15+ Encouraging Japanese Phrases That Are Easy

Oh, hey.

You look like you need some encouragement.

That’s why I’ve prepared some encouraging Japanese phrases for you.

Phrases like ganbatte, jishin o motte and more. You’ll be able to say “you’re the best,” “go for it,” “you can do it,” and more in Japanese.

Note: For some phrases, you’ll wonder about the English translation. Or that the phrase is not quite what we’d say in English. And that’s OK. Because what’s most important is that these phrases are natural in Japanese. Japanese does not easily translate to English which is why some phrases may be unique-sounding. That’s just the way the language is.

So, let’s look at some Japanese encouraging phrases.

Want to learn how to write in Japanese? Download your free Japanese Alphabet worksheet here .

1. 頑張って!

  • Ganbatte!
  • Do your best!

A list of Japanese encouraging phrases in wouldn’t be complete without this iconic phrase!

Ganbatte means do your best in Japanese.

japanese encouraging phrases 1

This is one of the most popular phrases people use when cheering and trying to encourage someone. You could say this before important exams or during sporting events. This is a casual phrase so be sure to only use it with those you are close with.

You will also hear another version…

  • 頑張れ
  • Ganbare
  • Do your best!

What’s the difference between ganbatte vs ganbare?

Ganbatte uses the te-form which is used to make requests and suggestions. Ganbare is an imperative (command) which is much more forceful, commanding and urgent than ganbatte. Either way, you can use both interchangeably but ganbatte is softer than ganbare.

Now, you might also wonder…

How do you say good luck in Japanese?

Well, that’s the thing with languages. What’s common and natural in one… is not common and natural in another. And that’s the case with saying good luck in Japanese — there is no direct translation… and the best phrase you can use is…

Yep, you guessed it…

Ganbatte. Say ganbatte to say good luck in Japanese.

2. ___ならできる!

  • _____ nara dekiru!
  • (name) you can do it!

If you want to personalize the encouragement and make it more meaningful, use this phrase and put a person’s name or nickname in the blank.

japanese encouraging phrases 1

It can be especially encouraging because it implies that their unique ability is what allows them to be successful.

Or, you can just say…

3. あなたならできる!

  • Anata nara dekiru!
  • You can do it!

But this is a very literal translation. Most people would just use the person’s name instead of saying “anata,” meaning you. You can read more about why people don’t really say you in Japanese much by clicking the link.

4. 諦めないで。

  • Akiramenaide.
  • Don’t give up.

Try using this phrase if someone looks like they are about to give up even though they are close to achieving something great!

It can be especially encouraging to be reminded not to give up by an outside person.

japanese encouraging phrases 1

Akiramenaide would be the perfect thing to say when someone is close to the finish line but is about to exit the race.

5. 自分を信じて。

  • Jibun o shinjite.
  • Believe in yourself.

Just like in English, “believe in yourself” is a powerful encouraging phrase in Japanese.

japanese encouraging phrases 1

It can be difficult to stay confident in your abilities. This phrase could be useful in situations when someone is struggling to move forward and seems to feel like they don’t know if they have enough ability to succeed.

6. 頑張ればできる!

  • Ganbareba dekiru!
  • You can do it if you do your best!

This could be a great push for someone to try even harder to succeed!

Ganbareba dekiru can be a great phrase of encouragement, especially for younger children.

They might feel like they cannot succeed, even though a bit more effort would allow them to move forward.

japanese encouraging phrases 1

7. 自信を持って!

  • Jishin o motte!
  • Have confidence!

Another encouraging Japanese phrase when you start to doubt yourself is…

  • jishin o motte

All someone needs could be an extra reminder to know that they have all of the capabilities to succeed.

japanese encouraging phrases 1

For example, this could be a great phrase to say to someone when they are about to go into a job interview.

8. 努力は必ず報われる。

  • Doryoku wa kanarazu mukuwareru.
  • Hard work will definitely be rewarded.

This is a great reminder and phrase of encouragement.

It makes sure someone knows that if they do the hard work now, they will be rewarded at some point.

encouraging phrases japanese(1)

An example of this is when someone works for years on a book or movie that they don’t know will succeed, but eventually their hard work is recognized.

If you notice someone is struggling to succeed even though they are putting in a large amount of effort you can encourage them with these words.

9. 自分に負けないで!

  • Jibun ni makenaide!
  • Don’t be defeated by yourself! Don’t lose to yourself.

Our hurdle to success can sometimes be ourselves — through negative self-talk & self-criticism.

A lot of people reject themselves before others even get a chance to reject or judge them.

japanese encouraging phrases - dont lose to yourself

Having these doubts and being overly critical of yourself can make it more difficult to succeed and mentally harmful.

Saying this phrase of encouragement and reminder can be good for motivation as it shifts the focus to the outside on things that can be changed for a greater chance of succeeding.

10. 成功する日は必ず来る。

  • Seikou suru hi wa kanarazu kuru.
  • The day you succeed will definitely come.

This phrase in Japanese is also great for someone who has been working hard for years on something without much success.

If they are doing everything they can to succeed it can be a great encouragement to hear that there will be a day when success comes.

encouraging japanese phrase success

This phrase is perfect for someone who is starting to doubt whether or not they can really accomplish their dreams, even after putting in the work.

11. 全力でやってみよう。

  • Zenryoku de yatte miyou.
  • Let’s try with full effort.

This is a great encouraging phrase especially if you’re working as a team.

It is a great reminder for yourself and others to put in the full effort for success.

japanese encouraging phrases(1)

Sometimes it can become easy to get used to not putting the best foot forward all of the time. Zenryoku de yatte miyou can provide a boost of motivation and encouragement!

12. 一歩ずつ前へ進もう。

  • Ippo zutsu mae e susumou.
  • Let’s go forward step by step.

When you have a big goal it can sometimes be easy to feel intimidated by the amount of work involved to reach it.

A great encouraging phrase for this in Japanese is ippo zutsu mae e susumou.

The best way to reach a goal is to break it down into smaller steps and celebrate each step.

13. 未来は明るい。

  • Mirai wa akarui.
  • The future is bright.

Another encouraging phrase in Japanese is “The future is bright”.

Mirai means future.

Akarui is bright.

A simple phrase like this can be encouraging as it is easy to start to think of all of the bad that could occur in the future. By saying this phrase it will lighten up and give an encouraging mood as it shifts the thinking into a positive one.

japanese future is always bright

14. 希望を持って!

  • Kibou o motte!
  • Have hope!

Kibou means hope in Japanese.

Motte is “have” or “hold” in the te-form. This phrase is similar to the above phrases – jishin o motte.

have faith in japanese

If someone seems to be struggling and losing hope about something, this Japanese phrase will bring encouragement!

Reminding someone to have hope can be a strong message that could be uplifting. When thinking about the long-term future this phrase could be perfect!

You could also “interpret” this phrase as “Have faith,” since that is used more on the English side of things.

15. いつでも応援してるよ

  • itsudemo ouen shiteruyo
  • I’m rooting for you
  • Literally: I am always rooting for you

So, “to root” or “support” is a good word to know — 応援 – ouen.

You can even just say something as simple as “ouen shiteruyo.”

16. なんとかなるよ!

  • Nantoka naru yo
  • It will work out / It will be fine / Everything will be okay

As you can see, there are a few ways to interpret this phrase in English.

But essentially the idea is the same — things will be okay.

Nantoka means “somehow” or “one way or another.” And “Naru” is the Japanese verb for “to become / to turn.” Overall, a good encouraging Japanese phrases to know.

16. やるじゃないか!

  • yaru janai ka
  • Well done, Not bad, etc.

There are a few variations of this phrase —

  • やるね (yaru ne)
  • やりますね (yarimasu ne)

The difference is just the politeness. Yaru ne and yaru janaika are both casual. Yarimasu ne is polite because of the -masu ending.

So, “yaru” means “to do”. “Ne” is like an “eh?” or “right?” Just for confirmation and affirmation. And “janai ka” works the same way – like an “aren’t you?”

So, it’s literally you’re going “you’re doing it!” or “you’re doing it, aren’t you/huh?”

Essentially you’re surprised and impressed someone’s doing something… which makes it a good encouraging Japanese phrase to know.

Back to You

You’re at the end – and you read it all!

Yaru janai ka! I’m impressed.

If you enjoyed these encouraging Japanese phrases…

You might also like these other related lessons of mine. Click on the links below.

Which phrase was your favorite?

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carmelo

I found this really easy to digest, great job!

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