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Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 堅忍不抜

Reading:

けんにんふばつ (kenninn fubatsu)

English Translation:

Unyielding perseverance and determination

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Unyielding perseverance and determination, continuing to endure difficulties without letting one’s will be shaken; a mindset that combines patience with steadfast resolve.
日本語で読む
困難や試練に直面しても心を乱さず、揺るぎない意志で耐え抜くこと。忍耐と不動の決意を併せ持つ姿勢を指す。

Cultural Context:

Deeply rooted in samurai ethics and bushidō, this phrase is praised in sportsmanship, military service, and leadership contexts; often appears in eulogies and award citations to honor lifelong dedication.
日本語で読む
武士道や武家倫理に深く根ざし、スポーツマンシップや軍務、リーダーシップの場で称賛される。生涯の献身を讃える弔辞や表彰文にも頻出。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase for perseverance and unwavering will; often with “の精神.”
日本語で読む
• 強い意志を持ち、決して屈しない様子を表し、「〜の精神」と組み合わせることが多い。

Trap for English Speakers

May be misunderstood as stubbornness.
日本語で読む
頑固さと誤解されることがある。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 彼は堅忍不抜の精神で挑戦を続けた。

    He continued his challenge with unyielding perseverance and determination.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. マラソン最終盤、彼は堅忍不抜の走りでゴールテープを切った。

    In the final stretch of the marathon, he crossed the finish line with unyielding perseverance and determination.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「堅忍不抜」 mean?

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