がんばって
ganbatte
The English phrase 'keep fighting' is translated into Japanese as がんばって (ganbatte).
がんばって is used to encourage someone who is currently facing a struggle, a test or a difficult task, expressing the sentiment that they should continue putting in effort or persevere through a challenge.
Which one should you use?
While がんばって is common, it is informal. For a stronger, blunt command, you can use がんばれ. For a more polite request or encouragement, use がんばってください. Other phrases like 負けないで (Stay strong!) or あきらめないで (Never give in!) can also be used to offer similar encouragement.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください to the end of がんばって makes the phrase a polite request or encouragement. The form がんばれ is a strong, blunt command.
How do you pronounce it?
ganbatte
When do people say it?
When someone says がんばって to you, a natural response is ありがとうございます (thank you).
Did you know?
- Using がんばってください toward a superior in a professional setting can sometimes be perceived as condescending, as it implies the superior needs to try harder.
- The word がんばって is derived from the verb がんばる, which originally referred to the act of standing one's ground or remaining firm in a physical position.
- The phrase 負けないで is so iconic in Japan that it is forever linked to a famous 1988 song by the group ZARD, which became a national anthem for perseverance.
Examples in context
- 試験、がんばってね。Shiken, ganbatte ne.Good luck with your exams.
- 明日もがんばって。Ashita mo ganbatte.Keep it up tomorrow too.
- 最後までがんばって！Saigo made ganbatte!Keep fighting until the very end!
Example conversation
Hina is cheering for Yota before his sports game.
- 陽太 Yota緊張して眠れなかったよ。Kinjou shite nemurenakatta yo.I was so nervous I couldn't sleep.
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫。がんばってね！Daijoubu. Ganbatte ne!You'll be fine. Keep fighting!
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。全力でやるよ。Arigatou. Zenryoku de yaru yo.Thanks. I'll give it my all.
- 陽葵 Himari応援してるよ、陽太！Ouen shiteru yo, Yota!I'm rooting for you, Yota!
