加油
jiāyóu
The English phrase "you can do it" can be translated into Chinese as 加油 (jiāyóu).
加油 is an expression used as a cheer or an encouragement to boost someone's morale during a struggle or competition. It is used to tell someone to go for it, keep it up or to persevere through a challenging task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 加油 literally means "add oil".
How do you pronounce it?
jiāyóu
Did you know?
- The phrase originated from the high-stakes environment of the Macau Grand Prix in the 1960s and '70s.
- Because of its connection to fueling up, some English speakers in Hong Kong actually use the localized phrase 'add oil' as a direct loan translation.
- While 加油 is used as a cheer, it can also be used literally when telling someone to put fuel in a car at a gas station.
Examples in context
- 老板，您一定做得到！Boss, you can definitely do it!
- 加油！明天考试一定会很棒的！Go for it! You will do great on tomorrow's exam!
- 你行的！别担心，我们会支持你的！You've got this! Don't worry, we'll support you!
- 加油！你可以的。Jiāyóu! Nǐ kěyǐ de.Come on! You can do it.
- 考试加油，别紧张。Kǎoshì jiāyóu, bié jǐnzhāng.Good luck on the exam, don't be nervous.
- 大家都要加油。Dàjiā dōu yào jiāyóu.Everyone needs to keep working hard.
Example conversation
Jia Yi is encouraging Jun Jie before his big race.
- 佳怡 Jiayi俊杰，加油！Jùnjié, jiāyóu!Jun Jie, go for it!
- 俊杰 Junjie谢谢，我会努力的。Xièxiè, wǒ huì nǔlì de.Thank you, I will try my best.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我看好你。Wǒ kànhǎo nǐ.I believe in you.
- 俊杰 Junjie放心吧，我一定行。Fàngxīn ba, wǒ yīdìng xíng.Don't worry, I can definitely do it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 加油, CC BY-SA 4.0.
