努めて

• Reading: つとめて
• Romaji: tsutomete
• Kanji breakdown: 努 (do/tsuto) — effort, exertion, strive
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.to.me.te/

Meaning

As much as possible; to the best of one's ability; with effort. Expresses making a deliberate effort.

The te-form of 努める (tsutomeru, to make an effort), used adverbially to mean 'making every effort to' or 'as much as possible.' Commonly appears in formal or semi-formal contexts — 努めて冷静に (trying hard to stay calm), 努めて笑顔で (making an effort to smile). Implies conscious self-control or deliberate striving despite difficulty. More literary than がんばって.

Examples

1. 悪い知らせを聞いても努めて冷静を保った。 Even after hearing bad news, I made every effort to stay calm.
2. 体調が悪くても努めて明るく振る舞った。 Even when feeling unwell, I made an effort to stay cheerful.
3. 努めて客観的に状況を分析しようとした。 I tried hard to analyze the situation objectively.

Usage Guide

Context: business, self-discipline, formal speech

Tone: determined

Origin & History

From the verb 努める (tsutomeru), where the kanji 努 (do) means 'to exert oneself' or 'to strive.' The te-form became established as an adverbial expression emphasising deliberate effort and self-discipline.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated