Trying and aiming high
Core words, Stage 2chunk 22 of 80Verbs: effort and results
Lets you talk about goals, effort, trying things out and going head to head.
- mezasuaim for; head for
- shoubumatch; contest; showdown
- doryoku surumake an effort; work hard
- tamesutry out; test
- chousen surutake on (a challenge); have a go at
Mix-ups tamesu tests something and chousen suru takes on something hard; everyday 'try doing' is -te miru.
mezasu
polite mezashimasu
aim for; head for
Aiming at a goal or a place: X o mezasu (aim to become or reach X).
Also for direction: choujou o mezasu (head for the summit).
isha o mezashiteru n da.
I'm working towards becoming a doctor.
医者を目指してるんだ。
isha o mezashite imasu.
I'm working towards becoming a doctor.
医者を目指しています。
Written 目指す · めざす · 目指しますRank #1035 in 3,030 TV dramas
shoubu
match; contest; showdown
A contest to decide who wins: a game, a bet, a moment of truth.
shoubu suru: go head to head. koko ga shoubu: this is the moment that counts.
jaa, janken de shoubu shiyou.
OK, let's settle it with rock-paper-scissors.
じゃあ、じゃんけんで勝負しよう。
dewa, janken de shoubu shimashou.
Well then, let's settle it with rock-paper-scissors.
では、じゃんけんで勝負しましょう。
Written 勝負 · しょうぶRank #1203 in 3,030 TV dramas
doryoku suru
polite doryoku shimasu
make an effort; work hard
Steady effort over time toward a goal.
Also a noun: doryoku ga mukuwareta (the effort paid off). For a quick push, say ganbaru.
kare wa sugoku doryoku shita n da yo.
He worked really hard for it.
彼はすごく努力したんだよ。
kare wa sugoku doryoku shita n desu yo.
He worked really hard for it.
彼はすごく努力したんですよ。
Written 努力する · どりょくする · 努力しますRank #1256 in 3,030 TV dramas
tamesu
polite tameshimasu
try out; test
Testing something to see if it works or suits you.
For 'try doing', -te miru is more common: tabete miru (try eating it).
atarashii apuri, tameshite mita?
Have you tried the new app?
新しいアプリ、試してみた？
atarashii apuri wa tameshite mimashita ka?
Have you tried the new app?
新しいアプリは試してみましたか？
Written 試す · ためす · 試しますRank #1440 in 3,030 TV dramas
chousen suru
polite chousen shimasu
take on (a challenge); have a go at
Taking on something hard or new: X ni chousen suru.
English 'challenge' meaning a problem is kadai; chousen is the attempt itself.
kotoshi wa marason ni chousen suru n da.
This year I'm taking on a marathon.
今年はマラソンに挑戦するんだ。
kotoshi wa marason ni chousen shimasu.
This year I'm taking on a marathon.
今年はマラソンに挑戦します。
Written 挑戦する · ちょうせんする · 挑戦しますRank #2560 in 3,030 TV dramas