synonym Comparative
精励
VS
精進
Differences Between "精励" and "精進"
Option A
精励
Meaning
diligence, assiduous effort
Reading
せいれい (seirei)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
彼は学業に精励し、優秀な成績を収めた。
He applied himself diligently to his studies and achieved excellent results.
Option B
精進
Meaning
devotion, diligence, ascetic practices, making strenuous efforts (especially towards spiritual perfection or a goal)
Reading
しょうじん (shōjin)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
彼は日々の研究に精進し、ついにはその分野で第一人者となった。
He diligently devoted himself to daily research and eventually became a leading expert in that field.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(diligence, assiduous effort)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 精励: Refers to working extremely hard and diligently. Often used in formal contexts or when commending someone's efforts. 「精励恪勤（せいれいかっきん）」のように熟語で使われることも多い。
- 精進: Implies focused, diligent effort and dedication, often with a connotation of self-improvement, spiritual discipline, or rigorous training. Also refers to vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (精進料理).
- 精励: Refers to working extremely hard and diligently. Often used in formal contexts or when commending someone's efforts. 「精励恪勤（せいれいかっきん）」のように熟語で使われることも多い。
- 精進: Implies focused, diligent effort and dedication, often with a connotation of self-improvement, spiritual discipline, or rigorous training. Also refers to vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (精進料理).
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