In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'add oil' like refueling a car.
- The go-to phrase for cheering, encouragement, or support.
- Used in sports, exams, work, and daily life challenges.
Meaning
It is the ultimate Chinese 'cheer.' Use it to tell someone to keep going, do their best, or literally to fill up their gas tank.
Key Examples
3 of 6Cheering at a marathon
加油！快到终点了！
Go go go! You're almost at the finish line!
Encouraging a friend before a job interview
面试加油，你没问题的！
Good luck with the interview, you'll be fine!
A boss encouraging the team
这个项目很重要，大家加油！
This project is important, let's give it our all, everyone!
Cultural Background
During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the chant '{中国|zhōngguó}{加油|jiāyóu}!' became a symbol of national pride and unity. In Taiwan, {加油|jiāyóu} is often used with a softer, more melodic tone in daily life, and you might see it written in cute fonts on stationery. In HK, the phrase is often used in political and social movements as a slogan for resilience and persistence. The phrase 'Add Oil' was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018, reflecting its widespread use among English speakers in Asia.
The Double-Tap
Saying it twice ({加油加油|jiāyóujiāyóu}!) makes you sound much more native and enthusiastic.
Not for Funerals
Never use this to comfort someone who has lost a loved one; it sounds like you're telling them to 'work harder' at being happy.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'add oil' like refueling a car.
- The go-to phrase for cheering, encouragement, or support.
- Used in sports, exams, work, and daily life challenges.
What It Means
Jiāyóu is the most versatile phrase in the Chinese language. It literally means to 'add oil' or 'refuel.' Think of a car that needs gas to keep moving. When you say this, you are giving someone the energy to push forward. It is like saying 'Go for it!' or 'Keep it up!'
How To Use It
You can say it as a standalone shout. You can also add a subject before it. For example, nǐ jiāyóu means 'You got this!' It functions like a verb or an exclamation. It is punchy and short. You do not need complex grammar to sound like a pro.
When To Use It
Use it whenever someone needs a boost. Use it at a sports game to cheer for your team. Use it when a friend is studying for a big exam. It works great in text messages with lots of exclamation points. Even at work, tell a colleague jiāyóu before a big presentation. It shows you are on their team.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for serious tragedies. If someone is grieving, 'adding oil' can feel dismissive or overly perky. Avoid using it with high-ranking officials in very stiff ceremonies. It is a bit too energetic for a funeral or a somber apology. Also, do not say it to someone who is already clearly exhausted and needs rest.
Cultural Background
This phrase likely started in the racing world or the oil fields. It became a massive cultural phenomenon during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Now, it is the unofficial national slogan of encouragement. It represents the 'can-do' spirit of modern China. It is even in the Oxford English Dictionary as 'add oil!'
Common Variations
You can repeat it for extra power: jiāyóu, jiāyóu! If you want to be cute, say jiāyóu ya. In Hong Kong, you might hear it in Cantonese as ga yau. No matter where you are, the 'refueling' metaphor is understood by every Chinese speaker.
Usage Notes
Very safe for all ages. It leans informal, but is perfectly acceptable in a supportive office environment. Avoid in somber or tragic situations.
The Double-Tap
Saying it twice ({加油加油|jiāyóujiāyóu}!) makes you sound much more native and enthusiastic.
Not for Funerals
Never use this to comfort someone who has lost a loved one; it sounds like you're telling them to 'work harder' at being happy.
The 'Add Oil' English
If you are in Hong Kong or Singapore, you can actually say 'Add oil!' in English and people will understand you perfectly.
Texting Style
In texts, people often write '加油鸭' (jiāyóu yā). The 'duck' character is just for cuteness!
Examples
6加油！快到终点了！
Go go go! You're almost at the finish line!
Used as a repetitive chant to motivate runners.
面试加油，你没问题的！
Good luck with the interview, you'll be fine!
Shows support for a specific upcoming event.
这个项目很重要，大家加油！
This project is important, let's give it our all, everyone!
Used to build morale in a professional but warm setting.
再坚持一下，加油！
Just hold on a bit longer, you can do it!
Commonly used in WeChat with supportive emojis.
师傅，帮我加满油。
Sir, please fill up the tank for me.
This is the literal use of the phrase.
我要加油学习汉语！
I need to work hard and study Chinese!
You can use it to motivate yourself.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response for a friend who says: '{我|wǒ}{明天|míngtiān}{有|yǒu}{一个|yígè}{重要|zhòngyào}{的|de}{面试|miànshì}。' (I have an important interview tomorrow.)
What should you say?
Since the interview hasn't happened yet, you should encourage them with {加油|jiāyóu}.
Fill in the blank to complete the sentence.
{我们|wǒmen}{去|qù}_______{站|zhàn}{给|gěi}{车|chē}{加油|jiāyóu}。
A gas station is called a {加油站|jiāyóuzhàn}.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a stadium watching the Chinese national team play basketball.
This is the standard way to cheer for a team.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWhat should you say?
Since the interview hasn't happened yet, you should encourage them with {加油|jiāyóu}.
{我们|wǒmen}{去|qù}_______{站|zhàn}{给|gěi}{车|chē}{加油|jiāyóu}。
A gas station is called a {加油站|jiāyóuzhàn}.
Situation: You are at a stadium watching the Chinese national team play basketball.
This is the standard way to cheer for a team.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! It's very common to say '{加油|jiāyóu}!' to yourself as a form of self-motivation.
Yes, a boss can say it to employees, and employees can say it to each other. It's neutral-polite.
There isn't a direct opposite, but '{放弃|fàngqì}' (give up) or '{泄气|xièqì}' (lose heart) are related negative concepts.
Because oil is fuel. You are telling the person to 'add fuel' to their internal engine.
Use it carefully. For a cold, it's fine. For a terminal illness, it's better to say '{保重|bǎozhòng}' (take care).
Yes, usually a pumped fist (like a 'power' gesture) accompanies the shout.
Constantly. It's perhaps the most common 'action' phrase in Chinese cinema.
Not really. Use '{新婚|xīnhūn}{快乐|kuàilè}' (Happy Wedding) or '{百年好合|bǎiniánhǎohé}' instead.
Sometimes, if someone is lagging behind in a race, but '{快点|kuàidiǎn}' is more direct for speed.
No, it's standard Chinese, though it's very common in slangy/casual contexts.
Related Phrases
加把劲
similarTo put in more effort
打气
similarTo encourage/inflate morale
努力
builds onTo work hard
坚持
similarTo persist
恭喜
contrastCongratulations
