Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'good luck' depends heavily on context: casual encouragement, formal well-wishing, or specific situations like before an exam or performance. The most common phrase is 頑張って (ganbatte), but there are many alternatives.
Good luck in tomorrow's game!
A more forceful, masculine-sounding imperative. Often used in sports or by close male friends.
頑張れ！あと少しだ！
Go for it! Almost there!
From English 'fight'. A casual, energetic cheer, common in sports or among young people.
ファイト！
You can do it!
Wishing someone well in a respectful manner, such as to a superior, client, or in a formal setting.
Polite form of 頑張って. Appropriate for teachers, bosses, or acquaintances.
新しい仕事、頑張ってください。
Good luck with your new job.
A very formal expression meaning 'I pray for your success'. Used in speeches or written messages.
皆様のご健闘をお祈りします。
I wish you all the best of luck.
Wishing someone success specifically before a stage performance, concert, or important presentation.
Literally 'I pray for your success'. Suitable for artistic or professional endeavors.
発表の成功を祈っています。
I'm wishing you success in your presentation.
A softer, more personal wish meaning 'I hope it goes well'. Can be used in various situations.
明日のプレゼン、うまくいきますように。
I hope your presentation goes well tomorrow.
Expressing 'good luck' as a general wish for fortune, not necessarily tied to effort.
Direct translation of 'I wish you good luck'. Used when luck itself is the focus, like in gambling or chance events.
宝くじが当たるように、幸運を祈るよ。
I wish you good luck on winning the lottery.
The English loanword 'good luck'. Used casually, often in written form or by younger people.
グッドラック！
Good luck!
How to reply when someone wishes you good luck.
Simply 'thank you'. The most natural response.
A: 頑張ってね。 B: ありがとう。
A: Good luck. B: Thanks.
'I'll do my best.' A humble and determined response.
A: 試験、頑張って。 B: はい、頑張ります！
A: Good luck on the exam. B: Yes, I'll do my best!
While 頑張って is versatile, it implies the person needs to put in effort. In situations where luck is purely chance (e.g., lottery), 幸運を祈る is more appropriate. Also, avoid using it with someone who is sick or exhausted, as it can sound like 'try harder' when they need rest.
お大事に。
Take care (to a sick person).
頑張って focuses on the person's effort and perseverance. 幸運を祈る focuses on external luck or fortune. Use the former for exams, sports, work; use the latter for gambling, contests of chance, or when you want to emphasize fate.
面接、頑張って。
Good luck with the interview (do your best).
抽選で当たりますように、幸運を祈ります。
I wish you luck in the draw.