Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ガッツ | gattsu | |
| 根性 | konjō | [kõ̞ɲ̟d͡ʑo̞ː] (narrow) |
The term is used to describe courage, grit or determination. You can use 根性 to refer to one's fundamental nature, tenacity or spirit. In a sporting or energetic context, the loanword ガッツ is often used to describe physical or mental grit. If you want to describe someone's determination informally, you might use the word 腹 (hara), which literally means 'belly'. For a formal way to convey the essence of courage, you can use 勇気 (yūki).
Which one should you use?
根性 is a standard term that refers to one's fundamental nature and is often used to describe stubborn determination or grit. In contrast, ガッツ is an informal loanword used specifically to describe physical or mental grit, commonly in high-energy or athletic situations.
How do you pronounce it?
gattsu
Did you know?
- While 根性 (konjō) means 'guts', it is also the root of the term 根性焼き (konjō-yaki), a dangerous hazing ritual where people test their endurance by pressing a lit cigarette against their skin.
- Because the 'belly' 腹 (hara) is seen as the center of emotion and will, the phrase 腹が立つ (hara ga tatsu), meaning 'to get angry', literally describes one's 'belly standing up'.
- The word 根性 (konjō) literally translates to 'the root of one's nature'. This implies that 'guts' is not just a temporary feeling of bravery, but a fundamental part of who a person is.
Examples in context
- そのスピーチは本当に勇気がある。That speech truly shows guts.
- 彼は腹が据わっている。He has guts/nerve.
- 彼女は本当に根性がある。She truly has guts.
- 彼はガッツがある。Kare wa gattsu ga aru.He has guts.
- 最後まできっとガッツを見せてくれ。Saigo made kitto gattsu o misete kure.Show me your guts until the very end.
- あの選手にはガッツを感じる。Ano senshu ni wa gattsu o kanjiru.I feel guts from that athlete.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are watching a difficult sports competition on TV.
- 健太 Kentaあの選手、本当にガッツがあるね。Ano senshu, hontou ni gattsu ga aru ne.That athlete really has guts, doesn't he?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、見ていて感動するよ。Un, mite ite kandou suru yo.Yeah, it's moving to watch.
- 健太 Kenta健太もあんな風に頑張りたいな。Kenta mo anna fuu ni ganbaritai na.I want to work hard like that too, Kenta (referring to himself/speaking).
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんなら大丈夫だよ！Kenta-san nara daijoubu dayo!You'll be fine, Kenta!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guts” translations and entries 根性, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
