持続

• Reading: じぞく
• Romaji: jizoku
• Kanji breakdown: 持 (ji/mo) — to hold, maintain; 続 (zoku/tsuzu) — to continue
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑizo̞kɯ̟/

Meaning

Continuation; perseverance; sustainability. Maintaining something over a period of time without interruption.

Used as a noun or する-verb (持続する). Very common in modern discourse around sustainability (持続可能 — sustainable) and long-term effort. 持続可能な開発目標 (SDGs) uses this term. Also used for sustained concentration or sustained physical effort.

Examples

1. 持続可能な経済成長を実現することが課題だ。 Achieving sustainable economic growth is a key challenge.
2. 集中力を長時間持続させるのは難しい。 It is difficult to maintain concentration for long periods of time.
3. この政策効果が持続するかどうかは不透明だ。 Whether the effects of this policy will be sustained remains unclear.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, business, health, policy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 持 (to hold, maintain) and 続 (to continue). Together they emphasise actively maintaining something in continuation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal