This is the 1392nd most frequent Japanese word.
努め
"Effort" or "endeavor."
努め in this sentence means 'striving' or 'endeavoring', showing effort to achieve a goal in a formal setting.
彼は会社の発展に努めています。
He is striving for the development of the company.
努め in this sentence conveys 'trying or making an effort', focusing on a personal effort to maintain a habit or achieve a benefit.
健康を保つために毎日運動するよう努めています。
I am making an effort to exercise every day to maintain my health.
努め in this case means 'aiming or working towards', emphasizing collaborative or systemic effort towards a beneficial cause.