Persistence is the steady mental energy required to finish a long task.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The ability to persevere in a task.
- Essential for long-term goals and learning.
- Used to describe steady, patient effort.
Overview
「根気」とは、困難や退屈な作業であっても、あきらめずに最後までやり遂げる力のことです。「根」は物事の根本や基盤、「気」は精神や心を表し、根っこから湧き出るような粘り強い精神力を意味します。2) Usage Patterns: 主に「根気がある」「根気がいる」「根気が続く」といった形で使われます。「根気がいる仕事」のように、その作業にどれだけの忍耐力が必要かを表現する際にも頻繁に用いられます。3) Common Contexts: 語学学習、手芸、研究、スポーツの練習など、短期間では結果が出ない長期的な取り組みにおいて「根気が必要だ」とよく言われます。また、集中力を要する細かい作業を指す際にも使われます。4) Similar Words comparison: 「忍耐」は苦痛や辛さに耐えることに焦点があり、「根気」は作業を継続する力に焦点があります。「辛抱」は、嫌なことや困難な状況を我慢して持ちこたえるというニュアンスが強く、根気よりも少し受動的です。
Examples
語学学習には根気がいります。
everydayLanguage learning requires perseverance.
彼は非常に根気強い性格です。
formalHe has a very persistent personality.
根気が続かないので、すぐやめてしまう。
informalI lack perseverance, so I quit quickly.
この実験にはかなりの根気が求められる。
academicThis experiment requires a great deal of patience.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
根気比べ
A test of endurance
根気のない人
Someone who lacks perseverance
根気を出す
To summon one's perseverance
Often Confused With
Refers to enduring pain or hardship. It is more about 'suffering through' something rather than 'working through' it.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral noun that is highly regarded in professional and educational settings. It is often used to praise someone's work ethic.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse it with 'konjou' (guts/spirit). While similar, 'konki' is specifically for long-term tasks, whereas 'konjou' is for fighting spirit in difficult moments.
Tips
Use with verbs like iru or aru
Combine with 'iru' (to need) for tasks, or 'aru' (to have) for people. This makes your sentences sound very natural.
Don't confuse with physical strength
Root 'kon' means spirit/base, not physical muscle. It refers exclusively to mental stamina.
Valued in Japanese work culture
Japanese culture highly prizes 'konki' in craftsmanship and long-term service. It is often seen as a sign of professional maturity.
Word Origin
Derived from 'Kon' (root/foundation) and 'Ki' (spirit/energy). It implies the mental energy that forms the foundation of one's efforts.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'konki' is deeply linked to the Japanese value of 'ganbaru' (doing one's best). It reflects the cultural preference for steady, incremental improvement over quick, sporadic bursts of energy.
Memory Tip
Think of a tree root (Kon) that holds the plant steady in the ground (Ki). Just like the root keeps the tree standing, 'konki' keeps your focus steady.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「根気」は作業を継続する力に重点があり、「忍耐」は苦しみや困難に耐え抜くことに重点があります。根気はポジティブな努力の継続に使われることが多いです。
はい、ほぼ同じ意味で使われます。どちらもあきらめずに続ける能力が高いことを表しますが、「根気強い」の方がその性質をより強調する形容詞的な表現です。
「根気がいる仕事だ」や「根気が続かない」という表現がよく使われます。特に何かを習得しようとしている時に使われることが多いです。
はい、小さな目標を一つずつ達成する経験を積むことで、根気は鍛えられます。最初から大きな目標を立てず、少しずつ継続することがコツです。
Test Yourself
語学の習得には、毎日の地道な___が必要です。
学習の継続には精神的な粘り強さである「根気」が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
Persistence is the steady mental energy required to finish a long task.
- The ability to persevere in a task.
- Essential for long-term goals and learning.
- Used to describe steady, patient effort.
Use with verbs like iru or aru
Combine with 'iru' (to need) for tasks, or 'aru' (to have) for people. This makes your sentences sound very natural.
Don't confuse with physical strength
Root 'kon' means spirit/base, not physical muscle. It refers exclusively to mental stamina.
Valued in Japanese work culture
Japanese culture highly prizes 'konki' in craftsmanship and long-term service. It is often seen as a sign of professional maturity.
Examples
4 of 4語学学習には根気がいります。
Language learning requires perseverance.
彼は非常に根気強い性格です。
He has a very persistent personality.
根気が続かないので、すぐやめてしまう。
I lack perseverance, so I quit quickly.
この実験にはかなりの根気が求められる。
This experiment requires a great deal of patience.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
