一生懸命勉強する
isshōkenmei benkyō suru
To study hard in Japanese is to say 一生懸命勉強する (isshōkenmei benkyō suru).
The phrase is used to describe putting a great deal of effort and energy into learning or studying.
What does it mean word for word?
The adverbial phrase 一生懸命 (isshōkenmei) literally means 'with one's whole life' or 'with all one's might'.
Which one should you use?
While 一生懸命勉強する emphasizes the sincerity and effort of the person, the alternative phrase 猛勉強する (mōbenkyō suru) emphasizes the intensity or the 'cramming' aspect of the study.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the phrase into a polite request, change the dictionary form 勉強する to the -te form 勉強して and add ください to make 一生懸命勉強してください.
How do you pronounce it?
isshōkenmei benkyō suru
Did you know?
- The word 一生懸命 (isshōkenmei) originally referred to the life-or-death stakes of a samurai's duty. It describes an effort so intense that one is prepared to risk their life.
- The word 勉強 (benkyō) can also be used in a commercial context to mean 'discounting a price', as the seller is 'exerting effort' to lower the cost for the customer.
- The kanji 勉 in 勉強 (benkyō) originally meant 'to exert oneself' or 'to force', rather than specifically referring to academic books.
Examples in context
- 良い大学に入るためには、あなたは一生懸命勉強するだけでよいのです。All you have to do is study hard to get into a good college.This sentence shows how to use 一生懸命勉強する when discussing what is necessary to enter a good college.Tatoeba #77862 by mookeee, translation #325856 by CK
- 一生懸命勉強してください。Please study hard.
- 頑張って勉強してください。Please do your best in studying.
- 一生懸命勉強してね。Study hard, okay?
- 頑張って勉強してね。Do your best in studying, okay?
- 頑張って勉強しよう！Let's do our best in studying!
- 一緒に頑張りましょう！Let's work hard together!
- 試験に合格するために、一生懸命勉強する。shiken ni goukaku suru tame ni, isshoukenmei benkyou suru.I will study hard to pass the exam.
- 彼は将来のために一生懸命勉強する。kare wa shourai no tame ni isshoukenmei benkyou suru.He studies hard for his future.
Example conversation
Hime and Ren are talking about their upcoming test.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、テストの準備はできた？Ren-kun, tesuto no junbi wa dekita?Ren, are you ready for the test?
- 蓮 Renいいえ、これから一生懸命勉強するよ。iie, kore kara isshoukenmei benkyou suru yo.No, I'm going to study hard starting now.
- 陽葵 Himari頑張ってね。応援しているよ。ganbatte ne. ouen shite iru yo.Good luck. I'm rooting for you.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、陽葵さん。arigatou, Himari-san.Thank you, Himari.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
