Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 頑張ります is a polite way to express your own determination to try hard, which helps convey a positive and professional attitude. In contrast, 頑張れ is a forceful and informal imperative used to cheer someone on, such as in sports or by a superior to a subordinate. むちゃくちゃ頑張る is an informal way to describe excessive effort.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense 頑張った is often used to acknowledge and praise the effort someone has already put in. To express your own determination, you can use the polite form 頑張ります.
How do you pronounce it?
ganbaru
When do people say it?
The concept of 頑張る is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, emphasizing the process of effort and perseverance as much as the final result. When a boss, teacher or elder encourages you to try hard, a standard polite response is はい、頑張ります (Yes, I will do my best).
Did you know?
- Because 頑張る can imply 'pushing through' or 'hanging in there', it can be perceived as insensitive to say to someone who is already exhausted or suffering from burnout.
- The word 頑張る was originally a negative term meaning to be stubborn or obstinate. It only shifted to a positive meaning of persistence and endurance around the end of the Edo period in 1868.
Examples in context
- 最近、試験勉強に一生懸命ですよね。Lately, you've been studying for exams so diligently.
- そうです。合格したいので、一生懸命頑張ります。Yes, I do. I want to pass, so I'll try my best.
- 明日の試験のために頑張る。Ashita no shiken no tame ni ganbaru.I will try hard for tomorrow's exam.
Example conversation
Yota is studying for a test while Himari encourages him.
- 陽太 Yotaテスト勉強、頑張るよ。Tesuto benkyou, ganbaru yo.I'm going to try hard studying for the test.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太なら大丈夫。頑張って！Yota nara daijoubu. Ganbatte!You'll be fine, Yota. Try your best!
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。頑張るね。Arigatou. Ganbaru ne.Thanks. I'll do my best.
- 陽葵 Himari応援しているよ。Ouen shite iru yo.I'm rooting for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 頑張る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 頑張る, CC BY-SA 4.0.
