取り組む

• Reading: とりくむ
• Romaji: torikumu
• Kanji breakdown: 取 (tori/shu) — take, grasp; 組 (ku/so) — assemble, grapple, engage
• Pronunciation: /to.ɾi.kɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To tackle; to grapple with; to work seriously on a task or challenge.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 取り (tori — taking, from 取る) + 組む (kumu — to grapple, to engage with). Originally from sumo wrestling, where wrestlers lock bodies together, 取り組む now broadly means to engage seriously with a problem, project, or issue. It implies sustained effort and commitment. The noun form 取り組み (torikumi) is extremely common in business and political discourse meaning 'initiative' or 'effort.'

Examples

1. 研究チームは新しい感染症の治療法開発に精力的に取り組んでいる。 The research team is energetically working on developing treatments for the new infectious disease.
2. 環境問題に取り組む企業が増え、脱炭素の流れが加速している。 The number of companies tackling environmental issues is growing, accelerating the shift towards decarbonisation.
3. 困難な課題に真剣に取り組む姿勢こそが、成長につながる。 It is the attitude of seriously grappling with difficult challenges that leads to growth.

Usage Guide

Context: business, research, education, social issues

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Originally a sumo term: 取り (to grapple) + 組む (kumu — to interlock, engage). The wrestling imagery of bodies locked together gave rise to the broader meaning of engaged, committed effort.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal