一生懸命
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Base form used as an adverb to describe doing something with great effort or diligence. Often modifies verbs, e.g., 『一生懸命勉強する』 (isshoukenmei benkyou suru, 'to study very hard').
Theme

At a café, User meets their friend Aya, who is studying for a big exam. They talk about study habits and motivation.

一生懸命

いっしょうけんめい

very hard / with utmost effort

Advanced ExpansionIdioms & Proverbs

Memory Hook

Imagine someone working so hard they're 'issho kenmei'—it sounds like 'I show keen me'—showing keen effort with utmost dedication! 'I show keen me' → 一生懸命 (isshoukenmei, 'very hard').

Cultural Note

In Japan, 『一生懸命』 (isshoukenmei, 'very hard') is a highly valued trait in work and study, often used to praise diligence. It's common in phrases like 『一生懸命働く』 (isshoukenmei hataraku, 'to work hard') to encourage perseverance.

Forms

Base: 一生懸命Base form used as an adverb to describe doing something with great effort or diligence. Often modifies verbs, e.g., 『一生懸命勉強する』 (isshoukenmei benkyou suru, 'to study very hard').