とにかくやってみて
tonikaku yattemite
The English phrase "just do it" can be translated into Japanese as とにかくやってみて (tonikaku yattemite).
This is an encouraging phrase used to tell someone to stop hesitating and take action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into tonikaku (anyway or at any rate) and yattemite (try doing it).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form yattemite is the te-form of miru (to try or to see) combined with yaru (to do), which softens the command into a suggestion to "try doing" something.
How do you pronounce it?
tonikaku yattemite
Did you know?
- The auxiliary verb miru in yattemite literally means 'to see'. In Japanese, 'trying' something is conceptually framed as 'doing it to see what happens'.
- In Japanese culture, the concept behind 'just doing it' often connects to the idea of 'ganbaru', which focuses on the endurance and effort of the process rather than just the act of starting.
- In a professional setting, saying とにかくやってみて to a superior would be considered an unacceptable breach of etiquette regardless of the intention.
Examples in context
- 今日こそ、サーフィンに挑戦しよう！やってみろ！Let's give surfing a try today! Just do it!
- そのアイデアを使って、素晴らしいプレゼンをやっちゃえ！Use that idea and give a fantastic presentation! Just do it!
- 失敗してもいいから、とにかくやってみて。Shippai shite mo ii kara, tonikaku yatte mite.It is okay even if you fail, so just do it.
- 悩む前に、とにかくやってみてはどう？Nayamu mae ni, tonikaku yatte mite wa dou?Why don't you just do it before you worry too much?
- 自信がないなら、とにかくやってみて！Jishin ga nai nara, tonikaku yatte mite!If you have no confidence, just do it!
Example conversation
A man is hesitating about applying for a new job.
- 美咲 Misaki新しい仕事、応募するの迷ってるの？Atarashii shigoto, oubo suru no mayotteru no?Are you hesitating to apply for the new job?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、自分にできるか不安なんだ。Un, jibun ni dekiru ka fuan nanda.Yeah, I'm worried if I can do it.
- 美咲 Misakiそんな時は、とにかくやってみて！Sonna toki wa, tonikaku yatte mite!In times like that, just do it!
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね、勇気を出してみるよ。Sou dane, yuuki o dashite miru yo.You're right, I'll try to be brave.
