加油
To refuel/cheer on
Literalmente: Add oil
Use `jiāyóu` whenever you want to say 'Go for it!' or 'Don't give up!' to anyone.
En 15 segundos
- 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.
Significado
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.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 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!
Contexto cultural
The phrase gained global recognition during the 2008 Olympics as a chant for athletes. It embodies the 'Spirit of the Ox'—hard work and persistence. It is so iconic that the literal English translation 'Add oil' was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018.
The Double Tap
Saying it twice (`jiāyóu jiāyóu!`) makes you sound much more enthusiastic and native.
The 'Add Oil' OED Entry
If you say 'Add oil' in English to a Chinese person, they will likely understand you perfectly because the direct translation is so famous.
En 15 segundos
- 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.
Notas de uso
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 (`jiāyóu jiāyóu!`) makes you sound much more enthusiastic and native.
The 'Add Oil' OED Entry
If you say 'Add oil' in English to a Chinese person, they will likely understand you perfectly because the direct translation is so famous.
Not for Sadness
If a friend's pet passes away, don't say `jiāyóu`. It sounds like you're telling them to 'hurry up and get over it.' Use `jiéāi` (condolences) instead.
Ejemplos
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.
Ponte a prueba
Your friend has a big exam tomorrow. What do you say?
明天考试，___！
`Jiāyóu` is the perfect way to wish someone luck and strength before a challenge.
You are at a gas station and want the attendant to refuel your car.
请帮我的车___。
In this context, it literally means to add fuel (oil/gas).
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Scale of 加油
Chanting at a game or texting best friends.
加油加油！！
Encouraging a colleague or classmate.
面试加油。
A leader encouraging a large group.
希望大家共同加油。
Where to use 加油
Sports Event
Go Team!
Exam Season
Study hard!
Gas Station
Fill it up!
Dieting
Don't eat that cake!
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but keep it professional. Saying wǒmen yīqǐ jiāyóu (let's work hard together) is better than just shouting it at them.
Not at all! It is used for exams, job hunts, weight loss, or even just getting through a Monday.
The most common reply is xièxiè (thank you) or wǒ huì de (I will).
Yes, jiā means add and yóu means oil/gas. You use the exact same phrase at a gas station.
Often people make a fist and do a small downward 'pump' motion while saying it.
It's more of a common idiom. It's not 'slang' that will go out of style; it's a core part of the language.
Absolutely. You can say wǒ yào jiāyóu to mean 'I need to work harder' or 'I can do this!'
In Cantonese, it is ga yau. It is used exactly the same way in Hong Kong and Guangdong.
No, adults use it constantly. It's a very positive and socially acceptable way to show support.
It's not 'romantic,' but it's very sweet to say to a partner who is stressed at work.
Frases relacionadas
挺住
努力
万岁
必胜
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