Japanese word

覚悟

Pronunciation

Romajikakugo

Meaning

  • nounresolve

Example

私は覚悟を決めました。watashi wa kaku go o ki me ma shi ta

I made up my mind.

Illustration for 覚悟 (resolve)

More examples

新しい仕事には、覚悟が必要です。atara shi i shi goto ni wa kaku go ga hitsu yō de su

A new job requires resolve.

Core concept

Describes a firm readiness to accept difficulty and act despite its consequences.

Common phrases

  • 覚悟を決めるkaku go o ki me ru

    make up one's mind

  • 覚悟が必要kaku go ga hitsu yō

    need resolve

Similar words

決心kesshin: A settled decision to do something after considering whether to do it.
決意ketsui: A firm intention to do something, formed after making a clear choice.
心構えkokorogamae: A mental attitude prepared for a situation or task.

Definition in Japanese

困難や結果を受け入れた上で、事に立ち向かおうとする固い決意。kon nan ya kek ka o u ke i re ta ue de koto ni ta chi mu ka ō to su ru kata i ketsu i

Word origin

覚悟 (kakugo) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 覚 (kaku, "awareness") and 悟 (go, "understanding"), expressing readiness based on understanding what lies ahead.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 覚悟 (kakugo) usually suggests accepting a difficult result, so it is stronger than simply deciding what to do.

Other meanings

  • readinessnoun

Related words

  • 覚悟するkakugosururesolveverb

Word lists with this word