Japanese meaning of 孤軍奮闘
Reading:
こぐんふんとう (kogun funtou)
English Translation:
Fighting alone; single-handed struggle
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Struggling—or excelling—alone against overwhelming odds; single-handed fight.
Cultural Context:
Heroic framing in sports and workplace narratives; highlights resilience and agency over resources.
援軍なく孤立したまま奮闘すること。圧倒的不利でも独力で戦う意。
スポーツや職場美談で英雄的に描かれやすい。資源より当事者性・胆力を称揚する語感。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “する” or “を続ける” to describe fighting or working alone against many (“孤軍奮闘する記者”).
• Often used in war, politics, or sports reporting.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be misread as *physically fighting*, but it applies to mental or strategic struggles too.
Example
Basic Example
孤軍奮闘しながらプロジェクトを完成させた。
I completed the project while fighting alone.
Applied Example
仲間を失い、孤軍奮闘で最後まで戦い抜いた。
After losing his allies, he fought alone until the very end.