頑張って
ganbatte[ɡã̠mba̠t̚te̞]
The English phrase "hang in there" can be translated into Japanese as 頑張って (ganbatte).
This expression is used to encourage someone to keep trying and not give up during a difficult situation. While English uses 'hang in there' to imply enduring a difficult situation, the Japanese 頑張って focuses more on the active exertion of effort.
Which one should you use?
For a more forceful, blunt command often used by coaches or in high-energy situations, you can use がんばれ. For a polite and formal way to tell someone to "hang in there" or "do your best," use がんばってください.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
頑張って is used informally among friends or to subordinates. がんばってください is a polite and formal way to tell someone to "hang in there" or "do your best," while がんばれ is a casual way to say "hang in there" or "do your best."
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 頑張って is the te-form of the verb. Adding ください to the end makes the phrase a polite request or encouragement. The imperative form 頑張れ is a more forceful, blunt command.
How do you pronounce it?
ganbatte
Did you know?
- The verb 頑張る is so central to Japanese culture that there is a specific concept called 'ganbaru-shakai' or 'perseverance society'.
- Because 頑張って is a command in its base form, it can sound quite heavy. If a friend is going through a genuine tragedy, telling them to 'do their best' can sometimes feel dismissive of their pain.
- In Japan, you can use 頑張って to cheer on a professional athlete at a stadium, but using the same phrase to a high-ranking boss or a customer might be seen as patronizing or rude.
Examples in context
- 笑顔でがんばってくださいPlease do your best with a smile.
- 元気でがんばれよHang in there and stay strong!
- 試験、頑張ってね。Shiken, ganbatte ne.Good luck with your exam.
- 最後まで頑張って！Saigo made ganbatte!Hang in there until the end!
Example conversation
Yuta is cheering for Yui before a job interview.
- 陽太 Yota結衣、面接頑張って！Yui, mensetsu ganbatte!Yui, hang in there with your interview!
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、陽太。Arigatou, Youta.Thanks, Yuta.
- 陽太 Yota緊張すると思うけど、大丈夫だよ。Kinjou suru to omou kedo, daijoubu dayo.I think you'll be nervous, but you'll be fine.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、精一杯やってみるね。Un, seiippai yattemiru ne.Yeah, I'll give it my all.
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.
