諦め

• Reading: あきらめ
• Romaji: akirame
• Kanji breakdown: 諦 (tai/tei) — to give up, to abandon, to resign
• Pronunciation: /a.ki.ɾa.me/

Meaning

Resignation; acceptance. Giving up on something or accepting an outcome one cannot change.

The noun form of the verb 諦める (to give up). In Japanese culture, 諦め can carry nuances of wisdom and maturity rather than pure defeat — accepting what cannot be changed. Often appears in expressions like 諦めがつく (to come to terms with) and 諦めが悪い (unwilling to give up).

Examples

1. 何度も挑戦したが、最終的に諦めがついた。 I tried many times, but in the end I came to terms with it.
2. 彼は諦めが悪くて、絶対にあきらめない性格だ。 He's the type who never gives up — he just can't let things go.
3. 早すぎる諦めは後悔のもとになる。 Giving up too soon is a recipe for regret.

Usage Guide

Context: personal feelings, motivation, life decisions

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 諦める (akirameru), which traces back to the classical Japanese 明らむ (akiramu, to make clear), implying acceptance through clear understanding of reality.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal