English: good luck,
Spanish: buena suerte
Tagalog: pagbutihin
Note that this word has nothing to do with prawns―gambas!
We’re not sure the Spanish word “gamba” had its verb form “gambar,” but just gambate try your best to say it. Then, the Japanese would understand that you said the Japanese word gambaru 頑張る(がんばる).
Furthermore, make its imperative form “Gambate,” then now you have 頑張って(がんばって).
In Japan you’ll get tired to work hard, because they’ll keep saying to you, “Gambate!” This word literally means “try your best” or “do your best.” They themselves also say, “Gambari-masu”―I’ll try my best―every day.
However, you don’t need to take it too seriously―otherwise you sure fell down. This word is used so often that the original meaning has been sometimes weakened and it sounds like a greeting.
● 来週(らいしゅう)ハイキングに行く(いく)んだ。―頑張って(がんばって)ね。 (Raishuu haikingu-ni ikun-da.―Gambate-ne.)
I’ll go hiking next week. ―Take care.
● 明日(あした)は早く(はやく)起きない(おきない)といけないね。―頑張り(がんばり)ます。(Asu-wa hayaku oki-nai-to ikenai-ne.―Gambari-masu.)
You should get up early tomorrow. ―OK.
Some sentences have its original meaning of course.
● あの生徒(せいと)は苦しい(くるしい)練習(れんしゅう)にも弱音(よわね)をはかずに頑張った(がんばった)。(Ano seito-wa kurushii rensyu-nimo yowane-wo hakazu-ni gambata.)
That student tried his best not to whine at the hard exercise.
Gambaru has two other meanings:
- To stick to your idea or opinion; and
- Not to move where you are
Stick to your idea
● 彼女(かのじょ)はどこまでも頑張って(がんばって)譲ろう(ゆずろう)としない。(Kanojo-wa doko-made-mo gambate yuzuroo-to shinai.)
She sticks to her plan and never changes her mind.
Not to move
● 玄関(げんかん)に押し売り(おしうり)が頑張って(がんばって)いる。(Genkan-ni oshiuri-ga gambate-iru.)
The pushy salesperson will not move at the entrance hall.
