あなたならできる
anata nara dekiru
The English phrase "you can do this" is translated into Japanese as あなたならできる (anata nara dekiru).
This phrase is used to express confidence in a specific person's unique capability to overcome a challenge.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "If it is you, [you] can do [it]".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the phrase more polite or suitable for a superior, change できる (dekiru) to できます (dekimasu), resulting in あなたならできます. Other ways to offer encouragement include the informal Dekiru yo! for "You can do it!" and the formal Ganbatte kudasai. for "Please do your best." The informal version is simply Ganbatte!
How do you pronounce it?
anata nara dekiru
Did you know?
- In many Japanese social contexts, using the word 'anata' to mean 'you' can actually sound distant or even confrontational. To sound more natural and warm while encouraging someone, it is much better to use the person's name followed by a suffix like '-san'.
- The word できる ('dekiru') is a versatile verb that can mean 'can do', 'to be completed' or even 'to appear'. In a different context, it can describe a building being finished or a baby being conceived.
- Though 頑張って ('ganbatte') is the most common way to say 'do your best', it stems from the verb 頑張る ('ganbaru'), which originally meant to stand one's ground or persist with stubbornness.
Examples in context
- 大丈夫、あなたならできる。Daijoubu, anata nara dekiru.It's okay, you can do this.
- 信じてるよ、あなたならできる。Shinjiteru yo, anata nara dekiru.I believe in you, you can do this.
- 自分を信じて。あなたならできるから。Jibun o shinjite. Anata nara dekiru kara.Believe in yourself. Because you can do this.
Example conversation
Kenta is encouraging Yui before her big presentation.
- 健太 Kenta緊張してる？Kinchou shiteru?Are you nervous?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、すごく不安なの。Un, sugoku fuan na no.Yes, I'm very anxious.
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫だよ。あなたならできる。Daijoubu da yo. Anata nara dekiru.It's okay. You can do this.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、頑張るね。Arigatou, ganbaru ne.Thank you, I'll do my best.
