頑張って

Etymology
The conjunctive form of verb. Semantically a mild imperative as an interjection, as the conjunctive form often acts as such (as a shortening of ).

Verb

 * 1) do your best, good luck, keep at it, don't give up, hang in there
 * 1) do your best, good luck, keep at it, don't give up, hang in there

Usage notes
Used for encouragement or cheering on (where English "good luck" is often used), its actual meaning is closer to "do your best" or "give it your best". As a phrase, it does not contain any reference to luck, but rather effort and hard work. Compare French.

As the conjunctive form, this is the most commonly used form of the verb when speaking directly to a single person. When cheering on a team or group, the stronger, more forceful imperative form is more common. Oppositely, the term may be further softened as 頑張ってね (ganbatte ne).

Descendants

 * Chinese: