勤勉

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 勤勉 is read as きんべん and is a noun and na-adjective describing someone as diligent and industrious in sustained work or study.
• Basic usage: Being diligent enough never to skip daily review appears in 勤勉で復習を欠かさない, while a diligent craftsperson appears in 勤勉な職人.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Steady and conscientious effort
  • It describes persistently attending to one’s work over time rather than making an isolated burst of effort.
• Difference from 真面目
  • Unlike the broader term for being serious and conscientious, this word focuses on sustained effort in work or study.