頑張る

You can use it for yourself or others. To say 'I will do my best,' use ganbarimasu. To cheer someone on, say ganbatte! It is a very flexible verb. You will hear it in schools, offices, and gyms. It is like a verbal high-five or a pat on the back. It turns a difficult task into a shared challenge.

Use it before a big presentation at work. Tell your friend ganbatte before their marathon. Use it when you are starting a new diet. It is perfect for texting a friend who is studying late. You can even use it for small things. Use it when trying to open a stubborn jar. It shows you are committed to the struggle. It makes people feel supported and motivated.

Be careful with people who are truly struggling. If someone is burnt out, ganbatte can feel like pressure. It might sound like 'work even harder' when they cannot. Avoid using the command form ganbare with your boss. That is way too casual and bossy! Also, do not use it for things that require luck. You do not ganbaru to win the lottery. You ganbaru to earn the money instead.

This word is the core of the 'Ganbaru Spirit.' Japan is a culture that highly values collective effort. After the war, this word helped rebuild the nation. It is about the beauty of the struggle. In Japanese schools, the 'effort' grade is often very important. It is not just about being smart. It is about how hard you tried. It is a badge of honor to be a hard worker.

Ganbatte is the most common way to say 'Good luck.' Ganbare is the stronger, more masculine 'Go for it!' version. You will hear fans screaming this at baseball games. Ganbarou means 'Let's do our best together.' This was a famous slogan after the 2011 earthquake. For a very casual text, just write ganba! It is short, sweet, and very modern.