At the A1 level, think of '心がける' (kokoro-gakeru) as a way to say 'I try to' or 'I will try.' Even though this is a B1-level word, you can understand it as a combination of 'heart' (kokoro) and 'put' (kakeru). It means you put a goal in your heart so you don't forget it. For example, if you want to drink more water, you can say 'Water, drink, kokoro-gakeru.' It is usually used with '~ように' (yo-ni), which means 'so that' or 'to.' So, 'Mizu o nomu yo-ni kokoro-gakemasu' means 'I will try to drink water.' It is a very polite and good way to tell your teacher or boss that you are trying your best to do something good, like coming to class on time or doing your homework. It is different from 'ganbaru' (do your best) because 'kokoro-gakeru' is more about the mental reminder in your head.
For A2 learners, '心がける' is a useful verb for talking about habits and resolutions. You might have learned 'ki o tsukeru' (be careful), but '心がける' is slightly different. 'Ki o tsukeru' is for a moment, like 'be careful of the car!' '心がける' is for a long time, like 'I aim to be careful when driving every day.' When you use it, you often use the form '〜ように心がけています' (yo-ni kokoro-gakete imasu). This means 'I am making an effort to...' or 'I make it a point to...' This is very common when talking about health, like eating well or sleeping early. It shows that you are a responsible person who thinks about their actions. You can also use it with nouns: 'Safety (anzen) o kokoro-gakeru' means 'to keep safety in mind.' It’s a great word to use when you want to sound more mature in your Japanese conversations.
At the B1 level, you should start using '心がける' to express intentionality and mindfulness. This verb is perfect for describing how you approach your work, studies, or social interactions. It carries a nuance of 'conscious effort to maintain a standard.' For example, '丁寧な対応を心がける' (aim to handle things politely) suggests that you are intentionally choosing to be polite because you know it's important, even if it's sometimes difficult. Grammatically, remember it's an Ichidan verb, so the conjugations are simple: kokoro-gakeru, kokoro-gakemasu, kokoro-gakete. It is transitive, so it takes the particle 'を' for nouns. A key B1 skill is distinguishing this from '努める' (tsutomeru). While both mean 'to strive,' '心がける' is more about the internal mental attitude, whereas '努める' is more about the external, physical effort. Use '心がける' when the focus is on your mindset and consistent habits.
At the B2 level, '心がける' becomes an essential part of your professional and formal vocabulary. It is frequently used in business settings to describe corporate values or professional conduct. You will see it in phrases like 'コンプライアンスの遵守を心がける' (aim to comply with regulations). At this level, you should be comfortable using it in the passive or causative forms if necessary, though the active '〜ている' form remains the most common to describe personal or organizational policy. It also appears in more complex grammar structures like '心がけるべきだ' (should aim to) or '心がけるよう指導する' (instruct someone to keep in mind). Understanding the cultural background is also vital; '心がける' reflects the Japanese value of self-discipline and being mindful of one's impact on the group. It is a key word for expressing 'Jishuku' (self-restraint) or 'Kikubari' (attentiveness to others).
For C1 learners, '心がける' should be viewed through the lens of psychological intentionality and social harmony. It is a verb that describes the 'internalization of norms.' When one '心がける' a certain behavior, they are not just following a rule; they are integrating that rule into their mental framework. In advanced literature or essays, you might encounter it in discussions about ethics, where '心がける' represents the constant vigilance required to maintain moral integrity. You should also explore its use in nuanced social contexts, such as '相手のプライバシーに配慮することを心がける' (making a conscious effort to be considerate of others' privacy). At this level, you can use it to explain complex personal philosophies or to analyze the behavioral expectations within Japanese society. It is also worth noting its appearance in historical or philosophical texts where the 'mind' (心) is treated as something that must be 'trained' or 'applied' (掛ける).
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the subtle resonances of '心がける.' You understand that this verb is a cornerstone of the Japanese concept of 'Shitsuke' (upbringing/discipline) and 'Giri' (social obligation). It is used to describe the lifelong process of refining one's character. In high-level discourse, such as political speeches or philosophical treatises, '心がける' can denote a collective national or organizational resolve. You can distinguish the finest shades of meaning between '心がける,' '銘記する' (to engrave in one's mind), and '念頭に置く' (to keep in mind). You use '心がける' not just to describe habits, but to articulate the conscious construction of a persona or a professional ethos. Whether discussing the '心がけ' (the noun form meaning 'attitude' or 'readiness') of a Zen monk or a CEO, you recognize it as the deliberate application of consciousness to action, embodying the intersection of thought and deed.

心がける 30초 만에

  • A verb meaning to keep a goal or habit in mind through conscious mental effort.
  • Commonly used for health, safety, professional etiquette, and personal growth.
  • Follows patterns like [Noun] を心がける or [Verb] ように心がける.
  • Implies a long-term resolution rather than a one-time momentary caution.

The Japanese verb 心がける (Kokoro-gakeru) is a profound and essential term for anyone aiming to master intermediate Japanese. At its core, it translates to 'to keep in mind,' 'to aim to,' or 'to make a conscious effort to.' However, unlike simple verbs for 'trying' like 頑張る (ganbaru) or 努力する (doryoku suru), 心がける implies a persistent mental state or a resolution to maintain a specific behavior or attitude over time. It is about the internal mechanism of setting an intention and sticking to it. When you use this word, you are describing a proactive approach to habit-forming or etiquette.

The Kanji Breakdown
The word consists of 心 (kokoro), meaning 'heart' or 'mind,' and 掛ける (kakeru), which in this context means 'to hang' or 'to apply.' Literally, you are 'hanging something on your heart,' ensuring it stays there as a constant reminder.

健康のために、毎日野菜を食べるように心がけています。
(For my health, I make it a point to eat vegetables every day.)

This word is frequently used in professional settings, health advice, and personal development. It suggests a level of maturity and self-discipline. For instance, a manager might tell their team to 'keep in mind to provide prompt responses' (迅速な対応を心がけるように). It is not a one-time action but a continuous mental orientation. It is often paired with the grammar pattern 〜ように心がける (aim to do...), which softens the statement while showing firm intent.

Grammatical Nuance
It is a transitive verb (他動詞), usually taking the particle 'を' when followed by a noun, or 'ように' when following a verb in the dictionary form. It is almost always used in the continuous form (〜ている) or as a directive (〜てください).

常に笑顔で接することを心がけてください。
(Please keep in mind to always interact with a smile.)

In essence, 心がける is about mindfulness. It is the bridge between knowing what is right and actually doing it through constant mental effort. Whether it's being punctual, being kind, or studying diligently, this verb captures the essence of Japanese 'self-restraint' and 'self-improvement' (自己研鑽). It is a word that reflects a person's character and their commitment to their values and social responsibilities.

Using 心がける correctly requires understanding its common syntactic patterns. The most frequent structure is [Noun] + を + 心がける or [Verb Dictionary Form] + ように + 心がける. This flexibility allows you to apply the concept of 'bearing in mind' to both specific actions and general concepts like 'safety' or 'honesty.'

Pattern 1: Noun + を + 心がける
This pattern is used for abstract concepts or goals. For example: 節約を心がける (aim for frugality/saving money) or 安全運転を心がける (keep safe driving in mind).

彼は常に謙虚な姿勢を心がけている。
(He always makes an effort to maintain a humble attitude.)

When you use the 〜ている (te-iru) form, it signifies that this is a current, ongoing habit or mindset. This is the most natural way to describe your own efforts or someone else's character. If you use the dictionary form 心がける, it often sounds like a statement of future intent or a general rule.

Pattern 2: Verb + ように + 心がける
This is used for specific behavioral changes. 'ように' functions here to mean 'so as to' or 'in a manner that.' For example: 早く寝るように心がける (aim to go to bed early).

ゴミを減らすように心がけましょう
(Let's make an effort to reduce waste.)

Finally, consider the negative form, 心がけない. While less common, it can be used to describe a lack of care or attention. However, it is more common to use the positive form with a negative verb, like 遅刻しないように心がける (aim not to be late), rather than saying you 'don't keep it in mind.' This emphasizes the positive effort of avoidance.

Polite Requests
When giving advice or instructions, 心がけてください is standard. It is softer than 'must' (〜なければならない) but firmer than 'try to' (〜てみてください).

歩行者に注意するよう心がけてください。
(Please keep in mind to be careful of pedestrians.)

In Japan, 心がける is ubiquitous in environments where standards of behavior and harmony (和 - wa) are prioritized. You will hear it in schools, offices, public service announcements, and even in doctor's offices. It is a word that bridges the gap between private intention and public expectation.

The Workplace (Office Culture)
In a Japanese office, 'mindfulness' regarding others is key. You'll see posters saying '整理整頓を心がけましょう' (Let's keep in mind to keep things organized). During morning meetings (朝礼 - chōrei), a leader might remind staff to '丁寧な言葉遣いを心がける' (keep polite language in mind).

お客様の立場に立って考えることを心がけています。
(I make it a point to think from the customer's perspective.)

Public safety is another major domain. If you ride the train or drive in Japan, you'll see signs and hear announcements using this word. '安全な利用を心がけてください' (Please keep safe use in mind) is a common refrain. It places the responsibility on the individual to be aware and cautious.

Health and Lifestyle
Doctors often use this when giving lifestyle advice. Instead of saying 'You must exercise,' they might say '適度な運動を心がけてください' (Keep moderate exercise in mind). This is more encouraging and acknowledges that the patient must make a mental effort to change their lifestyle.

塩分を控えるように心がけてください。
(Please aim to cut down on salt.)

In media and self-help literature, 心がける is used to discuss 'mindset.' You'll find articles titled '幸せになるために心がけるべきこと' (Things you should keep in mind to become happy). It suggests that happiness or success is not just luck, but a result of deliberate mental focus and consistent action.

While 心がける is a versatile verb, learners often confuse it with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. The most common pitfall is using it for one-time actions or physical efforts where other verbs are more appropriate.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 気をつける (Ki wo tsukeru)
気をつける means 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention' in the moment. 心がける is about a long-term resolution. If you see a puddle, you '気をつける' (watch out). If you want to stop splashing people while driving long-term, you '心がける' (keep it in mind).

階段で転ばないように心がけて
階段で転ばないように気をつけて
(Watch out so you don't fall on the stairs!)

Another common error is using it for purely physical tasks that don't require 'mental resolve.' For instance, you wouldn't say '心がけて' when trying to lift a heavy box. That would be '頑張る' or '力を入れる.'

Mistake 2: Particle Errors
Learners often use 'に' instead of 'を' with nouns. It's '節約を心がける,' not '節約に心がける.' However, with verbs, you must use '〜ように心がける.' Using '〜ことを心がける' is also grammatically correct but slightly more formal.

早起き心がけます。
早起き心がけます。
(I will keep waking up early in mind.)

Finally, avoid using it for things you *already* do naturally without effort. 心がける implies there is a gap between your current state and your goal, requiring a mental 'tug' to stay on track. If you are a native speaker of English, you don't '心がける' to speak English; you just do it. But you might '心がける' to use simpler words for a learner.

To truly master 心がける, it helps to compare it with its synonyms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning, register, and usage context.

意識する (Ishiki suru)
Meaning 'to be conscious of' or 'to be aware of.' While 心がける is about *effort* and *action*, 意識する is more about *perception*. You might '意识' (be aware of) your posture, which then leads you to '心がける' (aim to) sit up straight.

プロとしての自覚を意識して行動する。
(Act while being conscious of your professional identity.)

努める (Tsutomeru)
Meaning 'to strive' or 'to make an effort.' This is more formal and often used in official documents or by organizations. While 心がける is an internal mental process, 努める often implies external, visible effort. A company '努める' (strives) to protect the environment.

サービスの向上に努めてまいります。
(We will strive to improve our service.)

配慮する (Hairyo suru)
Meaning 'to consider' or 'to be thoughtful of.' This is specifically used when your 'keeping in mind' is directed toward other people's needs or feelings. If you '心がける' to be quiet, you are '配慮する' (being considerate) to your neighbors.

周囲の人への配慮を忘れないでください。
(Don't forget to be considerate of the people around you.)

Choosing the right word depends on the formality and the specific 'target' of your effort. For daily personal habits, 心がける is almost always the best choice. For professional commitments, 努める adds a layer of official weight. For social awareness, 意識する or 配慮する are more precise.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The 'kakeru' part is the same as in 'megane o kakeru' (to wear glasses). Just as glasses stay on your face, 'kokoro-gakeru' keeps an idea 'on' your mind.

발음 가이드

UK ko.ko.ɾo.ɡa.ke.ɾu
US koʊ.koʊ.roʊ.ɡɑː.keɪ.ruː
Heiban (Flat) style in standard Tokyo Japanese. No specific syllable is accented higher than others.
라임이 맞는 단어
Tasukeru (to help) Kakeru (to hang) Akeru (to open) Makeru (to lose) Tsukeru (to attach) Todokeru (to deliver) Mitsukeru (to find) Katadukeru (to tidy up)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'gakeru' as 'jakeru'.
  • Stressing the 'ko' too heavily like 'CO-corogakeru'.
  • Confusing the 'r' sound with an English 'L' or hard 'R'.
  • Merging the 'o' sounds into one long vowel.
  • Dropping the 'u' at the end too abruptly.

난이도

독해 3/5

Kanji is simple, but understanding the nuance takes time.

쓰기 3/5

The kanji for 'kokoro' and 'kakeru' are basic, but the compound is intermediate.

수준별 예문

1

毎日、水を飲むように心がけます。

I will try to drink water every day.

Verb + ように + 心がけます

2

早く寝ることを心がけてください。

Please keep in mind to go to bed early.

Verb + こと + を + 心がけてください

3

挨拶を心がけましょう。

Let's make an effort to greet people.

Noun + を + 心がけましょう

4

野菜を食べるように心がけています。

I am trying to eat vegetables.

〜ている form shows a current habit.

5

忘れ物をしないように心がけます。

I will keep in mind not to forget things.

Negative Verb + ように + 心がける

6

笑顔を心がけています。

I make an effort to smile.

Simple Noun + を + 心がける

7

時間を守るように心がけてください。

Please aim to be on time.

Standard advice pattern.

8

優しくすることを心がけます。

I will try to be kind.

Expressing a personal resolution.

1

健康のために、歩くことを心がけています。

For my health, I make it a point to walk.

Noun + のために indicates purpose.

2

安全運転を心がけましょう。

Let's keep safe driving in mind.

Common safety slogan.

3

部屋をきれいにすることを心がけてください。

Please aim to keep your room clean.

Adjective + にする + こと + を...

4

毎日日本語を話すように心がけています。

I make an effort to speak Japanese every day.

Focus on consistent language practice.

5

節約を心がけて、貯金をしています。

I'm keeping frugality in mind and saving money.

Te-form used to connect two related actions.

6

食べ過ぎないように心がけます。

I will try not to overeat.

Negative intent.

7

メモを取るように心がけてください。

Please keep in mind to take notes.

Professional advice.

8

ゴミの分別を心がけています。

I make sure to separate the trash.

Social responsibility.

1

常に相手の立場になって考えることを心がけています。

I always make an effort to think from the other person's perspective.

Intermediate level empathy expression.

2

仕事では、迅速なレスポンスを心がけてください。

In work, please aim for prompt responses.

Business etiquette.

3

環境に優しい生活を心がけたいと思います。

I would like to aim for an eco-friendly lifestyle.

〜たいと思う adds a layer of desire.

4

言葉遣いに気をつけて、丁寧な表現を心がけます。

I'll be careful with my wording and aim for polite expressions.

Combining 'ki o tsukeru' and 'kokoro-gakeru'.

5

ミスを減らすために、ダブルチェックを心がけています。

To reduce mistakes, I make it a point to double-check.

Specific professional strategy.

6

新しいことに挑戦することを心がけています。

I make an effort to challenge myself with new things.

Personal growth context.

7

周りの迷惑にならないよう、静かにすることを心がけましょう。

Let's aim to be quiet so as not to bother those around us.

Social harmony (wa) focus.

8

公平な判断を心がけることが大切です。

It is important to aim for fair judgment.

Abstract moral quality.

1

プロとして、常に高いクオリティを心がけています。

As a professional, I always aim for high quality.

Professional identity.

2

情報の取り扱いには、細心の注意を払うよう心がけてください。

Please keep in mind to pay the utmost attention to information handling.

Formal instruction with 'saishin no chūi'.

3

多様性を尊重する職場作りを心がけています。

We are aiming to create a workplace that respects diversity.

Organizational goal.

4

感情的にならず、冷静に話し合うことを心がけました。

I made an effort to discuss things calmly without getting emotional.

Self-regulation in conflict.

5

謙虚な姿勢を心がけることで、多くのことを学べます。

By keeping a humble attitude in mind, you can learn many things.

Cause and effect with 'de'.

6

持続可能な社会の実現を心がけるべきです。

We should aim for the realization of a sustainable society.

Using 'beki' for moral obligation.

7

お客様に感動を与えられるようなサービスを心がけております。

We aim for service that can move our customers.

Humble 'orimasu' form for business.

8

先入観を持たずに人と接することを心がけています。

I make an effort to interact with people without prejudice.

Advanced social awareness.

1

不測の事態にも柔軟に対応できるよう、日頃から心がけておく必要があります。

It is necessary to keep in mind daily so that you can respond flexibly even to unforeseen circumstances.

〜ておく implies preparation.

2

リーダーは、部下のモチベーションを高めるような言動を心がけるべきだ。

A leader should aim for words and actions that increase subordinates' motivation.

Leadership philosophy.

3

常に自己研鑽に励み、最新の技術を習得することを心がけています。

I always strive for self-improvement and make it a point to acquire the latest technology.

Combining 'jiko-kensan' and 'kokoro-gakeru'.

4

公共の場では、他者への配慮を最優先に心がけるのがマナーです。

In public places, it is manners to keep consideration for others as the top priority.

Social etiquette discourse.

5

客観的な視点を保つことを心がけることで、バイアスを排除できます。

By aiming to maintain an objective perspective, one can eliminate bias.

Academic/Critical thinking context.

6

伝統を守りつつも、新しい風を取り入れることを心がけております。

While protecting tradition, we aim to incorporate a new breeze.

Balancing two concepts.

7

言葉の裏にある感情を汲み取るよう、常に心がけて対話しています。

I always aim to pick up on the emotions behind words during dialogue.

Deep communication skills.

8

誠実さを心がけることが、長期的な信頼関係の構築に繋がります。

Aiming for sincerity leads to the construction of long-term relationships of trust.

Abstract business philosophy.

1

品位を保ちつつ、情熱を持って職務を遂行することを常に心がけております。

I always aim to carry out my duties with passion while maintaining dignity.

High-level professional commitment.

2

一期一会の精神を心がけ、すべてのお客様に最高の体験を提供します。

Keeping the spirit of 'once-in-a-lifetime' in mind, we provide the best experience for all customers.

Integrating cultural idioms (Ichigo Ichie).

3

政治家は、国民の負託に応えるべく、清廉潔白な政治を心がける義務がある。

Politicians have an obligation to aim for clean and honest politics in order to meet the trust of the people.

Political/Legal discourse.

4

常にマインドフルネスを心がけることで、雑念を払い、本質に集中する。

By always aiming for mindfulness, one clears away distractions and focuses on the essence.

Philosophical/Psychological context.

5

組織の透明性を高めることを心がける姿勢が、ガバナンスの根幹を成す。

The attitude of aiming to increase organizational transparency forms the basis of governance.

Corporate governance terminology.

6

学問の徒として、真理の追究を心がけることを決して忘れてはならない。

As a scholar, one must never forget to aim for the pursuit of truth.

Academic ethics.

7

文化の多様性を享受し、共生社会の実現を心がけることが現代社会の課題だ。

Enjoying cultural diversity and aiming for the realization of a symbiotic society is a challenge of modern society.

Sociological discourse.

8

自己の限界を決めつけず、常に向上心を心がけることが成功への鍵である。

The key to success is to always aim for an upward-looking mind without deciding one's own limits.

Motivational/Philosophical context.

자주 쓰는 조합

健康を心がける
節約を心がける
安全を心がける
笑顔を心がける
早寝早起きを心がける
丁寧な言葉遣いを心がける
謙虚な姿勢を心がける
迅速な対応を心がける
メモを取ることを心がける
環境保護を心がける

자주 쓰는 구문

〜ように心がける

— To aim to do something as a habit.

毎日10分、本を読むように心がけています。

心がけが良い

— To have a good attitude or mental readiness.

彼はいつも心がけが良いので、信頼されている。

日頃から心がける

— To keep in mind on a daily basis.

日頃から節約を心がけることが大切だ。

常に心がける

— To always keep in mind.

常に感謝の気持ちを心がけています。

心がけ次第

— Depending on one's attitude/intention.

成功するかどうかは、本人の心がけ次第だ。

マナーを心がける

— To be mindful of manners.

公共の場でのマナーを心がけましょう。

安全第一を心がける

— To keep 'safety first' in mind.

工事現場では安全第一を心がけています。

冷静さを心がける

— To aim to stay calm.

トラブルの時こそ、冷静さを心がけるべきだ。

相手への配慮を心がける

— To keep consideration for others in mind.

会話では相手への配慮を心がけてください。

自己研鑽を心がける

— To aim for self-improvement.

プロとして、常に自己研鑽を心がけています。

관용어 및 표현

"身を慎むことを心がける"

— To aim to behave prudently or with self-restraint.

公の場では身を慎むことを心がけるべきだ。

Formal
"初心を忘れないよう心がける"

— To make an effort not to forget one's original intention/humility.

何年経っても、初心を忘れないよう心がけています。

Inspirational
"腹八分目を心がける"

— To aim to eat until only 80% full (for health).

長寿の秘訣は、腹八分目を心がけることだ。

Health
"和を以て貴しとなすことを心がける"

— To aim to value harmony above all else.

チーム内では和を以て貴しとなすことを心がけている。

Cultural/Proverbial
"一歩引いて考えることを心がける"

— To aim to take a step back and think objectively.

感情的になった時は、一歩引いて考えることを心がける。

Psychological
"言葉に責任を持つことを心がける"

— To aim to take responsibility for one's words.

リーダーなら、言葉に責任を持つことを心がけるべきだ。

Ethical
"備えあれば憂いなしを心がける"

— To aim to be prepared so there are no worries.

防災対策として、備えあれば憂いなしを心がけている。

Safety
"継続は力なりを心がける"

— To aim to believe that 'continuity is power.'

勉強においては、継続は力なりを心がけて毎日続ける。

Educational
"情けは人のためならずを心がける"

— To aim to be kind, knowing it returns to oneself.

日頃から、情けは人のためならずを心がけて行動する。

Moral
"足るを知ることを心がける"

— To aim to be content with what one has.

幸福のために、足るを知ることを心がけて生活する。

Philosophical

어휘 가족

명사

心がけ (Attitude/Mindset)
心 (Heart/Mind)

동사

掛ける (To hang/apply)
気にかける (To worry about)

관련

意識
努力
習慣
決意
配慮

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Kokoro' (Heart) + 'Gakeru' (Hang). You are 'Hanging' a reminder on your 'Heart' so you don't forget your goal.

시각적 연상

Imagine a small sticky note with a goal written on it, physically stuck to your heart.

Word Web

Mindfulness Habit Intent Resolution Reminder Heart Application Effort

챌린지

Try to say 'I aim to study Japanese' using this word: 'Nihongo o benkyo suru yo-ni kokoro-gakemasu'.

어원

A compound verb formed from 'Kokoro' (心 - heart/mind) and 'Kakeru' (掛ける - to hang/attach).

원래 의미: To literally 'hang' a thought or intention onto one's heart so it is not lost.

Japonic / Yamato Kotoba.

문화적 맥락

It is a very positive word. However, telling someone else 'Kokoro-gake ga tarinai' (Your attitude is lacking) is a very strong and harsh criticism.

In English, we say 'I'll try to' or 'I'll keep it in mind.' 'Kokoro-gakeru' is more formal and implies a stronger internal commitment than 'try.'

Used frequently in 'Kaizen' business philosophies. Common in Samurai codes of conduct regarding mental focus. Found in modern J-Pop lyrics about personal growth.
도움이 되었나요?
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!