Guide: How to Say “Good Luck for Your Exam” in Japanese

Hello and welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “good luck for your exam” in Japanese! Whether you want to wish someone well in a formal or informal setting, we have you covered. So let’s delve into it!

Formal Ways to Say “Good Luck for Your Exam” in Japanese

If you want to express your well wishes for someone’s exam in a formal manner, you can use the following phrases:

1. 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai) – This phrase is a common and versatile way to wish someone well. It can be translated as “Please do your best” or “Good luck.” It is suitable for various occasions, including exams.
2. 試験頑張ってください (Shiken ganbatte kudasai) – Specifically wishing someone good luck with their exam, this phrase combines the general well-wishing phrase, “ganbatte kudasai,” with “shiken” meaning “exam.”
3. 試験がんばってくださいね (Shiken ganbatte kudasai ne) – Adding “ne” at the end of the phrase expresses a softer and more empathetic tone. It conveys your encouragement and support, reinforcing the idea that you are rooting for their success.

Informal Ways to Say “Good Luck for Your Exam” in Japanese

For a more casual setting, you can use the following informal phrases:

1. 頑張ってね (Ganbatte ne) – A friendly and popular way to say “good luck” in a casual context. It translates to “Do your best” or “Good luck.”
2. 勉強頑張ってね (Benkyou ganbatte ne) – This phrase combines “ganbatte ne” with “benkyou” meaning “study.” It specifically encourages someone to study hard for their exam.

Additional Tips

1. Non-Verbal Gestures

In Japanese culture, non-verbal gestures can often convey your support as well. Consider combining these gestures with your verbal well-wishes:

• Smile: A warm smile is universally understood and can show your genuine encouragement.
• Bowing: A respectful bow, varying in depth based on the situation, signifies your sincerity towards the person’s success.
• Thumbs Up: This gesture is increasingly recognized in Japan as a symbol of encouragement.

2. Contextual Politeness

Remember to adjust your level of formality based on the relationship and setting:

• With acquaintances, friends, or family members, informal expressions will be fine in most cases.
• In professional or academic settings, it is best to opt for the more formal phrases to maintain a respectful tone.

3. Regional Variations

Japanese expressions can vary slightly based on regional dialects and local customs. However, since well-wishes are generally understood and appreciated, these differences are not crucial. It’s more important to focus on the overall sentiment of your message.

For example, in the Kansai region, people may use “ganbatte okure” instead of “ganbatte kudasai.” Both phrases convey the same meaning of “do your best” or “good luck.” The difference lies in the usage of “okure” instead of “kudasai,” which is more typical in the Kansai dialect.

Examples

Let’s see these phrases in action with some examples:

Formal:

• 頑張ってください！試験はきっと大丈夫ですよ。
• 試験頑張ってください。あなたの成功をお祈りしています。
• 試験がんばってくださいね。一緒に応援しています。

Informal:

• 頑張ってね！絶対にうまくいくよ。
• 勉強頑張ってね！応援してるからね。