諦めます
akiramemasu
In Japanese, 'I give up' is expressed as 諦めます (akiramemasu).
This phrase is used to announce that one stops trying to do something because it is too difficult.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite form is 諦めます, which you should use when speaking to superiors, strangers or in formal settings. The informal dictionary form is 諦める, which is used when speaking to friends or family.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you have already given up, use the past tense form 諦めた. If you want to say you are unable to give up, use the negative potential form 諦められない.
How do you pronounce it?
akiramemasu
Did you know?
- The phrase 諦めが悪い 'akirame ga warui' literally means 'one's giving up is bad', but it is actually a common way to describe someone as stubborn or tenacious.
- In certain slang contexts or among youth, one might use the English loanword 'give up' written in katakana as ギブアップ (gibu appu) to sound less heavy or serious.
- While 諦める is common, using it too often in a job interview might suggest a lack of perseverance, as Japanese culture often highly values 'ganbaru', the concept of stubbornly sticking with a task.
Examples in context
- この問題は難しすぎるので、諦めます。Kono mondai wa muzukashisugiru node, akirame masu.This problem is too difficult, so I give up.
- もう無理だから、諦めます。Mou muri dakara, akirame masu.It is impossible now, so I give up.
- 勝てそうにないので、諦めます。Kate sou ni nai node, akirame masu.I don't think I can win, so I give up.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Daito are trying to solve a difficult puzzle.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、答えが分かりましたか？Daito-kun, kotae ga wakarimashita ka?Daito, do you know the answer?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいえ、全然分かりません。ie, zenzen wakarimasen.No, I don't understand it at all.
- 陽葵 Himari私も無理です。諦めます。watashi mo muri desu. akiramemasu.I can't do it either. I give up.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうしましょう。答えを見ましょう。sou shimashou. kotae o mimashou.Let's do that. Let's look at the answer.
