頑張る vs 耐える
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 頑張る
Listen to 耐える
| 頑張る | 耐える |
|---|---|
GAN-ba-ru verb | たえる verb |
| to do one's best; to keep trying hard | to endure; to withstand; to bear up under hardship |
How they differ
耐える focuses on enduring pain, hardship, or pressure without breaking. Unlike 頑張る, it does not usually imply active effort toward success; it emphasizes passive endurance and tolerance.
When to use each
When to use 頑張る: Use 頑張る when the speaker is actively trying, persisting, or striving.
When to use 耐える: Use 耐える when the main idea is simply enduring something unpleasant or difficult.
Side-by-side examples
- 寒くても頑張る。
(Even if it's cold, I'll do my best.) - 寒さに耐える。
(To endure the cold.)
Register & nuance: 耐える is neutral to formal and is common in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in serious contexts.