頑張って
ganbatte[ɡã̠mba̠t̚te̞]
The English phrase "do your best" is translated into Japanese as 頑張って (ganbatte).
頑張って is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to put in their maximum effort to succeed or to cheer someone on. While it is a common way to offer support, you should avoid using it when someone is already in a state of extreme exhaustion or suffering, as it can sound like you are pressuring them to work even harder.
Which one should you use?
While 頑張って is an encouragement directed toward the listener, if you want to express your own determination to others, you should use ganbarimasu (I will do my best).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The short te-form 頑張って is informal and is used with friends, family or people of lower social status. For a more polite request, such as when speaking to superiors or strangers, you can use the form 頑張ってください.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is derived from the dictionary form verb ganbaru, which means to persist or to do one's best. Adding kudasai to the te-form makes the phrase a polite request or command.
How do you pronounce it?
ganbatte
Did you know?
- The root of 頑張って traces back to the Edo period, where the characters originally referred to 'to withstand or endure' in a much more physical, grueling sense.
- Because 頑張って emphasizes effort over outcome, it is often used in situations where the speaker knows the goal is nearly impossible, focusing on the nobility of trying.
- The word 頑張る (ganbaru) is so central to Japanese identity that there is no direct equivalent for it in many other languages, as it combines 'working hard' with 'refusing to give up'.
Examples in context
- 頑張ってください。Please do your best.This sentence shows how to use the polite form 頑張って.Tatoeba #3812373 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #2548170 by CK
- これからも頑張ってくださいね。Please continue to always do your best.Tatoeba #3717940 by tommy_san, translation #7911367 by CM
- 「今度、子供たちに英語を教えることになったんだけど、嬉しい反面、緊張する。上手く喋れるかな」「すごいじゃん。少々失敗しても、ご愛敬ってことで大丈夫よ。自信もって頑張ってね！」"So, I'll be teaching the kids English next time, and while I'm really happy, on the other hand, I'm nervous. I wonder if I'll be able to speak it well?" "That's great! Even if you mess up here and there, it'll just be endearing, so it's fine. Be confident, and do your best!"This sentence shows a conversational context using the form 頑張って to encourage someone despite potential mistakes.Tatoeba #10764065 by small_snow, translation #10766928 by end
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a school, Himari is cheering for Hiroto before his big race.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、今日のレース、頑張って！Hiroto, kyō no rēsu, ganbatte!Hiroto, do your best in today's race!
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、全力でやってくるよ。Un, zenryoku de yatte kuru yo.Yeah, I'll give it my all.
- 陽葵 Himari応援してるからね。Ōen shiteru kara ne.I'm rooting for you.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、陽葵。Arigatō, Himari.Thanks, Himari.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 頑張って, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
