Translation guide
Encouragement to persist in an effort or task. Japanese uses various expressions depending on formality, relationship, and context.
Cheering someone on to continue what they are doing, similar to 'keep going' or 'don't give up'.
The most common and versatile encouragement. Literally 'do your best', used in many situations.
試験勉強、頑張って！
Keep at it with your exam studies!
Literally 'at that pace/rhythm', used to encourage someone to continue as they are doing well.
その調子で続けてください。
Keep at it like that.
Directly means 'don't give up'. Stronger and more direct than 頑張って.
最後まで諦めないで！
Keep at it until the end!
Encouraging someone in a formal setting, such as a workplace or to a superior.
Polite form of 頑張って. Suitable for colleagues, acquaintances, or when showing respect.
プロジェクト、頑張ってください。
Keep at it with the project.
Literally 'please continue to do your best'. Used when someone has been working hard and you want them to keep going.
引き続き頑張ってください。応援しています。
Keep at it. I'm rooting for you.
Cheering on friends or close acquaintances in a relaxed way.
Casual imperative form of 頑張る. Often used among friends or to cheer on sports teams.
がんばれ！あと少しだよ。
Keep at it! Almost there.
Loanword from English 'fight', used as a casual cheer. Common in sports or friendly encouragement.
ファイト！君ならできる！
Keep at it! You can do it!
Telling someone to continue a specific activity or routine without stopping.
Simply means 'continue'. Can be used for tasks, studies, or habits.
毎日練習を続けてね。
Keep at it with daily practice.
Literally 'continue as is'. Implies the person is doing well and should keep going without change.
そのまま続けて。いい感じだよ。
Keep at it just like that. It's looking good.
Do not translate 'keep at it' literally as それを保つ or similar. Use the natural expressions above.
頑張って is softer and more polite; がんばれ is a strong, direct cheer. Use 頑張って in most situations, and がんばれ with close friends or in sports.