1.
hard worker; diligent person
A person who consistently puts in effort and works hard. Used as a compliment describing someone's character.
彼女は努力家だ。
She is a hard worker.
努力家の彼なら成功するだろう。
Being the hard worker he is, he will probably succeed.
天才というより努力家と呼ばれるほうが嬉しい。
I'd rather be called a hard worker than a genius.
Formed with the suffix 家 meaning "person who does" (as in 専門家 or 芸術家). Almost always used as a positive character assessment. In Japanese culture, effort is often valued more highly than innate talent, making this a meaningful compliment.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 努力家で知られる: to be known as a hard worker
- 相当な努力家: a considerable hard worker
- 努力家タイプ: the hardworking type
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 勤勉: diligent — describes the quality of being hardworking, not the person
- 頑張り屋: someone who perseveres — similar but more casual and emphasizes grit over steady effort
- 働き者: hard worker — focuses on labor and productivity rather than personal effort