1.
to sweat; to perspire
The standard expression for sweating physically, whether from heat, exercise, or nervousness.
暑くて汗をかいた。
I sweated because it was hot.
運動した後は気持ちよく汗をかける。
After exercising, you can work up a refreshing sweat.
緊張して手に汗をかいていた。
I was so nervous that my palms were sweating.
2.
to work hard; to put in effort
Figuratively, to exert oneself or work hard at something, implying hands-on labor rather than directing from above.
自分で汗をかかないと成長できない。
You can't grow unless you put in the effort yourself.
上に立つ人も現場で汗をかくべきだ。
Leaders should also get their hands dirty on the ground.
彼は若い頃から人の倍汗をかいて働いてきた。
He has worked twice as hard as others since he was young.
USAGE:
The verb かく here is a special usage meaning "to produce" (sweat). Note that this かく is written in hiragana, not with the kanji 書く or 掻く.
VARIATIONS:
- 冷や汗をかく: to break out in a cold sweat (from fear or a close call)
- 手に汗をかく: to have sweaty palms (from nervousness or excitement)
- 脂汗をかく: to break out in a greasy sweat (from pain or extreme stress)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- びっしょり汗をかく (to be drenched in sweat)
- 大量に汗をかく (to sweat profusely)
- いい汗をかく (to work up a good sweat)