努める

• Reading: つとめる
• Romaji: tsutomeru
• Kanji breakdown: 努 (do/tsuto) — endeavour, strive, effort
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.to.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To endeavour; to strive; to make an effort; to exert oneself; to devote oneself.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb expressing earnest effort toward a goal. Distinguished from the homophone 勤める (to work at, to serve) and 務める (to serve as, to fill a role). 努める focuses purely on the act of striving or making a sustained effort, often with よう or ように indicating the target of the effort.

Examples

1. 健康のために毎日運動するよう努めている。 I try to exercise every day for my health.
2. ミスを減らすよう努めますので、よろしくお願いします。 I will do my best to reduce mistakes, so thank you for your patience.
3. 地域の安全向上に努めることが私たちの使命だ。 It is our mission to strive to improve safety in the community.

Usage Guide

Context: business, personal goals, formal speech

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

From the kanji 努 meaning effort or exertion. The kanji combines 奴 (servant) and 力 (power), evoking the image of putting all one's strength into labour.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal