1.
to the fullest, with all one's might, as hard as one can
Doing something with the maximum effort or capacity one has. Conveys a sense of giving everything one has, often with a nuance of earnestness or determination.
精一杯頑張ります。
I will try my absolute best.
子供たちは精一杯走った。
The children ran with all their might.
今の自分にできることを精一杯やるしかない。
All I can do is give my absolute best at what I'm capable of right now.
USAGE:
精一杯 can function as an adverb modifying a verb directly, or as a noun with の (精一杯の努力). It often appears in declarations of determination or encouragement.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 精一杯頑張る: to try one's absolute best
- 精一杯の努力: the utmost effort
- 精一杯生きる: to live life to the fullest
- 精一杯やる: to give it one's all
SIMILAR WORDS:
一生懸命 also means "with all one's might" but emphasizes desperate, earnest effort. 精一杯 focuses more on reaching the limit of one's capacity or ability.