Chinese word

加油

Pronunciation

Pinyinjiā yóu

Meaning

  • interjectioncome on

Example

比赛的时候，我会喊：加油。bǐ sài de shí hòu wǒ huì hǎn jiā yóu

During the game, I shout, "Come on!"

Illustration for 加油 (come on)

More examples

搬家的时候，我对朋友说：加油。bān jiā de shí hòu wǒ duì péng yǒu shuō jiā yóu

When we were moving, I said, "Come on!" to my friend.

Core concept

A push of shared energy that helps a person or team continue through effort or difficulty.

Common phrases

  • 大家加油dà jiā jiā yóu

    keep going everyone

  • 加油吧jiā yóu ba

    Let's do our best

  • 一起加油yì qǐ jiā yóu

    Let's do our best together

Similar words

来吧lái ba: A short call urging someone to begin with others or come forward.

Definition in Chinese

作为向他人表示鼓励、支持或打气的感叹词，常在比赛或困难时使用。zuò wéi xiàng tā rén biǎo shì gǔ lì zhī chí huò dǎ qì de gǎn tàn cí cháng zài bǐ sài huò kùn nán shí shǐ yòng

Word origin

加油 (jiāyóu, "add oil") literally describes putting more fuel into something, which naturally becomes a call for renewed strength and effort.

Usage tips

  • Unlike an English expression that can show impatience, this word is a positive sign of support when someone is trying hard.

Other meanings

  • cheer onverb
  • work hardverb
  • refuelverb

Related words

Word lists with this word