最善を尽くします
saizen o tsukushimasu
The English phrase "I will try my best" is expressed in Japanese as 最善を尽くします (saizen o tsukushimasu).
This phrase is used to promise that you will put forth your maximum effort to achieve a goal. It specifically emphasizes that you will leave no stone unturned and will use every possible means to succeed.
What does it mean word for word?
最善 (saizen) literally means "the best" or "the most excellent" option/action, while the verb 尽くします (tsukushimasu) literally means to exhaust, use up or expend something completely.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 最善を尽くします is the polite version used in professional or formal settings. The dictionary form 最善を尽くす is the informal/plain version used with friends or equals. For a common formal way to express "I will try my best," you can also use がんばります. In casual settings, you might use the informal がんばる or がんばってみる, which can mean "I will give it a try" or "I will try my best."
How do you pronounce it?
saizen o tsukushimasu
Did you know?
- The verb in 尽くします (tsukushimasu) is the same word used to describe 'serving' a master or a lord, implying a sense of total devotion to the task at hand.
- The phrase がんばる originally comes from a word meaning 'to persist' or 'to hold out', reflecting a cultural value of perseverance over innate talent.
- In Japanese sports culture, the phrase がんばれ (ganbare) is shouted as a command to 'do your best', but it is rarely used toward a superior due to its imperative form.
Examples in context
- 新しいプロジェクトに全力でがんばります。I will try my best with all my strength on the new project.
- 最善を尽くします。Saizen o tsukushimasu.I will try my best.
- このプロジェクトでは最善を尽くします。Kono purojekuto de wa saizen o tsukushimasu.I will try my best in this project.
- 結果に関わらず、最善を尽くします。Kekka ni kawarazu, saizen o tsukushimasu.Regardless of the result, I will try my best.
Example conversation
At a company, Ren is asking Himari about a difficult task.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんは、この難しい仕事を任せられますか？Himari-san wa, kono muzukashii shigoto o makaseraremasu ka?Himari, can I entrust you with this difficult job?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、最善を尽くします。Hai, saizen o tsukushimasu.Yes, I will try my best.
- 蓮 Ren頼りにしていますよ。Tayori ni shite imasu yo.I am counting on you.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、頑張ります。Arigatou gozaimasu, ganbarimasu.Thank you, I will do my best.
