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This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

一生懸命

一生けん命

Reading

Kana: いっしょうけんめい
Romaji: isshōkenmei
Kana
Romaji

Definition

adj-na
n-adv
noun
1

very hard; with utmost effort; with all one's might; for dear life

Note: yojijukugo
See also: 一所懸命

Kanji

一
Readings: イチ、 イツ、 ひと-、 ひと.つ
Meanings: one, one radical (no.1)
生
Readings: セイ、 ショウ、 い.きる、 い.かす、 い.ける、 う.まれる、 うま.れる、 う.まれ、 うまれ、 う.む、 お.う、 は.える、 は.やす、 き、 なま、 なま-、 な.る、 な.す、 む.す、 -う
Meanings: life, genuine, birth
懸
Readings: ケン、 ケ、 か.ける、 か.かる
Meanings: state of suspension, hang, depend, consult, distant, far apart
命
Readings: メイ、 ミョウ、 いのち
Meanings: fate, command, decree, destiny, life, appoint

Example Sentences

一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)働(はたら)いた。
➥He worked hard.
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彼(かれ)は一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)働(はたら)く。
➥He is a hard worker.
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彼(かれ)は一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)飲(の)んだ。
➥He did his best to drink.
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一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)走(はし)った。
➥I ran as fast as I could.
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彼(かれ)は一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)走(はし)った。
➥He ran as fast as he could.
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彼女(かのじょ)は一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)働(はたら)いた。
➥She worked hard.
Full Entry➤
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