synonym Comparative
粘り
VS
気骨
Differences Between "粘り" and "気骨"
Option A
粘り
Meaning
stickiness, persistence, tenacity
Reading
ねばり (nebari)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の粘りのおかげで、諦めずにやり遂げることができた。
Thanks to his persistence, he was able to persevere without giving up.
Option B
気骨
Meaning
backbone, fortitude, grit, spirit, tenacity
Reading
きこつ (kikotsu)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
彼はどんな困難にも屈しない、気骨のある政治家だ。
He is a politician with grit who won't yield to any difficulty.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(stickiness, persistence, tenacity)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 粘り: Can refer to physical stickiness (e.g., of food), but more commonly in N2, it refers to the mental quality of persistence, perseverance, and not giving up despite difficulties. 困難な状況でも諦めずに続ける力や性質。
- 気骨: Refers to a strong spirit, unyielding character, or moral courage, especially in the face of difficulty, pressure, or injustice. It implies having a strong sense of integrity and not easily giving up. Often used in phrases like 気骨がある (to have backbone) or 気骨を示す (to show grit).
- 粘り: Can refer to physical stickiness (e.g., of food), but more commonly in N2, it refers to the mental quality of persistence, perseverance, and not giving up despite difficulties. 困難な状況でも諦めずに続ける力や性質。
- 気骨: Refers to a strong spirit, unyielding character, or moral courage, especially in the face of difficulty, pressure, or injustice. It implies having a strong sense of integrity and not easily giving up. Often used in phrases like 気骨がある (to have backbone) or 気骨を示す (to show grit).
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