加油
Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word 加油. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word 加油, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say 加油 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word 加油 you have here. The definition of the word 加油 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of加油, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Chinese
Chinese phrasebook
 | This entry is part of the phrasebook project, which presents criteria for inclusion based on utility, simplicity and commonness. |
| to add; plus | oil; sly | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| simp. and trad. (加油) |
加 | 油 | |
| Literally: “to increase fuel”. | |||
Etymology
It started to be used as an interjection in the '60s and '70s during the Macau Grand Prix when people start chanting "加油", urging the drivers to step on the gas pedal to increase speed. (Can this(+) etymology be sourced?)
Pronunciation
Verb
加⫽油 (verb-object) (intransitive)
- (literally) to oil; to lubricate
- (literally) to refuel
- (figuratively) to refuel to accelerate; to hit the gas
- (figuratively) to make extra effort; to work hard
- (figuratively) to cheer someone on
Synonyms
| Variety | Location | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Formal (Written Standard Chinese) | 加油 | |
| Mandarin | Taiwan | 加油 |
| Guilin | 加油 | |
| Malaysia | 打油 | |
| Singapore | 打油 | |
| Dagudi (Maliba) | 上油 | |
| Reshuitang (Longling) | 上油 | |
| Mae Salong (Lancang) | 上油 | |
| Mae Sai (Tengchong) | 上油 | |
| Cantonese | Hong Kong | 入油 |
| Gan | Lichuan | 加油 |
| Hakka | Miaoli (N. Sixian) | 添油, 加油 |
| Pingtung (Neipu; S. Sixian) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Hsinchu County (Zhudong; Hailu) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Taichung (Dongshi; Dabu) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Hsinchu County (Qionglin; Raoping) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Yunlin (Lunbei; Zhao'an) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Kuching (Hepo) | 打油 | |
| Jin | Taiyuan | 加油 |
| Southern Min | Xiamen | 添油 |
| Zhao'an | 加油 | |
| Taipei | 加油 GT | |
| Penang (Hokkien) | 拍油, 添油 | |
| Singapore (Hokkien) | 拍油 | |
| Manila (Hokkien) | 添油, 入油 | |
| Chaozhou | 加油 | |
| Haifeng | 加油 | |
| Note | GT - General Taiwanese (no specific region identified) | |
Derived terms
Interjection
加油！
Usage notes
- This interjection is idiomatic. It is mainly used during sporting events, games or competitions, or just to encourage someone.
Synonyms
Descendants
- → English: add oil (calque)