(けんとう)

けんとう
noun / verb (suru)
good fight; valiant effort
1. good fight; valiant effort; fighting bravely
A strong effort or brave performance, especially against difficult odds. Often used in sports and competitive contexts to praise someone who tried hard regardless of the outcome.
健闘(けんとう)(いの)る。
I wish you the best of luck.
選手(せんしゅ)たちは最後(さいご)まで健闘(けんとう)した。
The athletes fought bravely until the very end.
()けはしたが、相手(あいて)チームの健闘(けんとう)(たた)えたい。
They lost, but I'd like to commend the opposing team for their valiant effort.

USAGE:
A positive word used to praise or encourage effort, especially in sports, competitions, and challenging situations. Common in speeches and encouragement.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 健闘(けんとう)(いの)る (to wish someone good luck)
  • 健闘(けんとう)(たた)える (to praise someone's effort)
  • 健闘(けんとう)(およ)ばず (despite a valiant effort)

DISTINCTION FROM HOMOPHONES:
健闘(けんとう) (valiant effort) vs. 検討(けんとう) (examination, consideration) vs. 見当(けんとう) (estimate, guess). These are completely different words that happen to share the same reading.