Translation guide
The English word "cheer" covers several distinct meanings: shouting encouragement, a shout of joy, and the mood of hopefulness. Japanese uses different words and phrases for each.
To shout words of support or encouragement, often in a group setting like a sports event.
General verb meaning 'to cheer for' or 'to support'. Used for sports teams, performers, etc.
私たちは地元のチームを応援した。
We cheered for the local team.
Literally 'to send vocal support'. Slightly more formal or written.
観客は選手に声援を送った。
The spectators cheered the players.
Loanword from English 'yell', used for organized cheers or chants.
チアリーダーがエールを送った。
The cheerleaders gave a cheer.
A spontaneous loud expression of happiness, excitement, or victory.
A cheer or shout of joy from a crowd. Often used with 上がる (to rise) or 沸く (to erupt).
ゴールが決まると、スタジアムに大きな歓声が上がった。
When the goal was scored, a loud cheer went up in the stadium.
Applause and cheers; often used for performances or speeches.
Traditional cheer meaning 'hurrah' or 'long live', often shouted three times with arms raised.
A feeling of optimism or comfort, often given to someone who is sad or discouraged.
Means 'energy' or 'spirits'. Used in phrases like 'cheer up' or 'give cheer'.
その知らせを聞いて、彼は元気になった。
Hearing the news cheered him up.
Verb meaning 'to encourage' or 'to cheer up' someone who is down.
English 'cheer' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a cheer') often becomes a verb phrase or a different noun in Japanese. Avoid direct translations like チアー, which is not standard.
応援 (ouen) is active support or cheering for someone, while 歓声 (kansei) is the sound of cheers from a crowd. Use 応援する for the act of cheering, and 歓声 for the resulting noise.
群衆から大きな歓声が上がった。
The crowd gave a loud cheer.
元気出して！きっと良くなるよ。
Cheer up! Things will get better.
声がかれるまでチームを応援した。
We cheered for our team until we lost our voices.
彼のスピーチは喝采を浴びた。
His speech was greeted with cheers.
みんなで万歳を三唱した。
Everyone gave three cheers.
友達が落ち込んでいたので、励ました。
My friend was feeling down, so I cheered him up.
To cheer someone up, to lift their spirits.
彼女の笑顔が私を元気づけてくれた。
Her smile cheered me up.