尽くす

• Reading: つくす
• Romaji: tsukusu
• Kanji breakdown: 尽 (jin/tsu) — exhaust, use up, deplete
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.kɯ.sɯ/

Meaning

To exhaust; to use up; to do one's utmost; to serve devotedly.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb with two main uses: depleting a resource completely, and devoting oneself wholeheartedly to a person or cause. The latter sense carries a strong connotation of selfless service and dedication. Also functions as a suffix (e.g. 言い尽くす, 考え尽くす) meaning to do something thoroughly.

Examples

1. 彼は会社のために力を尽くしてきた。 He has given everything he has for the company.
2. あらゆる手段を尽くしたが、解決には至らなかった。 We tried every possible means, but couldn't reach a solution.
3. 家族のために一生を尽くす覚悟だ。 I am resolved to devote my entire life to my family.

Usage Guide

Context: dedication, problem-solving, service

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

From the kanji 尽 meaning to exhaust. The transitive partner of 尽きる (to be used up). Extended from the literal sense of using everything up to the figurative sense of giving everything one has.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal