How to say 'Effort' in Japanese | 折角

word

Meaning

Effort

Reading

Kanji

折Bend, Fold 角Corner, Angle

Explanation

The Japanese adverb '折角 (せっかく)' conveys the idea of something being done with considerable effort, trouble, or difficulty, and often implies that it would be a waste or a shame not to make use of or appreciate the result of that effort. It is commonly used to express the value of taking advantage of an opportunity or to indicate that something was done with a lot of effort, so it should not be wasted. For example: I went to the trouble of making this cake, so please eat it「せっかく作ったケーキだから、食べてください」(せっかくつくったケーキだから、たべてください). Since you've come all this way, you should stay a while「せっかく来たんだから、しばらくいてください」(せっかくきたんだから、しばらくいてください). The nuance of '折角' often carries a sense of regret or disappointment if the effort or opportunity is not utilized.

Part Of Speech

adverb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2781

Composition

kanji

Handwriting