What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of その調子で (sono chōshi de), meaning "in that state/rhythm" and 頑張って (ganbatte), which means "do your best/work hard".
Which one should you use?
You may also use がんばってください to say "please do your best" or がんばってね for a friendly and informal way to say "keep up the good work".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form その調子で頑張って is informal and should be used with friends, peers or subordinates. To make the phrase polite and suitable for a superior to use with a subordinate or between colleagues, you can use その調子で頑張ってください.
How does it change in a sentence?
The part その調子で functions as an adverbial phrase meaning "with that momentum" or "in that manner" to indicate the person should maintain their current level of performance.
How do you pronounce it?
sono chōshi de ganbatte
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the response to 頑張って is often not 'thank you', but rather 頑張ります (ganbarimasu), which is a promise to continue exerting effort.
- If you use その調子で (sono chōshi de) to a superior, it can sound condescending, as if you are an instructor grading their performance.
- The root of 頑張る (ganbaru) is linked to the idea of 'standing firm' or 'enduring', rather than just 'performing well'.
Examples in context
- その調子で頑張って！Sono choushi de ganbatte!Keep up the good work!
- 仕事が順調だね。その調子で頑張って。Shigoto ga junchou dane. Sono choushi de ganbatte.Your work is going well. Keep up the good work.
Example conversation
A teacher is giving feedback to a student after a successful presentation.
- 蓮 Renプレゼン、とても良かったよ。Purezen, totemo yokatta yo.The presentation was very good.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます！Arigatou gozaimasu!Thank you very much!
- 蓮 Renその調子で頑張ってね。Sono choushi de ganbatte ne.Keep up the good work.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、もっと努力します！Hai, motto doryoku shimasu!Yes, I will work even harder!
