How to say 'Earnest' in Japanese | 懸命

word

Meaning

Earnest

Reading

Kanji

懸Suspend 命Command, Life

Explanation

The Japanese adjectival noun '懸命 (けんめい)' means 'earnest' or 'doing one's utmost'. It describes a state of putting in great effort or being very serious about something. This term is often used to commend someone's dedication or hard work. For example: He is earnest in his studies「彼は勉強に懸命だ」(かれはべんきょうにけんめいだ). She worked hard to achieve her goal「彼女は目標を達成するために懸命に働いた」(かのじょはもくひょうをたっせいするためにけんめいにはたらいた). The word can also imply a sense of desperation or urgency in certain contexts, highlighting the intensity of the effort being made.

Part Of Speech

adjectival noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2466

Composition

kanji

Handwriting