Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #1,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

努力する

doryoku suru Top 1,500

At the A1 level, you might not use '努力する' (doryoku suru) very often, as it is a bit formal. Instead, you will mostly use '頑張る' (ganbaru) to say 'I will do my best.' However, it is good to recognize '努力' as a word for 'effort.' You might see it in simple posters or hear a teacher say it. At this stage, just remember that 'doryoku' means 'hard work' and it is something you 'do' (suru). You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Doryoku shimasu' (I will make an effort). It is a 'suru-verb,' which means you just add 'shimasu' to the noun. This is one of the first formal ways you learn to talk about working hard. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand that Japanese culture values the process of working hard. You might see the kanji 努力 in your classroom or on a textbook. It's a very positive word. When you want to sound a little more serious than just saying 'ganbaru,' you can try using 'doryoku shimasu.' It shows you are a serious student. Remember, 'doryoku' is the noun, and 'suru' makes it a verb. Practice saying it clearly, as the 'ryo' sound can be tricky for beginners. Focus on the long 'o' sounds. In A1, keep your sentences short and direct. 'Mainichi doryoku shimasu' (I make an effort every day) is a perfect A1 sentence.

At the A2 level, you can start using '努力する' (doryoku suru) to describe your habits or goals. You might say 'Nihongo no tame ni doryoku shite imasu' (I am making an effort for Japanese). This shows you are moving beyond simple phrases and can explain *why* you are working hard. You should also recognize the noun form '努力' in sentences like 'Doryoku ga hitsuyo desu' (Effort is necessary). At this level, you are learning more 'suru-verbs,' and 'doryoku suru' is a great one to add to your vocabulary because it is so common in Japanese society. You can use it to talk about your hobbies, your job, or your studies. It sounds more 'adult' than 'ganbaru.' When you talk to your teacher or a boss, using 'doryoku shimasu' instead of 'ganbarimasu' makes you sound more professional and dedicated. You can also start using simple adverbs with it, like 'takusan doryoku suru' (to make a lot of effort). Understanding the difference between 'doryoku' and 'ganbaru' becomes more important now. 'Ganbaru' is like 'I'll try!', while 'doryoku' is like 'I will apply myself.' A2 learners should practice the present continuous form 'doryoku shite imasu' to talk about ongoing efforts. This is a very useful way to describe your current life in Japan or your language learning journey. It shows that you are not just trying once, but you are consistently working toward a goal.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '努力する' (doryoku suru) in a variety of grammatical structures. You can use it with 'tame ni' to express purpose: 'Shiken ni goukaku suru tame ni doryoku shite imasu' (I am making an effort to pass the exam). You should also be comfortable using the noun form '努力' with particles like 'wo' or 'ga'. For example, 'Doryoku wo tsuzukeru koto ga taisetsu desu' (Continuing effort is important). At this level, you are expected to understand the formal nuance of the word. You might use it in a job interview or a formal speech. You should also be aware of common collocations like 'doryoku-ka' (a hard worker). B1 learners should start to notice how 'doryoku' is used in news articles or more complex reading materials. It often appears in contexts involving social issues, self-improvement, or professional achievement. You can also use it in the potential form 'doryoku dekiru' (can make an effort) or the conditional form 'doryoku sureba' (if you make an effort). This level is about refining your usage and choosing 'doryoku suru' over 'ganbaru' when the situation calls for a more serious or objective tone. You might also encounter it in the passive or causative forms in more advanced texts. Practice writing short essays about your goals using 'doryoku suru' to describe your plan of action. This will help you internalize the word's formal and systematic connotations.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '努力する' (doryoku suru) and be able to use it fluently in both spoken and written Japanese. You should be familiar with more advanced collocations such as '努力を惜しまない' (to spare no effort) or '努力が実を結ぶ' (effort bears fruit). You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts, such as the relationship between talent and effort. In business settings, you should be able to use 'doryoku' to describe corporate strategies or personal professional development. For example, 'Kigyou doryoku' (corporate effort) is a common term used when companies try to lower prices or improve services. You should also be able to distinguish 'doryoku' from more specific terms like 'jinryoku' (exerting power for someone) or 'shōjin' (devoting oneself to a craft). B2 learners should be able to follow complex discussions where 'doryoku' is a central theme, such as in a documentary about a successful person. You can also use it in more complex sentence patterns, like 'Doryoku shita ni mo kakawarazu...' (Despite having made an effort...). This level requires you to understand not just the meaning of the word, but its cultural weight. You should be able to explain the 'doryoku' culture in Japan to others. Your usage should reflect a high degree of precision, choosing the right adverbs (like 'taemanaku' or 'kenmei ni') to modify the verb. You should also be comfortable using the word in formal written documents, such as reports or applications, where it conveys a sense of reliability and determination.

At the C1 level, your mastery of '努力する' (doryoku suru) should be near-native. You understand the subtle philosophical implications of the word and how it fits into the broader Japanese worldview. You can use it in highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or high-level business negotiations. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and proverbs involving 'doryoku,' such as 'Doryoku wa uragiranai' (Effort never betrays). You can discuss the potential downsides of the 'doryoku' culture, such as 'muda na doryoku' (wasted effort) or the pressure it places on individuals. Your vocabulary includes specialized terms like 'keizoku-teki na doryoku' (continuous effort) or 'kojinteki na doryoku' (individual effort). You can use the word to analyze literature or film, discussing a character's 'doryoku' as a plot device or a character trait. At this level, you can also use the word with a touch of irony or sarcasm if the context allows. You are also aware of how 'doryoku' interacts with other social concepts like 'giri' (obligation) or 'haji' (shame). You can articulate complex thoughts on whether 'doryoku' is always rewarded in modern society. Your speech and writing should show a sophisticated choice of synonyms, using 'doryoku suru' only when its specific formal and systematic nuance is required. You can also handle the word in its most honorific or humble forms without hesitation, making you a competent communicator in any social stratum of Japanese society.

At the C2 level, you possess a profound and intuitive grasp of '努力する' (doryoku suru). You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of effort versus innate ability, using 'doryoku' as a key term. You understand its historical evolution and its role in shaping the modern Japanese work ethic. You can identify and use extremely rare or archaic collocations involving the kanji 努 and 力. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You can write persuasive articles or give keynote speeches where 'doryoku' is used to inspire or critique. You understand the psychological aspects of 'doryoku,' such as the 'doryoku-chudoku' (addiction to effort) that some might experience. You can navigate the most complex social situations where the mention of one's 'doryoku' must be balanced with 'kenkyo' (humility). You are aware of how the concept of 'doryoku' is portrayed in classical Japanese literature versus modern media. You can use the word to describe not just personal effort, but the collective striving of a nation or a global community. At this level, '努力する' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for complex expression and cultural analysis. You can use it to deconstruct societal norms or to build sophisticated arguments in any field, from sociology to business management. Your mastery is such that you can play with the word's connotations, using it in creative writing to evoke specific emotional responses or to ground a narrative in a recognizably Japanese moral framework.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

努力する en 30 secondes

Doryoku suru is a formal verb meaning to make a sustained effort toward a specific goal, emphasizing discipline and persistence over time.
It is a Sino-Japanese suru-verb, making it more professional and objective than the common native Japanese alternative 'ganbaru'.
Commonly used in academic, professional, and self-improvement contexts to show a serious and dedicated attitude toward one's responsibilities.
Cultural significance: Effort is highly valued in Japan as a moral virtue, often seen as the key to overcoming a lack of natural talent.

The Japanese verb 努力する (doryoku suru) is a cornerstone of Japanese work ethic and personal development. It is composed of two kanji: 努 (exertion/endeavor) and 力 (power/strength), combined with the helper verb する (to do). Unlike its more casual counterpart 'ganbaru', doryoku suru implies a conscious, sustained, and often systematic application of effort toward a specific, long-term objective. It is the act of 'polishing' one's skills or character through grit and persistence.

Etymological Nuance: The kanji '努' contains the radical for 'woman' and 'hand', historically suggesting labor, but in modern usage, it focuses purely on the intensity of the will.

彼は毎日、JLPT N1に合格するために努力している。(He is making an effort every day to pass the JLPT N1.)

In a professional context, doryoku is highly valued. It is not just about the result, but the process of showing dedication. When someone says they will 'doryoku suru', they are making a formal commitment to apply their full mental and physical resources to the task at hand. This word is frequently used in self-introductions, performance reviews, and academic settings to demonstrate a serious attitude toward growth.

Sustained Action: Doryoku is rarely a one-time event; it implies a repetitive, disciplined practice over time.

才能がなくても、努力することで道は開ける。(Even without talent, by making an effort, a path will open.)

The concept is deeply tied to the Japanese philosophy of 'Kaizen' (continuous improvement). It suggests that through 'doryoku', one can overcome innate limitations. It is often paired with the particle 'を' (wo) when focusing on the specific effort, or used as a compound verb. In the B1 level, understanding that this word carries more weight and formality than 'ganbaru' is essential for proper social navigation in Japan.

Societal Expectation: In Japanese schools, 'doryoku' is often listed as a core value, emphasizing that hard work is a virtue in itself.

目標に向かって努力する姿は美しい。(The sight of someone striving toward a goal is beautiful.)

最後まで諦めずに努力することが大切だ。(It is important to make an effort without giving up until the end.)

無駄な努力はしたくない。(I don't want to make a wasted effort.)

Using 努力する correctly involves understanding its grammatical flexibility as a Suru-verb. It can function as a standalone verb or be modified by various adverbs to specify the intensity of the effort. Most commonly, it is used in the form '[Goal]のために努力する' (to make an effort for the sake of [Goal]). This structure clearly defines the purpose of the exertion, which is a key component of the word's meaning.

Common Adverbs: Words like '一生懸命' (with all one's might), '絶えず' (constantly), and '地道に' (steadily) frequently precede 努力する.

彼は地道に努力するタイプだ。(He is the type to make steady, honest effort.)

Another important grammatical point is the use of the noun form '努力' (doryoku) with other verbs. For example, '努力を重ねる' (to pile up efforts) or '努力を惜しまない' (to not spare any effort). These expressions are common in formal writing and speeches. In the B1 level, you should start moving beyond simple sentences and begin using these more sophisticated collocations to sound more natural and professional.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: While 'doryoku suru' is often used intransitively, you can use '努力を' to emphasize the specific type of effort being made.

環境を守るために努力するべきだ。(We should make an effort to protect the environment.)

When speaking to superiors, using the humble form '努力いたします' (doryoku itashimasu) shows great respect and determination. Conversely, in a casual setting, '努力してるよ' (doryoku shiteru yo) might sound a bit stiff; '頑張ってるよ' is usually preferred unless you want to emphasize the serious nature of your work. Understanding this register shift is vital for B1 learners who are starting to interact in professional or formal Japanese environments.

Compound Usage: '努力家' (doryokuka) is a common noun meaning 'a hard worker' or 'an industrious person'.

彼女は本当の努力家ですね。(She is a real hard worker, isn't she?)

もっと努力する必要があります。(There is a need to make more effort.)

彼は努力の結果、優勝した。(As a result of his effort, he won the championship.)

You will encounter 努力する in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from the evening news to shonen manga. In news broadcasts, it is often used when government officials or corporate CEOs discuss their plans to resolve a crisis or improve the economy. They might say, '解決に向けて最大限努力します' (We will make our utmost effort toward a resolution). This usage conveys a sense of official responsibility and serious intent.

In Education: Teachers frequently use this word in report cards and during parent-teacher conferences to describe a student's attitude.

数学の成績を上げるために努力しましょう。(Let's make an effort to improve your math grades.)

In the world of sports and entertainment, 'doryoku' is a recurring theme. Athletes are often praised for their 'hidden effort' (kage no doryoku)—the practice they do when no one is watching. In anime, particularly the 'shonen' genre, the protagonist often succeeds not because of innate talent, but because they 'doryoku' more than anyone else. This cultural narrative reinforces the idea that effort is the ultimate equalizer.

In Business: Companies often include 'doryoku' in their mission statements to signal a commitment to quality and service.

顧客満足のために努力を怠らない。(We do not neglect our efforts for customer satisfaction.)

You will also see it in self-help books and motivational posters. The phrase '努力は裏切らない' (Effort will not betray you) is a very famous proverb in Japan, suggesting that hard work always pays off in some form. This sentiment is deeply embedded in the collective consciousness, making 'doryoku suru' more than just a verb—it's a moral imperative. Whether it's a politician's promise or a student's resolution, the word carries a weight of expectation and respect.

Pop Culture: Many J-pop lyrics use 'doryoku' to describe the struggle of reaching one's dreams.

夢を叶えるために努力し続ける。(Continue to make an effort to make your dreams come true.)

皆様のご期待に沿えるよう、努力してまいります。(We will continue to make efforts to meet everyone's expectations.)

彼は人知れず努力していた。(He was making an effort without anyone knowing.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 努力する with 頑張る (ganbaru). While they both translate to 'try hard' or 'make an effort', their usage is quite different. 'Ganbaru' is much more common in daily conversation and is often used as an encouragement ('Ganbatte!'). '努力する', however, is a more objective and formal description of the act of working hard. Using 'doryoku shite!' to a friend sounds unnaturally stiff and overly serious, like you're giving them a formal performance review.

Register Mismatch: Using 'doryoku suru' for minor tasks like 'trying' to remember a name is incorrect. Use 'omoidasou to suru' instead.

× 名前を思い出すために努力した。(Too heavy for a simple memory task.)

Another common error is the incorrect use of particles. While '努力する' can be used alone, when you specify what you are working on, you should use '〜に努力する' or '〜のために努力する'. Using '〜を努力する' is also possible but usually implies 'to perform the act of effort' rather than 'to work on [something]'. Learners often default to 'を' for everything, which can sound slightly off in this context.

Overuse in Casual Speech: In casual settings, 'doryoku suru' can sound boastful or overly dramatic. Stick to 'ganbaru' with friends.

× 掃除を努力した。(Cleaning is usually 'ganbaru', not 'doryoku'.)

Finally, learners sometimes forget the 'suru' and use 'doryoku' as a verb directly. Since it's a Sino-Japanese (Kango) word, it requires 'suru' to function as a verb. Also, be careful with the distinction between 'doryoku' (effort) and 'kyoryoku' (cooperation). They sound similar but have completely different meanings. Confusing the two in a business meeting could lead to significant misunderstandings about whether you are working hard alone or asking for help.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Ensure the 'o' in 'do' and 'ryo' are long sounds (dōryoku), though often written as 'doryoku' in romaji.

× 彼は努力だ。(He is effort - Incorrect. Use '努力家だ'.)

× 努力をしました。(While grammatically okay, '努力しました' is more common.)

× 努力するのことが好きだ。(Incorrect grammar. Use '努力するのが好きだ'.)

Understanding the nuances between 努力する and its synonyms is crucial for reaching an advanced level of Japanese. The most common synonym is 頑張る (ganbaru). While both mean to work hard, 'ganbaru' is more about 'hanging in there' or 'doing one's best' in a given moment. It has an emotional, encouraging tone. In contrast, 'doryoku suru' is more clinical and focuses on the systematic application of energy over time.

Doryoku vs. Ganbaru: Doryoku is a noun-based verb (Kango), making it more formal. Ganbaru is a native Japanese verb (Wago), making it more casual and emotive.

試験のために努力する (Formal/Objective) vs. 試験のために頑張る (Casual/Subjective).

Another similar word is 励む (hahemu). This verb means to be zealous or to devote oneself to something. It is often used for tasks that are considered virtuous or part of one's duty, such as '学業に励む' (to devote oneself to studies). While 'doryoku' is the act of trying hard, 'hahemu' is the state of being diligently engaged in that effort. It sounds more literary and refined than 'doryoku suru'.

Doryoku vs. Jinryoku: Doryoku is general effort; Jinryoku is 'exhausting one's power' for a specific goal or person.

プロジェクトの成功に尽力する。(To exert all efforts for the project's success.)

Finally, there is 精進する (shōjin suru). This word has Buddhist origins and implies a spiritual or disciplined devotion to a craft or path. You will often hear craftsmen or martial artists use this word. It suggests a lifelong commitment to improvement that goes beyond mere 'effort'. Choosing between these words depends entirely on the context: use 'ganbaru' with friends, 'doryoku' in reports, 'hahemu' in literature, and 'shōjin' when discussing a life's work.

Summary Table: 努力 (General/Formal) | 頑張る (General/Casual) | 励む (Diligence/Duty) | 尽力 (Full Power/Support) | 精進 (Devotion/Craft).

これからも精進します。(I will continue to devote myself to my craft.)

彼は学問に励んでいる。(He is devoting himself to his studies.)

皆様のご協力をお願いします。(We ask for your cooperation - Note the difference from doryoku!)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

私は毎日、日本語を努力します。

I make an effort with Japanese every day.

Simple present tense of a suru-verb.

努力は大切です。

Effort is important.

Noun + desu structure.

もっと努力してください。

Please make more effort.

Te-form + kudasai for requests.

彼は努力しています。

He is making an effort.

Present continuous form (te-iru).

一緒に努力しましょう。

Let's make an effort together.

Volitional form (mashou).

努力すれば、できます。

If you make an effort, you can do it.

Conditional 'ba' form.

私は努力が好きです。

I like making an effort.

Noun + ga suki desu.

努力はいいことです。

Effort is a good thing.

Simple noun description.

テストのために一生懸命努力した。

I made an effort with all my might for the test.

Use of adverb 'isshoukenmei'.

彼はいい人になるよう努力している。

He is making an effort to become a good person.

Verb + you (ni) + doryoku suru.

努力しても、できない時がある。

Even if I make an effort, there are times I can't do it.

Te-mo (even if) construction.

毎日少しずつ努力することが必要だ。

It is necessary to make an effort little by little every day.

Koto (nominalizer) + ga hitsuyou.

彼女はピアノを努力して練習した。

She made an effort and practiced the piano.

Te-form used as a conjunction.

努力の結果、漢字が書けるようになった。

As a result of effort, I became able to write kanji.

Noun + no kekka (as a result of).

もっと努力が必要だと思います。

I think more effort is necessary.

To omoimasu (I think).

彼は努力家として知られている。

He is known as a hard worker.

Doryokuka (hard worker) + to shite (as).

目標を達成するために、日々努力しています。

I am making an effort daily to achieve my goals.

Tame ni (for the purpose of).

努力を怠ると、すぐに成績が下がる。

If you neglect your efforts, your grades will drop immediately.

Doryoku wo okotaru (to neglect effort).

彼は周囲の期待に応えるべく努力した。

He made an effort in order to meet the expectations of those around him.

Beku (in order to - formal).

どんなに努力しても、才能には勝てないのだろうか。

No matter how much effort I make, can I not beat talent?

Donna ni...te-mo (no matter how much).

彼女の成功は、長年の努力の賜物だ。

Her success is the fruit of many years of effort.

Doryoku no tamamono (fruit/gift of effort).

自分なりに努力したつもりですが、力不足でした。

I intended to make an effort in my own way, but I lacked strength.

Tsumori (intention) + chikarabuzoku (lack of ability).

努力を続けることは、才能よりも難しい。

Continuing effort is more difficult than talent.

Comparison using 'yori'.

彼は人一倍努力することで知られている。

He is known for making twice as much effort as others.

Hito-ichibai (more than others).

企業努力によって、価格を据え置くことができた。

Through corporate effort, we were able to keep prices the same.

Kigyou doryoku (corporate effort).

彼は不断の努力によって、その地位を築いた。

He built that position through unceasing effort.

Fudan no doryoku (unceasing effort).

努力が必ずしも報われるとは限らないのが現実だ。

The reality is that effort is not necessarily always rewarded.

Kanarazushimo...to wa kagiranai (not necessarily).

彼は自分の弱点を克服しようと努力している。

He is making an effort to overcome his weaknesses.

Volitional + to suru (try to).

無駄な努力を省き、効率的に進めるべきだ。

We should eliminate wasted effort and proceed efficiently.

Muda na doryoku (wasted effort).

彼女の努力には、誰もが敬意を払っている。

Everyone pays respect to her efforts.

Keii wo harau (to pay respect).

努力を惜しまず、最高のサービスを提供します。

We will provide the best service, sparing no effort.

Doryoku wo oshimazu (without sparing effort).

彼は天才というより、むしろ努力の人だ。

He is a man of effort rather than a genius.

To iu yori (rather than).

血の滲むような努力の末に、彼はその奥義を極めた。

After blood-sweating effort, he mastered the secret techniques.

Chi no nijimu you na (blood-sweating/extreme).

自助努力だけでは限界があるため、公的支援が必要だ。

Since there are limits to self-help efforts alone, public support is necessary.

Jijo doryoku (self-help effort).

彼は周囲の冷笑をよそに、黙々と努力を続けた。

Ignoring the sneers of those around him, he silently continued his efforts.

Wo yoso ni (ignoring/regardless of).

努力の方向性を誤ると、望む結果は得られない。

If the direction of your effort is wrong, you won't get the desired results.

Houkousei (directionality).

彼の成功の裏には、人知れぬ努力があった。

Behind his success, there was effort unknown to others.

Hito-shirenu (unknown to others).

形ばかりの努力では、現状を打破することはできない。

Superficial effort cannot break the current situation.

Katachi-bakari (superficial/in form only).

弛まぬ努力こそが、未来を切り拓く鍵となる。

Unflagging effort is precisely the key to carving out the future.

Tayumanu (unflagging/steady).

彼は自らの信念に基づき、正義のために努力した。

Based on his beliefs, he made an effort for the sake of justice.

Ni motozuki (based on).

彼の飽くなき努力は、学界にパラダイムシフトをもたらした。

His insatiable effort brought about a paradigm shift in the academic world.

Akunaki (insatiable/unquenchable).

努力という美名の元に、過酷な労働が正当化されてはならない。

Harsh labor must not be justified under the beautiful name of 'effort'.

Bimei no moto ni (under the guise/beautiful name of).

彼は天賦の才に甘んじることなく、更なる高みを目指して努力した。

Without being complacent about his natural talent, he made efforts aiming for even greater heights.

Amanjiru koto naku (without being complacent).

その政策は、国民の自助努力を促すことを主眼としている。

The main aim of that policy is to encourage the self-help efforts of the citizens.

Shugan (main aim/focus).

彼は自己研鑽のための努力を、生涯欠かすことはなかった。

He never throughout his life lacked the effort for self-refinement.

Jiko kensan (self-refinement).

努力の過程そのものに価値を見出すのが、彼の哲学だ。

It is his philosophy to find value in the process of effort itself.

Katei (process).

諸外国との協調に向けた外交的努力が続けられている。

Diplomatic efforts toward cooperation with various foreign countries are being continued.

Gaikouteki doryoku (diplomatic effort).

彼は虚飾を排し、真理の探究にのみ努力を傾注した。

Rejecting ostentation, he concentrated his efforts solely on the quest for truth.

Keichuu suru (to concentrate/devote).

Collocations courantes

努力を重ねる (doryoku wo kasaneru) - To pile up efforts

努力を惜しまない (doryoku wo oshimanai) - To spare no effort

努力が実を結ぶ (doryoku ga mi wo musubu) - Effort bears fruit

努力が報われる (doryoku ga mukuwareru) - Effort is rewarded

地道な努力 (jimichi na doryoku) - Steady/honest effort

不断の努力 (fudan no doryoku) - Unceasing effort

最大限の努力 (saidaigen no doryoku) - Utmost effort

自助努力 (jijo doryoku) - Self-help effort

努力不足 (doryoku buzoku) - Lack of effort

努力家 (doryokuka) - A hard worker

Phrases Courantes

努力は裏切らない (Doryoku wa uragiranai) - Effort never betrays.

努力の天才 (Doryoku no tensai) - A genius of effort.

影の努力 (Kage no doryoku) - Hidden effort/behind-the-scenes work.

努力目標 (Doryoku mokuhyou) - A target to strive for (not strictly binding).

努力義務 (Doryoku gimu) - A duty to make an effort (legal term).

努力の結果 (Doryoku no kekka) - As a result of effort.

努力の甲斐あって (Doryoku no kai atte) - Being worth the effort.

努力を怠るな (Doryoku wo okotaru na) - Don't neglect your effort.

努力し続ける (Doryoku shitsuzukeru) - To keep making an effort.

努力の末に (Doryoku no sue ni) - At the end of much effort.

Souvent confondu avec

努力する vs 協力 (kyōryoku) - Cooperation

努力する vs 動力 (dōryoku) - Power/Motive force

努力する vs 旅行 (ryokō) - Travel

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

努力する vs 頑張る

More casual and emotional.

努力する vs 励む

Focuses on diligence in duty.

努力する vs 尽力する

Exerting power for a specific cause.

努力する vs 精進する

Spiritual or craft-based devotion.

努力する vs 苦労する

Focuses on the hardship itself.

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

noun usage

Doryoku can be used as a standalone noun meaning 'effort'.

formal vs informal

Doryoku is formal; Ganbaru is informal.

negative connotation

Can be used to criticize lack of effort (努力不足).

Erreurs courantes

Using 'doryoku suru' for small, daily tasks.
Saying 'doryoku-i' for an industrious person.
Confusing 'doryoku' with 'kyoryoku' (cooperation).
Using 'doryoku' without 'suru' as a verb.
Pronouncing it with short vowels.

Astuces

Suru-Verb Basics

Remember that doryoku is a noun that becomes a verb by adding suru. This is common for kanji-based words.

The Virtue of Effort

In Japan, showing that you are trying hard is often as important as actually succeeding.

Doryokuka

Learn the word 'doryokuka' (hard worker). It's a great way to describe yourself in a positive way.

Formal Situations

Use 'doryoku' in speeches or when talking to people of higher status to sound more respectful.

Collocations

Try using 'doryoku wo oshimazu' (sparing no effort) in your formal letters.

Context Clues

When you hear 'doryoku', look for the goal mentioned right before it with 'tame ni'.

Kanji Meaning

The kanji 努 (exert) and 力 (power) perfectly describe the word's meaning.

Doryoku vs Ganbaru

Think of doryoku as 'professional effort' and ganbaru as 'personal effort'.

Daily Life

Don't use doryoku for things like 'making an effort to wake up early' unless it's a major life change.

JLPT Prep

This word is very common in JLPT N3 and N2 reading sections. Master its collocations.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexte culturel

Athletes are often interviewed about their 'doryoku' rather than their talent.

Apologies in business often include a promise to 'doryoku' more in the future.

Japanese report cards often have a section for 'doryoku' (effort/attitude).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"最近、何か努力していることはありますか？ (Is there anything you've been making an effort with lately?)"

"日本語の勉強で一番努力していることは何ですか？ (What are you putting the most effort into in your Japanese studies?)"

"努力は必ず報われると思いますか？ (Do you think effort is always rewarded?)"

"子供の頃、親に「努力しなさい」と言われましたか？ (When you were a kid, did your parents tell you to 'make an effort'?)"

"あなたの周りで一番の努力家は誰ですか？ (Who is the biggest hard worker around you?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、目標のためにどんな努力をしましたか？ (What effort did you make today for your goals?)

過去に努力して成功した経験について書いてください。 (Write about a time you made an effort and succeeded.)

「努力は裏切らない」という言葉についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the phrase 'Effort never betrays'?)

才能と努力、どちらが重要だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more important, talent or effort?)

将来のために、これからどのような努力が必要ですか？ (What kind of effort is necessary from now on for your future?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. It's for significant goals. For small things, use 'ganbaru' or 'yattemiru'.

努力 is the formal noun; 頑張り is the noun form of the casual verb ganbaru.

Yes, it's a very high compliment in Japan, meaning someone is industrious and reliable.

You say 'muda na doryoku' (無駄な努力).

No, that's redundant. Just say '努力する' or '努力を重ねる'.

Both are correct, but 'doryoku suru' is more common as a compound verb.

Usually 'ni' or 'no tame ni'. For example, 'shiken ni doryoku suru' or 'shiken no tame ni doryoku suru'.

Yes, if it's part of a training regimen toward a goal.

No, it only describes the effort. Success is 'seikou'.

Yes, 'doryoku gimu' refers to a non-binding legal obligation to try to do something.