加油
gaa1 jau2
To cheer up in Cantonese is to say 加油 (gaa1 jau2), the default form.
The phrase 加油 is used to cheer someone on. It is often translated into English as "add oil."
Meaning: to make someone happy (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 加油 literally means "add oil".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, you can use 忍一忍，會好起嚟架 to mean "Be patient, things will get better." and 一切都會順利嘅 to mean "everything will go smoothly".
How do you pronounce it?
gaa1 jau2
When do people say it?
The phrase 加油 (add oil) has become a widely recognized English loan-phrase in many parts of the world to express encouragement.
Did you know?
- Although 加油 literally means 'add oil', it refers to the act of fueling an engine to make it go faster and stronger.
- In Hong Kong, the phrase 加油 is often accompanied by a clenched fist gesture to symbolize strength and determination.
- While 加油 is used to cheer someone on, it is also the standard way to say 'good luck' before an exam or a competition.
Example conversation
Ka Ming finds Ya Ting looking sad at a cafe.
- 家明 Ka Ming雅婷，你點解咁唔開心？aa2 ting4, nei5 dim2 gaai2 gam3 m4 hoi1 sam1?Ya Ting, why are you so unhappy?
- 雅婷 Nga Ting我份工作好壓力。ngo5 fan6 gung1 zok3 hou2 aaat3 lik6.My job is very stressful.
- 家明 Ka Ming唔好緊係擔心，加油！m4 hou2 gan2 si6 daam1 sam1, gaa1 jau2!Don't just worry, cheer up!
- 雅婷 Nga Ting多謝你，家明。do1 ze6 nei5, gaa1 ming4.Thank you, Ka Ming.
