Meaning
To try as hard as possible to achieve something.
Cultural Background
Highly valued in youth sports and education. It is often printed on posters in classrooms. Used in a slightly more understated way, often to comfort someone after a minor failure. The concept of 'effort' is often tied to 'sincerity' (makoto/seongsil). Doing one's best is seen as a moral duty.
Use it to comfort
It is a great way to show you care about someone's feelings.
Don't use it as a command
It sounds like a demand if said with a stern voice.
Meaning
To try as hard as possible to achieve something.
Use it to comfort
It is a great way to show you care about someone's feelings.
Don't use it as a command
It sounds like a demand if said with a stern voice.
Combine with 'I know'
Say 'I know you'll do your best' to show confidence in someone.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb.
You should ____ your best on the exam.
The idiom is 'do your best'.
Fill in the blank with the correct possessive pronoun.
She promised to do ____ best.
The subject is 'She', so we use 'her'.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Do your best
It means maximum effort.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I'm nervous about the game. B: Don't worry, just ____.
The idiom is the correct response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou should ____ your best on the exam.
The idiom is 'do your best'.
She promised to do ____ best.
The subject is 'She', so we use 'her'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It means maximum effort.
A: I'm nervous about the game. B: Don't worry, just ____.
The idiom is the correct response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is redundant. Just say 'do my best'.
It is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
That is okay! The phrase is meant to accept that effort is enough.
Yes, it is professional and encouraging.
It is stronger than 'try'. It implies 'try as hard as possible'.
Doo-yer-best.
Yes, it is one of the most common phrases in English.
Yes, 'I did my best'.
Related Phrases
Give it your all
synonymUse all your energy.
Try your hardest
synonymExert maximum effort.
Put your best foot forward
similarMake a good first impression.
