Meaning
Today, we're exploring a kanji that embodies the concept of putting in work: 勉. This character primarily means 'endeavor,' 'exertion,' 'effort,' or 'diligence.' It captures the spirit of working hard and striving towards a goal – a crucial concept as you advance in your Japanese studies!
To understand 勉 better, let's examine its visual composition. This kanji is a phono-semantic compound, meaning it combines a component that suggests its meaning with another that indicates its sound. The meaningful part comes from the radical 力, which literally translates to 'power' or 'strength.' This suggests the application of physical or mental energy. The other component, 免, primarily functions as a phonetic element, giving the kanji its 'ben' sound. Interestingly, 免 also means 'to avoid,' 'to escape,' or 'to be excused from.' When these elements are combined – 'power' (力) and 'to avoid' (免) – they evoke the idea of exerting oneself. You put in effort and strength to avoid an undesirable situation, escape a difficulty, or simply accomplish a task. Thus, the kanji's shape beautifully illustrates the act of applying oneself with vigor to achieve something or overcome a challenge.
With 10 strokes, this kanji is moderately complex to write. It is introduced in the 4th grade in Japanese schools. As a key part of the N4 JLPT curriculum, 勉 is an essential kanji for anyone past the absolute beginner stage, fundamental for discussing studying, diligent work, and effort.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived reading, for 勉 is typically:
- ベン (BEN): This is the most common reading you'll encounter, almost exclusively used when 勉 is part of a compound word. It carries the core meaning of 'effort' or 'exertion.'
Let's explore some key examples:
- 勉強 (benkyou) — This is likely one of the first words you learned with 勉! It means 'study' or 'to study' and is fundamental for any language learner.
- 勤勉 (kinben) — Meaning 'diligence' or 'industriousness.' This describes someone who is habitually hard-working and dedicated.
- 勉学 (bengaku) — This also means 'study' or 'pursuit of learning,' often with a slightly more formal or academic nuance than 勉強.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
While 勉 doesn't have a very commonly used standalone Kun'yomi, it does appear in a verb form:
- つと.める (tsutomeru): This reading is found in the verb 勉める (tsutomeru), meaning 'to endeavor,' 'to make an effort,' or 'to strive.' It expresses the act of applying oneself diligently.
It's important to note that while 勉める exists, the kanji 努 is more commonly used for the verb 努める with the same meaning. So, when you see 勉 in this form, it refers to that dedicated effort. You might encounter it in phrases encouraging hard work, though it's less frequent in everyday conversation compared to its On'yomi compounds.
- 職務に勉める (shokumu ni tsutomeru) — to endeavor in one's duties.
Understanding both the On'yomi and Kun'yomi, even if one is less common, provides a comprehensive view of this kanji's nuances.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 勉 is particularly significant when it forms part of a compound word, lending its sense of effort and diligence to various contexts. Here are some essential compounds you'll encounter:
Everyday Study & Learning
- 勉強 (benkyou) — study, learning. This is a foundational word for Japanese learners! It's used for everything from 'I'm studying Japanese' to 'that was a valuable learning experience.'
Example: 毎日日本語を勉強しています。(I study Japanese every day.)
- 勉学 (bengaku) — study, pursuit of learning. More formal than 勉強, often referring to academic or serious learning.
Example: 彼は勉学に励むことにしました。(He decided to apply himself to his studies.)
- 勉強家 (benkyouka) — diligent student, hard worker. A person who puts a lot of effort into studying.
Example: 彼女はとても勉強家です。(She is a very diligent student.)
Diligence & Hard Work
- 勤勉 (kinben) — diligence, industriousness. Describes the quality of being hardworking.
Example: 勤勉な努力が報われるでしょう。(Diligent effort will be rewarded.)
- 勉励 (benrei) — diligent effort, exertion. Similar to 勤勉 but emphasizes the active 'exertion' of effort, often in a formal or encouraging context.
Example: 皆様のご勉励に感謝いたします。(I appreciate everyone's diligent efforts.)
- 奮勉 (funben) — diligent exertion, striving. This implies putting in a strong, enthusiastic effort.
Example: 彼は目標達成のため奮勉した。(He exerted himself diligently to achieve his goal.)
- 精勉 (seiben) — diligent application, assiduousness (often literary). Suggests meticulous and thorough effort.
Example: 学生は精勉を重ねた。(The student applied himself assiduously.)
Negative & trạng thái
- 不勉強 (fubenkyou) — lack of study, idleness, negligence. The opposite of diligent study.
Example: 不勉強が原因で試験に落第した。(I failed the exam due to lack of study.)
- 勉強不足 (benkyoubusoku) — lack of study/preparation. Similar to 不勉強, often used to admit one's own insufficient preparation.
Example: 今回の失敗は私の勉強不足です。(This failure is due to my lack of study.)
As you can see, 勉 is incredibly versatile when it comes to discussing dedication and effort!
Example Sentences
私は毎日日本語を勉強します。
Watashi wa mainichi Nihongo wo benkyou shimasu.
I study Japanese every day.
試験のために、もっと勉強しなければなりません。
Shiken no tame ni, motto benkyou shinakereba narimasen.
I must study more for the exam.
彼は勤勉な学生で、いつも宿題をします。
Kare wa kinben na gakusei de, itsumo shukudai wo shimasu.
He is a diligent student and always does his homework.
彼女は夜遅くまで勉強して、目標を達成した。
Kanojo wa yoru osoku made benkyou shite, mokuhyou wo tassei shita.
She studied late into the night and achieved her goal.
良い成績を取るには、勤勉さが必要です。
Yoi seiseki wo toru ni wa, kinben-sa ga hitsuyou desu.
Diligence is necessary to get good grades.
私はもっと勉学に励むべきだと思います。
Watashi wa motto bengaku ni hagemu beki da to omoimasu.
I think I should apply myself more to my studies.
不勉強は後で後悔することになります。
Fubenkyou wa ato de koukai suru koto ni narimasu.
Lack of study will lead to regret later.
会社の発展のためには、社員の奮勉が不可欠です。
Kaisha no hatten no tame ni wa, shain no funben ga fukaketsu desu.
The diligent efforts of employees are essential for the company's development.
健康のためには運動だけでなく、勉学も重要です。
Kenkou no tame ni wa undou dake de naku, bengaku mo juuyou desu.
Not only exercise but also study is important for health.
彼の勤勉な態度は、周りの人々を感銘させました。
Kare no kinben na taido wa, mawari no hitobito wo kanmei sasemashita.
His diligent attitude impressed those around him.
Related Kanji
- 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
- 以 — By Means Of, With, From (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
- 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
Remembering 勉 becomes easier when you break it down into its components! Start with the 力 (power/strength) radical at the bottom. This immediately signals that some form of effort or exertion is involved. Above it, we find the component 免, which visually suggests a person running or escaping from something. So, picture a student using all their 'power' (力) to 'escape' (免) from poor grades, a difficult exam, or the challenges of learning a new language. They are making a significant 'effort' and being 'diligent' to avoid failure and achieve success. This vivid image of applying strength to overcome a negative outcome perfectly encapsulates the essence of 'endeavor' and 'exertion' that 勉 represents.