Japanese word

踏ん張る

Pronunciation

Romajifunbaru

Meaning

  • verbbrace oneself

Example

重い荷物を持つために、足を踏ん張ります。omo i ni motsu o mo tsu ta me ni ashi o fu n ba ri ma su

I brace my legs to lift a heavy load.

Illustration for 踏ん張る (brace oneself)

More examples

坂道で転ばないように、足を踏ん張ります。saka michi de koro ba na i yō ni ashi o fu n ba ri ma su

I brace my legs to avoid falling on the slope.

Core concept

Describes keeping the feet firmly planted and using strength to resist movement or continue through difficulty.

Common phrases

  • 足を踏ん張るashi o fu n ba ru

    brace one's legs

  • 最後まで踏ん張るsai go ma de fu n ba ru

    hold out to the end

Similar words

踏みとどまるfumitodomaru: To remain in place despite pressure or a situation that urges retreat.
耐えるtaeru: To withstand pain, pressure, or hardship without giving way.
踏みしめるfumishimeru: To press the feet firmly against the ground.
こらえるkoraeru: To endure something difficult without letting it overwhelm the body or mind.

Definition in Japanese

足をしっかり地面につけて力を入れ、動かされないようにする。困難に負けず持ちこたえる。ashi o shi kka ri ji men ni tsu ke te chikara o i re ugo ka sa re na i yō ni su ru kon nan ni ma ke zu mo chi ko ta e ru

Word origin

The verb 踏ん張る (funbaru) comes from 踏み張る (fumibaru), a compound of 踏む (fumu, "step on") and 張る (haru, "stretch or exert force"); the middle sound changes in the contracted form.

Usage tips

  • The expression 踏ん張りどころ (funbari dokoro) identifies a point at which persistence is especially needed, showing how the verb extends into everyday discussion of difficult situations.

Other meanings

  • stand firmverb
  • hold outverb

Opposites

  • へこたれるhekotarerugive inverb

Related words

  • 踏ん張りfunbariperseverancenoun

Word lists with this word