Nihoner

“To exert oneself” in Japanese

Short answer
力む rikimu りきむ

To exert oneself in Japanese is “力む” (rikimu). Full meaning: to strain (oneself), to bear down, to exert oneself, to try (too) hard, to draw one's body taut; to put on a bold front, to make a show of strength, to swagger, to bluff, to boast.

Other ways to say “To exert oneself” in Japanese

力を尽くす chikarawotsukusu to exert oneself, to make efforts 出し切る dashikiru to use up (all one's strength, ideas, etc.), to exert oneself, to do one's best 精出す seidasu to work hard, to be diligent, to do one's best, to try one's hardest, to exert oneself 精を励ます seiwohagemasu to make a great effort, to exert oneself りきむ rikimu to strain (oneself), to bear down, to exert oneself, to try (too) hard, to draw one's body taut; to put on a bold front, to make a show of strength, to swagger, to bluff, to boast 努める tsutomeru to endeavor (to do), to endeavour, to try hard, to work hard, to strive, to make an effort, to exert oneself, to devote oneself, to be committed (to doing) りきめる rikimeru to strain (oneself), to bear down, to exert oneself, to try (too) hard, to draw one's body taut; to put on a bold front, to make a show of strength, to swagger, to bluff, to boast りきん rikin to strain (oneself), to bear down, to exert oneself, to try (too) hard, to draw one's body taut; to put on a bold front, to make a show of strength, to swagger, to bluff, to boast 踏ん張る funbaru to brace one's legs, to stand firm, to plant one's feet (firmly on the ground); to hold out, to persist, to make an effort, to exert oneself 腰を入れる koshiwoireru to take a solid stance; to put one's back in it, to exert oneself せいだす seidasu to work hard, to be diligent, to do one's best, to try one's hardest, to exert oneself

Looking for the other direction? Search any Japanese word in the Nihoner lexicon, or practise what you have learned in the learning games.