頑張って

Japanese phrasebook

This entry is part of the phrasebook project, which presents criteria for inclusion based on utility, simplicity and commonness.

The conjunctive form of verb 頑張る (ganbaru, “to do one's best, to work hard, to persist”). Semantically a mild imperative as an interjection, as the conjunctive form often acts as such (as a shortening of 〜てください (-te kudasai, “please ~”)).

• IPA^(key):

頑(がん)張(ば)って • (ganbatte) 

1. conjunctive form of 頑張る (ganbaru)
   1. do your best, good luck, keep at it, don't give up, hang in there

Used for encouragement or cheering on (where English "good luck" is often used), its actual meaning is closer to "do your best" or "give it your best". As a phrase, it does not contain any reference to luck, but rather effort and hard work. Compare French bon courage.

As the conjunctive form, this is the most commonly used form of the verb when speaking directly to a single person. When cheering on a team or group, the stronger, more forceful imperative form 頑張れ (ganbare) is more common. Oppositely, the term may be further softened as 頑張ってね (ganbatte ne).

• Chinese: 乾巴得／干巴得 (gānbādei)