synonym Comparative
苦労
VS
勤しむ
Differences Between "苦労" and "勤しむ"
Option A
苦労
Meaning
troubles, hardships, pains, efforts
Reading
くろう (kurō)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
新しいプロジェクトを成功させるために、彼は大変な苦労をした。
He went through a lot of hardships to succeed in the new project.
Option B
勤しむ
Meaning
to endeavor, to work diligently, to make efforts
Reading
いそしむ (isoshimu)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
学生たちは学業に勤しみ、優秀な成績を収めた。
The students diligently applied themselves to their studies and achieved excellent results.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(troubles, hardships, pains, efforts)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 苦労: Refers to difficulties, struggles, or hard work involved in achieving something. Can also imply the mental and physical strain caused by these efforts. Often used with する (to struggle, to have a hard time).
- 勤しむ: Implies making earnest, strenuous efforts towards a goal, often with a sense of dedication or devotion. Can be used for work, study, or any kind of endeavor. Slightly formal or literary.
- 苦労: Refers to difficulties, struggles, or hard work involved in achieving something. Can also imply the mental and physical strain caused by these efforts. Often used with する (to struggle, to have a hard time).
- 勤しむ: Implies making earnest, strenuous efforts towards a goal, often with a sense of dedication or devotion. Can be used for work, study, or any kind of endeavor. Slightly formal or literary.
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