Japanese word

粘る

Pronunciation

Romajinebaru

Meaning

  • verbpersist

Example

彼は最後まで粘ります。kare wa sai go ma de neba ri ma su

He will persist until the end.

Illustration for 粘る (persist)

More examples

周囲に反対されても、彼は最後まで粘りました。shū i ni han tai sa re te mo kare wa sai go ma de neba ri ma shi ta

Even though those around him objected, he held out until the end.

Core concept

It describes staying attached to something and continuing despite resistance, from physical stickiness to persistence toward a goal.

Common phrases

  • 試合で粘るshi ai de neba ru

    hold out in a match

Similar words

食い下がるkuisagaru: To keep pressing for a result after facing resistance or an initial refusal.
踏ん張るfunbaru: To withstand pressure and hold one's position through a difficult situation.
食らいつくkuraitsuku: To cling tenaciously to a person, task, or chance instead of giving up.

Definition in Japanese

簡単にはあきらめず、困難な状況でも目的に向けた努力を続ける。kan tan ni wa a ki ra me zu kon nan na jō kyō de mo moku teki ni mu ke ta do ryoku o tsuzu ke ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 粘る (nebaru) is connected with 粘い (nebai, "sticky"), linking physical stickiness with the act of holding on and persisting.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 粘る (nebaru) often describes persisting in a negotiation after an initial refusal, rather than simply working hard in private.

Other meanings

  • be stickyverb
  • hold outverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 粘り強いnebarizuyoipersistenti-adjective
  • 粘り強さnebarizuyosaperseverancenoun
  • 粘りnebaripersistencenoun

Word lists with this word