Hi everyone! I’d like to ask if 頑張ってください could be used as words of encouragement in a sad situation? Something like “keep your head up” or “cheer up” when somebody is going through a hard time? Or is there maybe a better expression for that? I would like to write a note for my Japanese teacher who is dealing with the loss of her beloved pet and I don’t want to make it worse by using the wrong word 😔
4 comments
Not a native speaker, but in my mind it sounds like “give it your all” as in encouragement to do well.
So I don’t think it is suitable for this case.
Please try your best or please give it your all. Sometimes, “please keep trying”
“give it your all” is not something you tell someone that just lost a loved one. nor “too bad” ざんねん. proper is 心からお悔やみ申し上げます (i humbly offer you my sincere condolences).
“Please do your best” “keep trying” “persevere” “you can do it” “don’t give up”