Japanese word

根気

Pronunciation

Romajikonki

Meaning

  • nounperseverance

Example

この仕事には根気が必要です。ko no shi goto ni wa kon ki ga hitsu yō de su

This work requires perseverance.

Illustration for 根気 (perseverance)

More examples

毎日少しずつ練習を続けるには、根気が大切です。mai nichi suko shi zu tsu ren shū o tsuzu ke ru ni wa kon ki ga tai setsu de su

Perseverance is important for continuing to practice a little every day.

Core concept

It presents perseverance as an inner force that keeps a person engaged with a task through difficulty or monotony.

Common phrases

  • 根気があるkon ki ga a ru

    have perseverance

  • 根気が要るkon ki ga i ru

    require perseverance

  • 根気よくkon ki yo ku

    persistently

  • 根気を養うkon ki o yashina u

    cultivate perseverance

  • 根気を試すkon ki o tame su

    test perseverance

Similar words

粘りnebari: The quality of continuing an effort despite difficulty or setbacks.
持続力jizokuryoku: The ability to sustain an activity or effort for a long time.
辛抱shinbō: The endurance of hardship, discomfort, or delay over a period of time.
執念shūnen: Intense determination to pursue a goal until it is achieved.

Definition in Japanese

困難や退屈に耐えながら、物事を長く続けてやり抜こうとする気力。kon nan ya tai kutsu ni ta e na ga ra mono goto o naga ku tsuzu ke te ya ri nu kō to su ru ki ryoku

Word origin

根気 (konki, "perseverance") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 根 (kon, "root") and 気 (ki, "spirit or energy"), expressing sustained inner force.

Usage tips

  • Unlike patience, 根気 (konki) usually highlights continuing effort toward a task, so it applies to study, work, and other activities that require persistence.

Other meanings

  • patiencenoun

Related words

  • 根気強さkonkitsuyosapersistencenoun

Word lists with this word