を表す。古風な響きもある。)
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