Translation guide
Ways to express encouragement in Japanese, from cheering someone on to offering emotional support.
To shout encouragement or cheer for someone during a game, competition, or while they are making an effort.
The most common way to cheer someone on. Literally 'do your best' or 'go for it'. Used in sports, exams, work, etc.
Go for it! Just a little more.
From English 'fight'. A casual, friendly cheer. Common in sports and among friends.
Very casual, almost like 'go go!'. Used in sports or when urging someone on.
To give someone emotional encouragement when they are feeling down, worried, or facing a difficult situation.
Means 'It's okay' or 'You'll be fine'. A gentle, reassuring phrase to comfort someone.
It's okay. I'm sure it'll work out.
Literally 'put out your energy', meaning 'cheer up'. Used when someone looks sad or discouraged.
Cheer up. You'll have another chance.
Means 'I'm rooting for you' or 'I'm supporting you'. Shows ongoing emotional support.
I'm always rooting for you. Do your best.
To gently push someone to take action, try something new, or not give up.
Means 'give it a try'. A soft encouragement to attempt something.
It looks hard, but give it a try.
Means 'don't give up'. Used when someone is about to quit or feels like failing.
Don't give up. It's just a little more.
Means 'have confidence'. Encourages self-belief.
Have confidence. You're doing well.
Referring to the act or words of encouragement as a concept.
The noun form meaning 'encouragement' or 'cheering up'. Often used in phrases like 励ましの言葉 (words of encouragement).
Thanks to his encouragement, I was able to keep going.
Means 'support' or 'cheering'. Can be used for both emotional support and literal cheering at events.
A more formal or written word for 'encouragement', often used in speeches or formal messages.
The English noun 'encouragement' does not always map to a single Japanese noun. In many situations, Japanese uses verbs or set phrases (like 頑張って) instead of a noun. Saying 励ましをあげる sounds unnatural; use 励ます or 応援する instead.
頑張れ is the imperative form and sounds more forceful, often used in sports or by superiors. 頑張って is the te-form request, softer and more common in everyday encouragement among equals or to someone you're not close to.
Please do your best. (polite)
Fight! You can do it.
いけいけ！シュートだ！
Go go! Shoot!
皆さんの応援が必要です。
We need everyone's support.
社長から激励の言葉をいただいた。
We received words of encouragement from the company president.