You Can Do It! How To Say You Got This In Japanese

Hey guys! Ever wanted to cheer someone on in Japanese? Knowing how to say "You can do it!" or "You got this!" is super useful, whether you’re encouraging a friend, a teammate, or even hyping yourself up. In this article, we'll dive into the best Japanese phrases for offering encouragement and support. Let’s get started and learn some awesome ways to say "You can do it!" in Japanese!

Ganbatte: The Classic Go-To

When it comes to saying "You can do it!" in Japanese, "Ganbatte" (頑張って) is the classic and most widely recognized phrase. But what does it really mean? "Ganbatte" comes from the verb "ganbaru (頑張る)," which means to persevere, to do one's best, or to put in effort. So, when you say "Ganbatte!", you’re essentially telling someone to hang in there, do their best, and keep pushing forward. It’s an all-purpose phrase that works in tons of situations.

How to Use Ganbatte

• To a Friend Studying for Exams: Imagine your friend is stressing out about upcoming exams. You could say, "試験、頑張って！ (Shiken, ganbatte!)" which means "Good luck with your exams!" or "Do your best on your exams!"
• To a Teammate Before a Game: If you're about to play a sports game, you might tell your teammate, "頑張って！絶対勝つぞ！ (Ganbatte! Zettai katsu zo!)" This translates to "Do your best! We're definitely going to win!"
• To Yourself: Sometimes, you need a little self-motivation. Saying "Ganbatte!" to yourself can be a great way to pump yourself up before a challenge. Think of it as your personal mantra to stay focused and give it your all.

Variations of Ganbatte

• Ganbare (頑張れ): This is a more direct and casual version of "Ganbatte." It’s often used among close friends and family. It carries a similar meaning but has a slightly more informal tone.
• Ganbarou (頑張ろう): This means "Let's do our best!" or "Let's give it our all!" It's a great way to encourage a group of people to work together towards a common goal. For example, if you're working on a team project, you might say, "みんなで頑張ろう！ (Minna de ganbarou!)" which means "Let's all do our best together!"
• Ganbatte Kudasai (頑張ってください): This is a more polite and formal version of "Ganbatte." The "kudasai (ください)" adds a level of respect, making it suitable for superiors, elders, or people you don't know well. For instance, you might say this to your boss before a big presentation to show your support.

Other Ways to Say "You Can Do It!"

While "Ganbatte" is incredibly versatile, there are other fantastic phrases you can use to offer encouragement in Japanese. These alternatives can add variety to your language skills and allow you to tailor your encouragement to specific situations. Let's explore some of these options.

Daijoubu (大丈夫): "It's Okay" or "You'll Be Alright"

"Daijoubu (大丈夫)" literally means "okay" or "alright," but it can also convey a sense of reassurance and support. When someone is facing a challenge, saying "Daijoubu da yo (大丈夫だよ)" can mean "It's okay, you can handle it" or "You'll be alright." It's a comforting phrase that implies you believe in their ability to overcome the situation.

How to Use Daijoubu

• When Someone is Nervous: If a friend is anxious about giving a speech, you could say, "大丈夫だよ、自信を持って！ (Daijoubu da yo, jishin o motte!)" This means "It's okay, have confidence!"
• When Someone Makes a Mistake: If a colleague makes a small error at work, you might say, "大丈夫、気にしないで。 (Daijoubu, ki ni shinaide.)" This translates to "It's okay, don't worry about it."
• When Someone is Feeling Down: If a family member is feeling sad or discouraged, you can offer comfort by saying, "大丈夫だよ、何とかなるよ。 (Daijoubu da yo, nantoka naru yo.)" This means "It's okay, things will work out."

Akiramenai de (諦めないで): "Don't Give Up"

"Akiramenai de (諦めないで)" is a powerful phrase that directly translates to "Don't give up." It's perfect for situations where someone is facing a tough challenge and might be tempted to throw in the towel. By saying "Akiramenai de!", you're urging them to persevere and keep fighting.

How to Use Akiramenai de

• During a Competition: If you're watching a sports match and your team is behind, you can shout, "諦めないで！最後まで頑張って！ (Akiramenai de! Saigo made ganbatte!)" This means "Don't give up! Do your best until the end!"
• When Someone is Struggling with a Project: If a friend is having a hard time completing a project, you could say, "諦めないで、もう少しで終わるよ。 (Akiramenai de, mou sukoshi de owaru yo.)" This translates to "Don't give up, you're almost finished."
• When Someone is Facing Personal Hardship: If a loved one is going through a difficult time, you can offer support by saying, "諦めないで、私たちはいつもそばにいるよ。 (Akiramenai de, watashitachi wa itsumo soba ni iru yo.)" This means "Don't give up, we're always here for you."

Shinjiteru yo (信じてるよ): "I Believe in You"

"Shinjiteru yo (信じてるよ)" is a heartfelt phrase that conveys your belief in someone's abilities. It means "I believe in you," and it can be incredibly encouraging to hear when facing a challenge. This phrase is especially effective when you want to show genuine support and confidence in the other person.

How to Use Shinjiteru yo

• Before an Important Event: If a friend has a big presentation or performance coming up, you could say, "信じてるよ、きっとうまくいくよ。 (Shinjiteru yo, kitto umaku iku yo.)" This means "I believe in you, I'm sure it will go well."
• When Someone is Doubting Themselves: If a colleague is feeling insecure about their skills, you might say, "信じてるよ、あなたの能力は素晴らしいよ。 (Shinjiteru yo, anata no nouryoku wa subarashii yo.)" This translates to "I believe in you, your abilities are amazing."
• To a Family Member Pursuing a Dream: If a family member is chasing a long-term goal, you can offer encouragement by saying, "信じてるよ、夢を諦めないで。 (Shinjiteru yo, yume o akiramenai de.)" This means "I believe in you, don't give up on your dreams."

Kitto dekiru yo (きっとできるよ): "I'm Sure You Can Do It"

"Kitto dekiru yo (きっとできるよ)" is a straightforward and confident way to say "I'm sure you can do it." The word "kitto (きっと)" means "surely" or "certainly," adding an extra layer of confidence to your encouragement. This phrase is great for providing reassurance and boosting someone's spirits.

How to Use Kitto Dekiru yo

• When Someone is Learning a New Skill: If a friend is learning to play an instrument, you could say, "きっとできるよ、練習すれば上手になるよ。 (Kitto dekiru yo, renshuu sureba jouzu ni naru yo.)" This means "I'm sure you can do it, you'll get good if you practice."
• When Someone is Taking on a New Responsibility: If a colleague is taking on a new role at work, you might say, "きっとできるよ、あなたの経験を活かして頑張って。 (Kitto dekiru yo, anata no keiken o ikashite ganbatte.)" This translates to "I'm sure you can do it, use your experience and do your best."
• To Yourself: Facing a daunting task? Look in the mirror and say, "きっとできるよ！ (Kitto dekiru yo!)" Sometimes, you need to be your own cheerleader.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Now you’re armed with several awesome ways to say "You can do it!" in Japanese. Whether you choose the classic "Ganbatte," the reassuring "Daijoubu," or the confident "Kitto dekiru yo," your words of encouragement will surely make a difference. Keep these phrases in your back pocket, and you’ll be ready to support your friends, family, and even yourself in any situation. Keep practicing, and ganbatte with your Japanese language journey!