頑張る
ganbaru[ɡã̠mba̠ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase 'work hard' is translated into Japanese as 頑張る (ganbaru).
頑張る is used to describe putting in a lot of effort to achieve a goal or to persevere through a challenge. It is used not just for physical labor, but for any situation requiring mental or emotional perseverance and effort.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'work hard' which often implies physical labor or job-related effort, 頑張る focuses more on the spirit of persistence and giving one's utmost effort.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings, you can use the expression めちゃくちゃ頑張る to intensify the meaning to emphasize going all out. The verb 励む translates to 'to strive' or 'to make an effort' and is a polite way to talk about working hard. The expression 熱心に取り組む means 'to approach something eagerly' or 'to devote oneself to something.' The polite request form 頑張ってください is used when encouraging someone in a formal or respectful setting.
How do you pronounce it?
ganbaru
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, 頑張ってください can sometimes be seen as insensitive when said to someone who is already suffering or exhausted, as it implies they must endure even more.
- Originally, 頑張る carried a negative connotation, meaning to be stubborn or obstinate rather than to be diligent.
- The modern positive sense of 頑張る is relatively recent, having only emerged as a term for perseverance around the end of the Edo period in 1868.
Examples in context
- 国民が頑張る必要などない。No need for civilians to work hard.Tatoeba #10995310 by KK_kaku_, translation #11468916 by DJ_Saidez
- 明日から頑張るって言ってる奴で、本当に頑張ってる奴なんて見たことないもん。I've never seen someone say they're going to work hard starting tomorrow, and actually do it.Tatoeba #11267846 by small_snow, translation #11267847 by DJ_Saidez
- 彼女は一生懸命働いています。She is working hard.
- 彼は熱心にプロジェクトに取り組んでいます。He is working hard on the project.
- プロジェクトの成功のためにめちゃくちゃ頑張ろう！Let's work our hardest for the success of the project!
- 試験のために一生懸命頑張る。shiken no tame ni isshoukenmei ganbaru.I will work hard for the exam.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are talking about their upcoming career goals.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くん、仕事はどう？Hinata-kun, shigoto wa dou?Hinata, how is your work going?
- 陽太 Yota大変だけど、毎日頑張るよ。Taihen dakedo, mainichi ganbaru yo.It is tough, but I will work hard every day.
- 陽葵 Himari応援してるね！Oen shiteru ne!I am rooting for you!
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵。Arigatou, Himari.Thank you, Himari.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
