Japanese word

徹する

Pronunciation

Romajitessuru

Meaning

  • verbdevote oneself to

Example

会議では聞き役に徹します。kai gi de wa ki ki yaku ni tes shi ma su

At the meeting, I will devote myself to listening.

Illustration for 徹する (devote oneself to)

More examples

その店は客の要望に応えることに徹しています。so no mise wa kyaku no yō bō ni kota e ru ko to ni tes shi te i ma su

That shop focuses solely on meeting its customers' needs.

Core concept

Means giving oneself fully to one role or course of action and following it without turning aside.

Common phrases

  • 役割に徹するyaku wari ni tes su ru

    devote oneself entirely to a role

  • 聞き役に徹するki ki yaku ni tes su ru

    devote oneself to listening

  • 裏方に徹するura kata ni tes su ru

    remain entirely behind the scenes

Similar words

専念するsennensuru: To focus exclusively on a task, purpose, or area of activity.
打ち込むuchikomu: To commit oneself earnestly to an activity and work at it with energy.
没頭するbottōsuru: To become deeply involved in an activity so that it occupies one's whole attention.
集中するshūchūsuru: To concentrate one's mental and physical effort on a particular aim.

Definition in Japanese

一つの役割や方針に専念し、最後まで貫く。hito tsu no yaku wari ya hō shin ni sen nen shi sai go ma de tsuranu ku

Word origin

The verb 徹する (tessuru) combines 徹 (tetsu, "penetrate") with する (suru, "do"), expressing the idea of carrying one course of action through to the end.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 聞き役に徹する (kikiyaku ni tessuru) describes taking no other part in a discussion, which gives 徹する (tessuru) a stronger sense than merely listening.

Other meanings

  • stick to ___verb
  • act solely as ___verb

Opposites

Word lists with this word