To Strive

by Nao

tsuto-meru, do

Tsuto-meru is the verb “strive” or “make an effort to do something.” Tsuto-mete is adverbial. In other words, it modifies a verb when it might be difficult to do so without making an effort. For example, when you are depressed or sad, you might have to make an effort to behave cheerfully in front of somebody to hide your feeling. In such an occasion, you can say to yourself, “tsutomete akaruku furumaou (Let’s make an effort to act cheerful).”

The most popular compound including this character is doryoku – an endeavor or efforts.

The lower part of the character is chikara (power).

1. Begin to draw the upper left part. Draw the rotated chevron shape from the top.
2. Draw the sweeping stroke heading toward the lower left.
3. Draw the horizontal stroke from the left to the top center.
4. Begin to draw the upper right part. Draw the hook. Draw from the horizontal part. After changing the direction of the brush, draw the sweeping part.
5. Draw the sweeping stroke from the left to the lower right. Use the tip of the brush when you begin the stroke.
6. Begin to draw the lower part. Draw the hook. The first part is horizontal; the second part is a curve with an upward turn.
7. Draw the sweeping stroke from the center to the lower left corner of the character.