切磋琢磨

せっさたくま

Also written 切瑳琢磨

Meanings

1. Noun, する verb, Intransitive diligent application (to work or study); cultivating one's character by studying hard
2. mutual encouragement (to improve); working hard together; friendly rivalry

Kanji

• 切 earnest. Read as セツ.
• 磋 polish
• 琢 polish. Read as タク.
• 磨 polish. Read as マ.

Example sentences

• 君の実力なら楽勝だとは思うが、それに驕らず、まずはクラスのみんなと切磋琢磨していって欲しい。
  With your ability it should be a doddle, but please don't get too big for your boots: apply yourself diligently like everyone in your class.

Common phrases

• 互いに切磋琢磨する

Word lists

• Yojijukugo (四字熟語)

Jinuma: Japanese Dictionary · Word lists