When someone is trying hard or facing a challenge, you can use 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai) to cheer them on. It literally means "Please do your best."
You can say this to a friend studying for an exam, a family member starting a new job, or even someone playing a sport. It's a very common and encouraging phrase in Japanese.
It shows support and wishes them success in their efforts. Think of it like saying "Good luck!" or "Keep at it!" in English.
When someone is facing a challenge or a difficult situation, you can use the expression 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai) to offer encouragement and support. It's a way of saying, "Please do your best," "Go for it," or "Hang in there."
It's very common to hear this phrase in everyday life, whether it's encouraging a student before an exam, a friend before a job interview, or an athlete before a competition. The phrase carries a sense of empathy and a wish for the other person's success, acknowledging their efforts and encouraging them to persevere.
頑張ってください 30초 만에
- Encouraging phrase
- Means 'do your best' or 'good luck'
- Used to motivate someone
§ What does it mean?
The Japanese phrase 頑張ってください (Ganbatte Kudasai) directly translates to “please do your best.” It's a versatile expression used to encourage someone, wish them luck, or tell them to hang in there. You'll hear it a lot in Japan, in many different situations, so it's a great phrase to know.
- DEFINITION
- Please do your best; good luck; hang in there.
Think of it as a way to give someone a little push, a verbal pat on the back. It's not about forcing someone to work harder than they can, but rather about acknowledging their effort and encouraging them to keep going. It's about showing support and wishing them well in their endeavors.
§ When do people use it?
You can use 頑張ってください in a wide variety of situations. Here are some common scenarios:
- Before a test or exam: If a friend is about to take a difficult exam, you can say 頑張ってください to wish them well and encourage them to do their best.
- Before a job interview: When someone is heading to a job interview, this phrase is perfect for showing your support.
- Before a sports event: Cheering on a team or an individual athlete? 頑張ってください is exactly what you'd say.
- When someone is facing a challenge: If a friend is going through a tough time, this phrase can be a way to show empathy and encourage them to keep pushing forward.
- When someone is starting something new: If someone is embarking on a new project, a new job, or even a new hobby, you can use 頑張ってください to wish them success.
It's a very polite and encouraging phrase, suitable for most social interactions. The 'kudasai' at the end makes it formal, but it’s still used among friends and family when you want to show strong support. If you want a more casual version for close friends, you can simply say 頑張って (Ganbatte).
試験、頑張ってください！ (Shiken, ganbatte kudasai!)
Hint: 'Shiken' means 'test' or 'exam'. This is a common phrase to say to someone before they take an important test.
プレゼンテーション、頑張ってくださいね。 (Purezentēshon, ganbatte kudasai ne.)
Hint: 'Purezentēshon' means 'presentation'. The 'ne' at the end adds a softer, more confirmatory tone, like 'right?' or 'don't you think?'.
Understanding when and how to use 頑張ってください will greatly improve your ability to interact naturally in Japanese. It’s a core phrase for showing encouragement and goodwill, so make sure to practice it!
How Formal Is It?
"発表、ご健闘をお祈りいたします。"
"試験、頑張ってください。"
"お仕事、頑張ってね。"
"かけっこ、がんばれー！"
"今日もがんば！"
난이도
Common kanji, straightforward pronunciation.
Common kanji and hiragana.
Easy to pronounce for English speakers.
Clear and distinct sounds.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Te-form + ください (kudasai) is used to make polite requests. The te-form of a verb is used to connect it to other verbs or to form requests. 'Kudasai' literally means 'please give me,' but when attached to the te-form of a verb, it means 'please do X.'
食べてください (tabete kudasai) - Please eat.
The verb 頑張る (ganbaru) means 'to do one's best,' 'to persevere,' or 'to work hard.' It is a common verb used to encourage someone.
彼は毎日頑張っています (kare wa mainichi ganbatte imasu) - He is doing his best every day.
The particle に (ni) can indicate the recipient of an action or the direction of an action. In this context, it isn't directly present, but understanding its role with verbs of action is useful.
友達に手紙を書きます (tomodachi ni tegami o kakimasu) - I write a letter to my friend.
The -masu form of verbs is used in polite speech. While '頑張ってください' uses the te-form, it's good to remember the context of politeness.
行きます (ikimasu) - I will go (polite).
Interjections like '頑張ってください' are often used independently to express encouragement or a wish.
頑張って！ (ganbatte!) - Do your best! (more casual)
수준별 예문
頑張ってください。
Please do your best. (said to one person)
A: テスト、頑張ります。B: はい、頑張ってください！
A: I'll do my best on the test. B: Yes, please do your best!
A: 仕事、行ってきます。B: 頑張ってください。
A: I'm off to work. B: Please do your best.
A: 明日の試合、頑張ってください。B: ありがとうございます。
A: Please do your best in tomorrow's game. B: Thank you.
A: 勉強します。B: 頑張ってくださいね。
A: I will study. B: Please do your best, okay?
「ね」 adds a soft, encouraging tone.
A: プレゼンテーション、緊張します。B: 頑張ってください。
A: I'm nervous about the presentation. B: Please do your best.
A: 今日も一日、頑張ります。B: はい、頑張ってください。
A: I'll do my best for today too. B: Yes, please do your best.
A: 日本語を勉強しています。B: 頑張ってください！
A: I am studying Japanese. B: Please do your best!
문법 패턴
문장 패턴
Verbて + ください
頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai)
Noun + を + 頑張ってください
仕事を頑張ってください (Shigoto o ganbatte kudasai) - Please do your best at work.
Noun + も + 頑張ってください
勉強も頑張ってください (Benkyou mo ganbatte kudasai) - Please do your best with your studies too.
Place + で + 頑張ってください
学校で頑張ってください (Gakkou de ganbatte kudasai) - Please do your best at school.
Verbる + ように + 頑張ってください
成功するように頑張ってください (Seikou suru you ni ganbatte kudasai) - Please do your best to succeed.
Adjectiveい + く + 頑張ってください
早くできるように頑張ってください (Hayaku dekiru you ni ganbatte kudasai) - Please do your best to be able to do it quickly.
Adjectiveな + に + 頑張ってください
真剣に頑張ってください (Shinken ni ganbatte kudasai) - Please do your best seriously.
Verb stem + 続ける + ように + 頑張ってください
練習し続けるように頑張ってください (Renshuu shi tsuzukeru you ni ganbatte kudasai) - Please do your best to continue practicing.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문You use “頑張ってください” (Ganbatte kudasai) to encourage someone to do their best. It's often said to someone who is about to undertake a difficult task, a competition, or a challenge. Think of it like saying 'Good luck!' or 'You can do it!' in English, but with an emphasis on effort.
Yes, “頑張ってください” is generally polite. The “ください” part makes it a polite request. You can use it with friends, family, and even people you don't know well. For a more casual version, you might hear just “頑張って!” (Ganbatte!).
“頑張ってください” (Ganbatte kudasai) is used when you are telling someone else to do their best. “頑張ろう” (Ganbarou) means 'Let's do our best' and is used when you are encouraging yourself and others together.
While “頑張ってください” is polite, it might be a bit casual to say directly to a very senior boss, especially in a formal business setting. For a boss or someone of much higher status, you might opt for more formal expressions of encouragement, such as “応援しております” (Oen shite orimasu - I'm cheering you on/supporting you) or simply a respectful 'Good luck with that task!'
The most common and natural response is “ありがとうございます” (Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much) or simply “ありがとう” (Arigatou - Thank you). You can also add “頑張ります” (Ganbarimasu - I will do my best) to show your determination.
While “頑張ってください” is already polite, for truly formal situations or when addressing someone of very high status, you might use phrases that express support more broadly, like “おくつろうさまです” (O-kutsuroi-sama desu - Please take it easy) if they are working hard, or expressions of hope for success without directly commanding them to 'do their best'.
Yes, you can. It's often used to offer encouragement when someone is already facing difficulties. It's a way to say 'Keep going!' or 'Don't give up!'. However, be mindful of the situation; if someone is truly overwhelmed, a more empathetic approach might be 'Is there anything I can do to help?'
The kanji in “頑張ってください” is 頑張. 頑 (gan) means 'stubborn' or 'firm,' and 張 (bari) means 'stretch' or 'expand.' Together, they convey the idea of 'stretching oneself firmly' or 'persisting with effort.' This gives you a better sense of the deep meaning behind 'doing your best.'
While generally positive, avoid using “頑張ってください” in situations where the outcome is beyond someone's control or if they've already given their absolute best and failed. In such cases, it might come across as insensitive. Instead, offer sympathy or understanding.
No, you don't typically say “頑張ってください” to yourself. That form is a command or request directed at someone else. If you want to encourage yourself, you would simply say “頑張る” (Ganbaru - I will do my best) or think to yourself “よーし、頑張ろう” (Yoshi, ganbarou - Alright, let's do this / I'll do my best).
셀프 테스트 60 질문
Listen for the pronunciation of 'Please do your best.'
How many syllables do you hear?
Listen carefully to the intonation.
Read this aloud:
がんばってください
Focus: んば (nba)
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
がんばってください
Focus: っ (small tsu)
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
がんばってください
Focus: さい (sai)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You want to wish your friend luck before a test. How would you write 'Good luck' in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
頑張って。
Your coworker is starting a new project. Write a short message to encourage them to 'do their best'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しいプロジェクト、頑張ってください！
You are cheering for a sports team. Write a simple phrase to tell them to 'keep it up' or 'do your best'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
頑張れ！
What is person A wishing for person B?
Read this passage:
A: こんにちは！ B: こんにちは。 A: 試験、頑張ってくださいね！ B: ありがとう。
What is person A wishing for person B?
Person A says '試験、頑張ってくださいね！', which means 'Please do your best on the test!'
Person A says '試験、頑張ってくださいね！', which means 'Please do your best on the test!'
Why does Tanaka-san say '頑張ってください' to Yamada-san?
Read this passage:
山田さん：明日から出張です。 田中さん：そうですか。頑張ってください！ 山田さん：ありがとうございます。
Why does Tanaka-san say '頑張ってください' to Yamada-san?
Yamada-san mentions '明日から出張です' (I have a business trip starting tomorrow), and Tanaka-san responds with encouragement.
Yamada-san mentions '明日から出張です' (I have a business trip starting tomorrow), and Tanaka-san responds with encouragement.
What is the speaker encouraging their friend to do?
Read this passage:
友達：日本語の勉強、難しいです。 あなた：でも、頑張って！ 友達：はい、頑張ります。
What is the speaker encouraging their friend to do?
The friend says '日本語の勉強、難しいです' (Studying Japanese is difficult), and the speaker replies with 'でも、頑張って！' (But, do your best!), which encourages them to continue trying.
The friend says '日本語の勉強、難しいです' (Studying Japanese is difficult), and the speaker replies with 'でも、頑張って！' (But, do your best!), which encourages them to continue trying.
Choose the best English translation for 「頑張ってください」:
「頑張ってください」 (Ganbatte kudasai) is a common phrase used to encourage someone to do their best.
Which situation would be appropriate to use 「頑張ってください」?
「頑張ってください」 is an expression of encouragement, so it's used when someone is about to face a challenge or effort.
If someone tells you 「頑張ってください」, what are they probably trying to do?
The phrase 「頑張ってください」 is an encouraging remark, meaning 'Please do your best'.
「頑張ってください」 is typically used to express thanks.
「頑張ってください」 is used for encouragement, not for expressing thanks. 「ありがとう」 (Arigatou) is used for thanks.
You can say 「頑張ってください」 to a friend who is going to run a marathon.
This is a perfect situation to use 「頑張ってください」 as you are encouraging them to do their best in the marathon.
「頑張ってください」 is a very formal phrase that should only be used with strangers.
While polite, 「頑張ってください」 can be used in many contexts, including with friends, family, and colleagues, not just strangers. It expresses general encouragement.
Imagine your friend is about to take a big test. What would you say to encourage them using '頑張ってください'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
友達が試験の前に「頑張ってください」と言いました。 (My friend said 'Do your best' before the exam.)
Your colleague is starting a new project. Write a short message wishing them success using '頑張ってください'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しいプロジェクト、頑張ってください！ (Please do your best with the new project!)
You see someone struggling with a difficult task. Write a sentence of encouragement using '頑張ってください'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
大変そうですが、頑張ってください！ (It looks tough, but please do your best!)
友達は田中さんに何を言いましたか？
Read this passage:
田中さんは明日、日本語の試験があります。友達は田中さんに「頑張ってください」と言いました。田中さんは「ありがとうございます」と答えました。
友達は田中さんに何を言いましたか？
The passage states that the friend said '頑張ってください' to Tanaka-san.
The passage states that the friend said '頑張ってください' to Tanaka-san.
山田さんの家族は山田さんに何をしましたか？
Read this passage:
山田さんは新しい仕事に挑戦します。家族はみんなで「頑張ってください」と応援しました。山田さんはとても嬉しかったです。
山田さんの家族は山田さんに何をしましたか？
The passage says '家族はみんなで「頑張ってください」と応援しました' (The whole family cheered with 'Please do your best').
The passage says '家族はみんなで「頑張ってください」と応援しました' (The whole family cheered with 'Please do your best').
BさんはAさんに何を伝えたいですか？
Read this passage:
A: 明日のプレゼンテーション、緊張します。 B: 大丈夫ですよ。頑張ってください！
BさんはAさんに何を伝えたいですか？
B's response '大丈夫ですよ。頑張ってください！' (It's okay. Please do your best!) is an encouragement to do their best.
B's response '大丈夫ですよ。頑張ってください！' (It's okay. Please do your best!) is an encouragement to do their best.
This is a simple phrase to tell someone to do their best as well.
This tells someone to do their best with their Japanese studies.
Adding 'ね' at the end makes the phrase sound a bit softer and more encouraging.
Imagine your friend is about to take a difficult exam. Write a short message of encouragement using "頑張ってください" and one other phrase you've learned to wish them luck.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日、試験頑張ってください！応援しています。
You are a manager talking to your team before a big project. Write a sentence using "頑張ってください" to motivate them, emphasizing that their hard work will pay off.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
皆さん、このプロジェクト成功のために頑張ってください。きっと良い結果が出ます。
Your younger sibling is starting a new sport. Write a short note to them using "頑張ってください" and mention something about enjoying the experience.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しいスポーツ、楽しんで頑張ってくださいね！
What is person B doing?
Read this passage:
A: 田中さん、来週のプレゼンテーション、緊張しますね。 B: そうですね。でも、頑張ってください！応援していますよ。 A: ありがとうございます。頑張ります！
What is person B doing?
Person B uses '頑張ってください' to encourage person A for their presentation.
Person B uses '頑張ってください' to encourage person A for their presentation.
What is the speaker's feeling towards their friend's new job?
Read this passage:
友達が新しい仕事に挑戦すると言いました。とても難しいことだと知っていたので、私は「頑張ってくださいね！」と言って、彼の成功を心から願いました。
What is the speaker's feeling towards their friend's new job?
The speaker says '頑張ってくださいね！' and sincerely wishes for their friend's success, indicating support.
The speaker says '頑張ってくださいね！' and sincerely wishes for their friend's success, indicating support.
What does the teacher recommend the students do?
Read this passage:
先生がクラスの生徒たちに言いました。「来月の日本語能力試験に向けて、毎日少しずつでも頑張ってください。継続は力なりです。」
What does the teacher recommend the students do?
The teacher advises them to '毎日少しずつでも頑張ってください' (do their best little by little every day) and mentions '継続は力なりです' (continuance is power).
The teacher advises them to '毎日少しずつでも頑張ってください' (do their best little by little every day) and mentions '継続は力なりです' (continuance is power).
Choose the most appropriate response when someone is about to take a difficult exam.
「頑張ってください」is used to encourage someone to do their best, which is fitting before a difficult exam. 「お疲れ様です」is used to acknowledge someone's hard work, usually after the fact. 「お久しぶりです」means 'long time no see.' 「おめでとうございます」means 'congratulations.'
Which situation would NOT typically call for the phrase 「頑張ってください」?
「頑張ってください」is used to encourage effort. While a short trip might require some effort, it's not typically a situation where this level of encouragement is given. For a short trip, a simple goodbye like 「いってらっしゃい」 (itterasshai) is more common.
Someone says 「明日、大事なプレゼンテーションがあります。」 (Ashita, daiji na purezenteeshon ga arimasu. - I have an important presentation tomorrow.) What is the most natural and encouraging response?
This option directly encourages the person and shows support, which is the intended use of 「頑張ってください」. The other options are either less encouraging, sympathetic in a negative way, or don't offer direct support.
It is appropriate to say 「頑張ってください」 to a doctor who is about to perform surgery.
Yes, it is appropriate. In Japanese culture, it's common to offer encouragement to anyone undertaking a serious or challenging task, even professionals like doctors, as a sign of wishing them success in their efforts.
If someone says 「頑張ってください」 to you, a common and polite response is 「はい、頑張ります。」 (Hai, ganbarimasu. - Yes, I will do my best.)
This is a very common and polite way to acknowledge the encouragement and affirm your intention to put in effort. It shows appreciation for their support.
You should use 「頑張ってください」 when telling someone to stop doing something they are trying hard at, but failing.
No, 「頑張ってください」is used to encourage continued effort and success, not to tell someone to stop. If someone is failing, you would use different phrases to express sympathy or suggest they take a break.
The speaker is encouraging everyone for a project's success.
Someone is being encouraged before an exam.
Encouragement for a new, possibly difficult job.
Read this aloud:
プレゼンテーション、頑張ってください。
Focus: ガンバッテ クダサイ
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
次のマラソン、頑張ってください。
Focus: マラソン、ガンバッテ
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
応援しています。頑張ってください。
Focus: オウエン シテイマス、ガンバッテ クダサイ
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
困難なプロジェクトですが、最後まで___。
This phrase is used to encourage someone to do their best, especially in challenging situations.
試験まであと少し。悔いのないように___。
This encourages someone to put in their best effort for an upcoming event, like an exam.
新しい職場でのスタート、色々と大変でしょうが、___。
This phrase is appropriate for encouraging someone beginning a new and potentially challenging endeavor.
プレゼンテーションの準備、夜遅くまでお疲れ様です。明日は___。
After acknowledging someone's hard work, this phrase encourages them for the final effort.
目標達成に向けて、これからも一歩ずつ___。
This encourages continued effort towards achieving a goal.
初めての海外生活、不安も多いと思いますが、___。
This phrase is suitable for encouraging someone embarking on a new and potentially difficult experience like living abroad.
状況が困難な友人に対して、どのように励ましの言葉をかけますか？
「頑張ってください」は、相手に困難な状況で努力を続けるよう励ます際に最も適切です。「お疲れ様です」は労いを表し、「おめでとうございます」は祝福、「ごめんなさい」は謝罪の言葉です。
マラソンを完走しようとしている人への声かけとして、最も適切なものは次のうちどれですか？
マラソンを完走しようとしている人に対しては、努力を促し応援する意味で「頑張ってください」が適切です。「お大事にしてください」は体調を気遣う言葉、「お邪魔します」は他人の場所を訪れる際の挨拶、「どうぞよろしく」は初対面や依頼の際に使われます。
プレゼンテーションを控えている同僚に、成功を願ってかける言葉として最も適切なものを選びなさい。
プレゼンテーションを控えている同僚への励ましの言葉としては、「頑張ってください」が最適です。成功を祈り、努力を期待する気持ちを伝えます。「お構いなく」は相手の配慮を断る場合、「お先に失礼します」は先に帰る際の挨拶、「ご遠慮なく」は遠慮せずに何かをするよう促す言葉です。
「頑張ってください」は、相手が既に成功を収めた状況で祝福の意を込めて使うことができる。
「頑張ってください」は、相手が努力している最中や、これから努力が必要な状況で使われる励ましの言葉です。成功を収めた状況では、「おめでとうございます」などの祝福の言葉が適切です。
病気で療養中の人に対して、「頑張ってください」と言うのは不適切である。
病気で療養中の人に対して「頑張ってください」と言うと、精神的な負担をかける可能性があります。このような状況では、「お大事にしてください」や「ゆっくり休んでください」といった言葉がより適切です。
上司が部下に対して「頑張ってください」と使うのは、一般的に不自然な敬語表現である。
「頑張ってください」は、上司が部下を励ます際にも一般的に使われる表現であり、不自然な敬語表現ではありません。相手の地位に関わらず、努力を促す場面で広く用いられます。
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Summary
「頑張ってください」is a versatile phrase used to offer encouragement and wish someone well in their efforts.
- Encouraging phrase
- Means 'do your best' or 'good luck'
- Used to motivate someone
관련 콘텐츠
daily_life 관련 단어
もう少し
B1A little more.
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
