諦めないで
akiramenaide
The English phrase "keep trying" can be translated into Japanese as 諦めないで (akiramenaide).
This phrase is an encouraging expression used to tell someone not to give up on their efforts.
What does it mean word for word?
諦めないで is a negative imperative that literally means "don't give up".
Which one should you use?
While 諦めないで focuses specifically on the act of not quitting, the more common way to encourage someone to exert effort is to use 頑張って, which means "do your best" or "good luck".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Tohoku region, you may encounter the expression めげずにがむばれ, which means "Keep trying without giving up."
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the casual command 諦めないで into a polite request, you can add ください to the end, resulting in 諦めないでください ("please don't give up"). For a casual way to emphasize the element of continuous effort, you can use がんばっていてね.
How do you pronounce it?
akiramenaide
Did you know?
- The verb 諦める in 諦めないで originally meant 'to be resigned to fate' or 'to give up' in a Buddhist context, referring to the act of letting go of worldly desires.
- In many Japanese contexts, telling someone to 'keep trying' with 頑張って can actually feel like adding pressure to an already stressed person. For someone facing a truly difficult hardship, it is often more empathetic to use phrases that acknowledge their struggle rather than demanding more effort.
- In Japanese sports culture, the concept of 'keep trying' is often tied to 根性 (konjō), which refers to a 'gutsy' spirit or stubborn tenacity that allows one to endure hardship.
Examples in context
- 先を見据えて努力し続けてくださいPlease keep trying and focusing on the future.
- 頑張ってねKeep trying!
- めげずにがむばれKeep trying without giving up.
- 諦めないでください。Akiramenaide kudasai.Please don't give up.
- 最後まで諦めないで！Saigo made akiramenaide!Don't give up until the end!
- 君ならできる、諦めないで。Kimi nara dekiru, akiramenaide.You can do it, don't give up.
Example conversation
A girl is feeling discouraged about her piano practice.
- 健太 Kenta練習、大変そうだね。Renshuu, taihen sou dane.The practice seems tough, doesn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari全然上手くいかなくて、嫌になっちゃう。Zenzen umaku ikanakute, iya ni natchau.It's not going well at all, and I'm getting frustrated.
- 健太 Kenta諦めないで、陽葵なら絶対上手くなるよ。Akiramenaide, Himari nara zettai umaku naru yo.Don't give up, Himari, you will definitely get better.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君、ありがとう。もう一度やってみるね。Kenta-kun, arigatou. Mou ichido yatte miru ne.Thanks, Kenta. I'll try one more time.
