Japanese · Emotions & Feelings
我慢
gaman
Patience / Endurance / Perseverance
Definition
The capacity to tolerate difficulty or hardship without complaint. 我慢 is a deeply valued virtue in Japanese culture, encapsulating stoic endurance in the face of adversity.
Example
辛いことがあっても我慢して前に進みます。
Even when things are difficult, I endure and move forward.
Etymology
'我慢' (gaman) refers to endurance and self-control and has roots in Buddhist philosophy where it embodies the virtue of patience in the face of suffering. The term reflects cultural values of perseverance and humility in society.
How & Where It’s Used
'我慢' is a commonly used term in informal spoken language and is often mentioned in discussions about personal struggles or challenges. It is recognized universally across Japan and often associated with cultural norms of self-restraint.