頑張ります
gambarimasu
In Japanese, "I will do my best" is expressed as 頑張ります (gambarimasu).
This phrase is used to express a strong determination to work hard and achieve a goal. It is a common response to someone expressing support or expectations, serving as a way to accept a challenge or a task.
Which one should you use?
While 頑張ります is a standard way to say "I will do my best," the expression 最善を尽くします is used when you want to convey the specific idea of doing one's utmost to achieve the best possible outcome.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
頑張ります is the polite form used in professional settings or when speaking to superiors. For informal settings with friends or peers, you can use the dictionary form 頑張る or the casual, friendly versions がんばるよ and 頑張るから. The latter is often used when addressing someone familiar to emphasize your determination to put in effort.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the phrase into a command or a way to encourage someone else, you use the polite request form 頑張ってください, which means "Please do your best" or "Good luck."
How do you pronounce it?
gambarimasu
Did you know?
- While 頑張ってください is used to say 'do your best', saying it to someone who is already suffering or in a truly desperate situation can sometimes feel dismissive, as if you are telling them to 'just work harder'.
- The word 頑張る originates from the verb 張る meaning 'to stretch' or 'to tighten', evoking the image of a bowstring pulled tight before release.
- When a person says 頑張ります in a business context, it often functions as a social signal of compliance and commitment rather than a literal promise of a specific result.
Examples in context
- 「仕事において、私は常にがんばります。」I will always do my best at work.
- 「このプロジェクトにおいて、私は最善を尽くします。」I will do my best in this project.
- 「明日の試験、がんばるよ！」I will do my best on tomorrow's exam!
- 「頑張るから、応援してね！」I'll do my best, so please support me!
- 明日からまた頑張ります。Ashita kara mata ganbarimasu.I will do my best again starting tomorrow.
- 試験のために頑張ります。Shiken no tame ni ganbarimasu.I will do my best for the exam.
- 一生懸命頑張ります。Isshokenmei ganbarimasu.I will do my best with all my might.
Example conversation
Yota is starting a new project at work.
- 陽太 Yota新しい仕事が始まります。Atarashii shigoto ga hajimarimasu.My new job is starting.
- 陽葵 Himari応援しているよ、陽太。Ouen shite iru yo, Yota.I'm rooting for you, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、頑張ります！Hai, ganbarimasu!Yes, I will do my best!
- 陽葵 Himari無理しないでね。Muri shinaide ne.Don't overdo it.
