Whether you are learning Japanese, taking a big test at school, or looking for a new job; everyone needs a little encouragement sometimes. Things can get difficult and it never hurts to hear some words of support.

I am sure most of you are familiar with the word 頑張って（がんばって）which means “do your best!” It comes from the verb 頑張る（がんばる） which means “to persist.” It is also often translated as “good luck.”

But there are so many more things you can say to show your support for friends or family when they need a pick me up.

がんばって or がんばれ, which have pretty much the same meaning, are great phrases, but here are some alternatives.

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When you go a concert that a family member is playing at, you might say this before they go on stage:

君なら出来るよ！
きみ　なら　できる　よ！
You can do it!
Literally: “you + if + can do + よ”

Of course, you can replace 君 with a friend’s name to make it more personal.

明子ならできるよ！
あきこ　なら　できる　よ！
Akiko can do it! // You (=Akiko) can do it!
Literally: “Akiko + if + can do + よ”

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If you and a friend are going running together and they seem to be slowing down, you can say:

あきらめないで！
Don’t give up!
Literally: “don’t give up + で”

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If your younger sister is going in for her first interview, you could say:

うまくいくといいね！
うまくいく　と　いい　ね！
I hope it goes well!
Literally: “do well + if + good + ね”

Note: といいね literally means “if x happens, it is good,” but can be used the same way we use “I hope” in English.

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If your friend is going to the front of the class to make a speech, you might say this to let them know you are there for them.

私がいるよ！
わたし　が　いる　よ！
I'm here (for you)!
Literally: “I + が + exist + よ”

It is also common to say:

私がついてるよ。
わたし　が　ついてる　よ。
I'm here (for you)!
Literally: "I + が + am attached + よ."

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If something didn’t go your way, someone might even say to you:

元気出して！
げんき　だして！
Cheer up!
Literally: “lively + let out”

There are so many ways we can encourage and support each other. I hope you learn and use some of these simple phrases, and keep in mind there are plenty of ways to cheer people up, other than the standard がんばって！

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This lesson was written by Cassy L., a guest contributor: