225
努
Effort, Strive
つと-める (tsuto-meru)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The expression 努力 (doryoku), meaning 'effort,' is one of the most motivating words in Japanese. You'll often hear 『努力は裏切らない』 ('Hard work never betrays you').
Memory Trick
Imagine pushing a heavy boulder uphill with all your STRENGTH. That constant hard work represents EFFORT.
Readings
Onyomi: ド (do)
Kunyomi: つと-める (tsuto-meru)
Example Words
努力
どりょく (doryoku)
Effort
努める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
To strive
努力家
どりょくか (doryokuka)
Hard-working person
努力賞
どりょくしょう (doryokushou)
Effort award
Example Sentence
毎日 努力しています。
まいにち どりょくしています。
mainichi doryoku shiteimasu
I make an effort every day.