N5 · Phrase guide
頑張って
がんばって
Do your best / hang in there
Signals solidarity, not orders. Tone matters—can feel warm or intense depending on relationship.
Common before tests and presentations. After illness, お大事に or お大事にしてください is more appropriate than 頑張って.
明日の試験、頑張って。
Good luck on tomorrow's exam.
Text to a classmate
みんな、頑張りましょう。
Let's all do our best.
Team meeting