Quick answer
努 is the kanji for "Toil". Its reading is つと.める (tsutomeru). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Toil
Also : Diligent · Work hard
Learn 努 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 努 represents 'TOIL'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of toil.
On-reading: ど — remember this sound by associating it with toil. Kun-reading: つと.める.
Example Sentences
努力した結果、試験に合格しました。
どりょくしたけっか、しけんにごうかくしました。
As a result of effort, I passed the exam.
目標に向けて努力しています。
もくひょうにむけてどりょくしています。
I'm making efforts toward my goal.
Vocabulary using 努
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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