Japanese word

勤勉

Pronunciation

Romajikinben

Meaning

  • na-adjectivediligent

Example

彼はとても勤勉です。kare wa to te mo kin ben de su

He is very diligent.

Illustration for 勤勉 (diligent)

More examples

毎朝、彼女は勤勉に漢字を練習しています。mai asa kano jo wa kin ben ni kan ji o ren shū shi te i ma su

Every morning, she diligently practices kanji.

Core concept

Expresses the habit of applying oneself seriously and consistently to a task over time.

Common phrases

  • 勤勉な学生kin ben na gaku sei

    diligent student

  • 勤勉に学ぶkin ben ni mana bu

    study diligently

Similar words

真面目majime: Describes a person who approaches duties seriously and keeps working steadily.
熱心nesshin: Describes a strong commitment to and active effort in a particular activity.
一生懸命isshōkenmei: Describes giving one's full effort to accomplish a task.
几帳面kichōmen: Describes careful attention to details and orderly work habits.

Definition in Japanese

物事に熱心に取り組み、こつこつ努力を続けるさま。mono goto ni nes shin ni to ri ku mi ko tsu ko tsu do ryoku o tsuzu ke ru sa ma

Word origin

勤勉 (kinben) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 勤 (kin, "work") and 勉 (ben, "strive"), whose meanings together suggest persistent effort.

Usage tips

  • English uses diligent for regular study as well as careful work, so the word applies beyond school settings.

Opposites

  • 怠惰taidalazyna-adjective

Related words

  • 勤勉さkinbensadiligencenoun
  • 勤勉家kinbenkadiligent personnoun

Word lists with this word