Meaning
Encouraging mutual effort or perseverance.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'wa' (harmony). It signals that you are a team player. Similar to 'jiayou', it emphasizes collective energy. Reflects the emphasis on shared struggle and mutual support in professional life. Encouragement is often more individualistic, focusing on 'good luck' rather than 'shared effort'.
Use with Peers
Always use this with people at your level. It builds a sense of equality.
Don't use with Bosses
It sounds like you are telling your boss to work hard, which is rude.
Meaning
Encouraging mutual effort or perseverance.
Use with Peers
Always use this with people at your level. It builds a sense of equality.
Don't use with Bosses
It sounds like you are telling your boss to work hard, which is rude.
Add a Smile
A smile makes this phrase much more effective at building rapport.
The 'Masu' Form
The 'masu' form is the key to keeping this phrase polite and professional.
Test Yourself
Which is the most appropriate way to say this to a colleague?
Which phrase is correct for a peer?
The 'masu' form is polite and appropriate for peers.
Fill in the blank.
明日から新しいプロジェクトですね。お互い_____。
The volitional 'masu' form is required for this polite expression.
Match the situation to the correct response.
You are leaving the office and your coworker is staying late. What do you say?
This is the standard polite way to acknowledge their hard work while leaving.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 試験が近いね。 B: _____。
It is a mutual encouragement, so the 'otagai' form is best.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich phrase is correct for a peer?
The 'masu' form is polite and appropriate for peers.
明日から新しいプロジェクトですね。お互い_____。
The volitional 'masu' form is required for this polite expression.
You are leaving the office and your coworker is staying late. What do you say?
This is the standard polite way to acknowledge their hard work while leaving.
A: 試験が近いね。 B: _____。
It is a mutual encouragement, so the 'otagai' form is best.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is better to use '頑張ります' (I will do my best) to show respect.
Yes, it is a very common and polite way to end a business email.
You can use it for any shared goal, like studying or sports.
'Otagai' emphasizes that both people are involved, which is important for group harmony.
No, but you might drop the 'masu' and say 'otagai ganbarou'.
Not exactly. It means 'let's both work hard'.
It's a bit unusual, but if you are both in a shared situation (like waiting in a long line), it could work.
No, it is gender-neutral.
It might sound a bit sarcastic, so be careful!
You can say 'はい、頑張りましょう' (Yes, let's do our best).
Yes, it's very common in LINE messages.
No, it implies equality.
Related Phrases
頑張ります
specialized formI will do my best.
共に頑張りましょう
similarLet's work hard together.
お疲れ様です
builds onThank you for your hard work.
よろしくお願いします
similarPlease treat me well/I look forward to working with you.
