Japanese

める

つとめる
Meaning: to strive; to endeavor; to make an effort
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 努める 努めない
Polite 努めます 努めません
Past 努めた 努めなかった
Polite + Past 努めました 努めませんでした
Te-form 努めて 努めなくて
Potential 努められる 努められない
Passive 努められる 努められない
Causative 努めさせる 努めさせない
Imperative 努めろ 努めるな

Handwriting

努
め
る

Example sentences

I strive to finish my work early every day.
彼は悪い仲間を遠ざけるように努めた。
He tried to keep bad company away.
忌まわしい記憶を忘れようと努めた。
I tried to forget the unpleasant memories.
今後は更なるサービス向上に努める所存でございます。
We intend to strive for further service improvement in the future.
不肖の身ではございますが、精一杯努めさせていただきます。
Although I am inexperienced, I will do my absolute best.
老後のために今から倹約に努める。
I will strive to be frugal from now on for my old age.
微力ながら、皆様のお役に立てるよう努めます。
Although my strength is limited, I will do my best to be of service to everyone.
戦後、その敗戦国は経済の再建に努めた。
After the war, the defeated country worked toward economic reconstruction.
政府は海外に住む邦人の安全確保に努めている。
The government is striving to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals living overseas.
健康のために、日頃から不摂生を避けて摂生に努めることが大切だ。
For the sake of health, it is important to avoid a lack of moderation and strive for a healthy lifestyle daily.

Usage Notes

Refers to exerting effort toward a goal. Often used as '~よう努める' (strive to...).

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