もっと頑張る
motto ganbaru
The English phrase "try harder" is translated into Japanese as もっと頑張る (motto ganbaru).
もっと頑張る is used to express the idea of putting more effort or energy into a task to achieve a better result. While the English phrase can sometimes imply a criticism of someone's current level of effort, the Japanese verb focuses more on the spirit of perseverance and the act of doing one's best. When used in its dictionary form, もっと頑張る can also function as a personal resolution, meaning "I will try harder."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of motto (more) and ganbaru (to persist or do one's best).
Which one should you use?
The form もっと頑張れ is a blunt command often used to cheer someone on or demand more effort, such as in sports or anime.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite request, you should use the formal もっと頑張ってください. The forms もっと頑張って and もっとがんばれ are informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell someone else to "try harder" as a polite request, you use the te-kudasai form: もっと頑張ってください.
How do you pronounce it?
motto ganbaru
Did you know?
- The kanji 頑 in 頑張る originally referred to being stubborn or headstrong, reflecting a cultural history where 'trying harder' was linked to an unyielding spirit.
- While English speakers often say 'good luck' to someone facing a challenge, Japanese speakers use 頑張ってください because they believe success comes from personal effort rather than chance.
- While 頑張る is used to say 'try harder', it can be perceived as insensitive when said to someone who is already exhausted or suffering from burnout, as it suggests their current maximum effort is not enough.
Examples in context
- もっと頑張る。Motto ganbaru.I will try harder.
- 次はもっと頑張るつもりです。Tsugi wa motto ganbaru tsumori desu.I intend to try harder next time.
- もっと頑張る必要がある。Motto ganbaru hitsuyo ga aru.There is a need to try harder.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are studying for a test together.
- 結衣 Yui健太、ここがまだ間違っているよ。Kenta, koko ga mada machigatte iru yo.Kenta, this part is still wrong.
- 健太 Kenta難しいけど、もっと頑張るよ。Muzukashii kedo, motto ganbaru yo.It's difficult, but I'll try harder.
- 結衣 Yuiその意気だよ！応援してるね。Sono iki dayo! Ouen shiteru ne.That's the spirit! I'm rooting for you.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。結衣も頑張ってね。Arigatou. Yui mo ganbatte ne.Thanks. You try your best too, Yui.
