Japanese word

地道

Pronunciation

Romajijimichi

Meaning

  • na-adjectivediligent

Example

彼は地道に勉強しています。kare wa ji michi ni ben kyō shi te i ma su

He studies diligently.

Illustration for 地道 (diligent)

More examples

目立たなくても、地道な作業が成果につながります。me da ta na ku te mo ji michi na sa gyō ga sei ka ni tsu na ga ri ma su

Even if it is not noticeable, steady work leads to results.

Core concept

It presents achievement as the result of steady work carried on without seeking attention or relying on a quick solution.

Common phrases

  • 地道な努力ji michi na do ryoku

    steady effort

  • 地道に取り組むji michi ni to ri ku mu

    work steadily

Similar words

着実chakujitsu: Describes reliable progress made through steady effort.
堅実kenjitsu: Describes a practical and reliable approach that avoids needless risk.
丹念tannen: Describes careful work carried out with thorough attention to detail.
勤勉kinben: Describes a person who applies themselves diligently over time.

Definition in Japanese

目立つことを求めず、堅実に努力を積み重ねるさま。me da tsu ko to o moto me zu ken jitsu ni do ryoku o tsu mi kasa ne ru sa ma

Word origin

地道 (jimichi) is a Japanese compound of 地 (ji, "ground") and 道 (michi, "path"); its sense of an ordinary earth path developed into a plain and reliable course of action.

Usage tips

  • 地道 (jimichi) can describe a method as well as a person, so it refers to a reliable way of working and not only to personal diligence.

Other meanings

  • steadyna-adjective

Opposites

  • 怠惰taidalazinessnoun

Related words

  • 地道さjimichisasteadinessnoun

Word lists with this word