There are many different expressions to use when cheering for someone in Japanese. Some cheering expressions can be used in any situation, while others are only used in sports. Learn how to use them depending on the situation!
1.Ganbare (do your best)
"Ganbare" is the most common Japanese expression used when cheering someone on. If you want to cheer on your family or friends, say "ganbare." A polite way of saying "ganbare" is "ganbattekudasai" (please do your best).
Example sentences
Good luck on today's test!
Kyō no tesuto ganbare!
Good luck with today's test!
Example sentences
Do your best in high school!
Koko ni ittemo ganbare!
Do your best even after you go to the high school!
Example sentences
Good luck at work tomorrow too.
Ashita mo oshigoto ganbattekudasai.
I hope you'll be great at work tomorrow, too.
2.Fight
"Faito" is an expression often used when cheering on athletes in competitions or sports matches. It is derived from the English word "fight." In Japanese, "faito" does not mean "to fight," but is a cheer used to cheer on someone, similar to "ganbare."
Example sentences
Fight for tomorrow's match!
Ashita no shiai faito!
Good luck with tomorrow's game!
Example sentences
Fight! Go for it!
Faito! Sono mama buttigire!
Go for it! Beat them!
3.Ganba (effort)
"Ganba" is an abbreviation of "ganbare" and has the same meaning. Ganba is a word that should only be used between close friends. Avoid using "ganba" with people in a higher position.
Example sentences
Work hard today too!
Kyō mo shigoto ganba!
Have a good day at work today too!
4.Don't give up (akiramenaide)
"Akiramenaide" means "Don't give up, keep trying" and is a phrase used when you want to encourage someone. For example, if a child is not doing well in their studies and has given up, you might say "Akiramenaide."
Example sentences
Don't give up until the end!
Saigo made akiramenaide!
Do not give it up till the last!
5.Hit and Break
"Attack and break (atatte kudakero)" is a proverb used to encourage someone by saying, "It's okay to fail, so just go for it." For example, when someone is unsure whether to take on a challenge, you might say, "Attack and break (atatte kudakero)."
Example sentences
Rather than worrying about it forever, you should take action with a give-and-take attitude.
Itsu made mo nayamu kurainara, atatte kudakero no seishin de kōdō surubekida.
If you're worried forever, you should act in the spirit of hitting and breaking.
In addition to using this phrase when you want to support someone, you can also use it when you want to express your willingness to take on challenges without fear of failure.
Example sentences
I'm going to confess my feelings to the most beautiful girl in school, no matter what.
Gakkō de ichiban bijin'na on'nanoko ni, atatte kudakero de kokuhaku suru tsumorida.
I'll give it a go to confess to the most beautiful girl in school.
6.That 's the spirit
"Sono ikida" is a phrase used to encourage someone to continue their good form. For example, if a student gets 100 points on a test, you would say "Sono ikida" to encourage them by saying, "Keep up the good work on the next test!"
Example sentences
So far so good. Keep it up.
Imanotokoro yoi kekkada zo. Sono ikida.
So far, so good. That's the spirit.
7.Don't push yourself too hard (murishinaide ne)
"Don't push yourself too hard (murishinaide ne)" is a phrase used to encourage someone who is overworking themselves. In situations such as work or visiting someone in the hospital, the polite expression "don't push yourself too hard (go muri wo nasarazu)" can be used to express gratitude for the other person's hard work.
Example sentences
Thank you for working late into the night. Don't push yourself too hard.
Yoru osoku made hataraite kurete arigatō. Amari murishinaide ne.
Thank you for working late into the night. Don't take it too hard.
Example sentences
Please take care and get plenty of rest.
Go muri wo nasarazu, yukkuri to oyasumi kudasai.
Please take it easy and have a good rest.
8.I pray for you
"Oinori mōshiagemasu" is a polite way of saying "I pray for good things to happen to the other person." This expression is rarely used in conversation, and is mainly used as a greeting at the end of an email or letter. For example, if you want to pray for the other person's good health, you would say "Gokenkō wo oinori mōshiagemasu."
Example sentences
Finally, I wish you all good health.
Mappitu nagara, minasama no gokennkō wo oinori mōshiagemasu.
Finally, I wish you good health.
Example sentences
We wish you continued success in the future.
Kongo no go katuyaku wo oinori mousiagemasu.
I wish you all the best in the future.
9.You can do it
"Kimi nara dekiru yo" means "You can do it" and is a phrase used to encourage someone. For example, you may feel nervous before an important presentation, but if a close friend says "Kimi nara dekiru yo," you will feel motivated to do your best because they trust you.
Example sentences
Don't worry! You can do it!
Thank you for your hard work!
Don't worry! You can do it.
10.I'm always here to listen
"I'm always here to listen to you (itudemo hanashi wo kiku kara ne)" means "I'm always here to listen to you," and is a phrase you can use when you want to reassure someone. For example, if a friend is having trouble, you can show your support by telling them, "I'm always here to listen to you (itudemo hanashi wo kiku kara ne)."
Example sentences
If you're having a hard time, I'm always here to listen.
Turai koto ga attara, itudemo hanasi wo kiku kara ne.
If you're having a hard time, I'm always here to listen.
There are many ways to express encouragement in Japanese. If your friend is worried because things aren't going well at work, what words of encouragement would you say to them? Learn how to use Japanese expressions effectively to cheer up your friends.
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