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    頑張って (ganbatte) - Do your best! (more direct)

    Grammar & Usage

    interjection / fixed expression
    casual to neutral

    How it works

    「頑張って」 is the te-form of the verb 「頑張る (ganbaru)」, meaning 'to do one's best' or 'to persevere'. When used as a standalone expression, the te-form often implies a request or command, making it a direct encouragement. It can be softened or made more formal by adding 「ください (kudasai)」 or by using more polite forms of the verb.

    Sample sentences

    試験、頑張ってね！

    Good luck with your exam!

    試合、頑張って！応援してるよ。

    Do your best in the match! I'll be cheering for you.

    仕事、まだ終わらないの？頑張って！

    Your work isn't finished yet? Keep at it!

    Quick facts

    politeness:「頑張って」 is direct encouragement. For superiors or formal situations, 「頑張ってください」 is preferred. Using it towards someone significantly older or of higher status without softening can sound impolite.
    verb_origin:Derived from 頑張る (ganbaru), which literally means 'to hold on firmly'.
    gender_nuance:While generally neutral, appending particles like 「ね (ne)」 can soften it, and 「頑張れ (ganbare)」 is a more masculine/direct/cheering tone often used among very close friends or to sports teams.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    試験、頑張ってね！

    Good luck with your exam!

    試合、頑張って！応援してるよ。

    Do your best in the match! I'll be cheering for you.

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