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Looking to enrich your Japanese vocabulary or elevate your anime-watching adventures? Terms like “fight” and “to fight” serve as excellent starting points. Let us guide you through a plethora of words and phrases essential for your journey. Interested in discovering more empowering fighting words, such as faito (ファイト) and gambatte (頑張って)? We’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to explore a range of new vocabulary to add to your personal Japanese lexicon.
Steps
How can you express “to fight” in Japanese?
Tatakau (戦う) translates to “to fight” in the context of battle or physical confrontation. The term tatakau (戦う) incorporates the Japanese kanji character “ikusa” (戦), signifying “war,” “battle,” or “fight.” It can alternatively be written as “tatakae” (闘え), utilizing “tataka” (闘), another kanji character meaning “fight.”
- You may recognize the term “tatakae” (闘え) from the anime Attack on Titan, where the protagonist Eren shouts it to himself in a mirror.
Kenka suru (喧嘩する) translates to “to fight” in the context of an argument or heated debate. This verb originates from “kenka” (喧嘩), directly meaning “quarrel,” “fight,” “squabble,” or “argument.” When combined with “suru” (する), the Japanese verb “to do,” it forms “喧嘩する,” or “to argue” or “to fight.”
- Example: “Buraian-san to Kurisu-san wa kinou kenkashimashita” (ブライアンさんと クリスンさは 喧嘩しました) signifies “Bryan and Chris had an argument yesterday.”
- The verb “arasou” (争う) can also convey “to quarrel,” “to argue,” or “to fight.” It may also denote “to compete” or “to contend.”
How can you express “fight” in Japanese?
Tatakai (戦い) and sentou (戦闘): representing “fight” or “battle.” “Tatakai” (戦い) may ring a bell—it’s the noun form of “tatakau” (戦う), the verb for “to fight.” Additionally, “tatakai” incorporates the war kanji “ikusa” (戦), imparting the same meaning. The term “sentou” (戦闘) also conveys “fight” or “battle”—it likewise contains the war kanji, along with the “tataka” (闘) kanji signifying “war.”
- Example: “Tatakai wa kyo hajimarimasu” (戦いは今日始まります) translates to “The fight begins today.”
Faito (ファイト): a motivating chant employed to inspire someone. Despite stemming from the English term “fight,” “faito” (ファイト) doesn’t pertain to physical altercations. Instead, it conveys the same sentiment as “good luck” or “go for it.”
- Example: “Kyou no shiai faito!” (今日の試合ファイト!) signifies “Good luck with today’s game!”
- Given that “faito” is borrowed from the English word “fight,” it’s rendered using katakana, a Japanese script reserved for loan (non-Japanese) words.
How is the term “fight” utilized colloquially in Japanese?
The term “fight” is commonly employed in a motivating, supportive, and inspiring manner. In various contexts, “fight” or “fighting” typically conveys messages like “give your best,” “best of luck,” “keep going,” and “persevere.” Several well-known examples of motivational “fighting” expressions include:
- Gambatte kudasai (頑張ってください) - give your best
- Murihashinaide ne (無理はしないでね) - don’t push yourself too hard
- Genki wo dashite (元気を出して) - stay positive
- Akiramenaide (諦めないで) - don’t give up
- Kimi nara dekiru yo (君なら出来るよ) - you can do it
- Sono ikida (その意気だ) - keep up the good work
Motivational “Fighting” Phrases
Gambatte kudasai (頑張ってください): “Give your best!” If you’re a dedicated anime enthusiast, you’ve undoubtedly encountered variations of “gambatte kudasai” (頑張ってください) at some point. The term “gambatte” (頑張って) originates from the verb “gambaru” (頑張る), meaning “to persevere” or “to do one’s best.” Coupled with “kudasai” (ください), meaning “please,” the phrase becomes a polite encouragement to “Give your best!”
- “Ganbare” (頑張れ) represents another rendition—it’s typically used by individuals in higher social positions to those in lower positions (such as a boss to an employee).
- “Ganba” (がんば) serves as a more casual version of “gambatte kudasai” (頑張ってください) often employed to support close friends or loved ones.
Murihashinaide ne (無理はしないでね): “Don’t push yourself too hard!” This phrase offers support and encouragement to individuals who may be taking on more than they can handle. It serves as a gentle reminder of one’s resilience while advocating for rest and relaxation when necessary.
Genki wo dashite (元気を出して): “Stay positive!” “Genki wo dashite” (元気を出して) proves beneficial for someone experiencing a dip in morale or having a rough day. A supportive “Stay positive!” serves as a reminder of one’s strength and capability.
Akiramenaide (諦めないで): “Never give up! This empowering expression derives from the verb “akirameru” (あきらめる), meaning “to give up.” By adding “naide” (ないで), signifying “do not,” the verb transforms into “don’t give up” or “never give up” instead.
- If your colleague is grappling with a challenging project, you might offer them encouragement by saying “Akiramenaide!” (諦めないで).
Kimi nara dekiru yo (君なら出来るよ): “You've got this!” Instead of using the generic term “kimi” (君) for “you,” personalize this message with the individual’s name or title. To maintain politeness, add the honorific “-san” (さん) when addressing someone by name.
- Example 1: “Ai-san nara dekiru yo!” (愛さんなら出来るよ!) translates to “You've got this, Ai!”
- Example 2: “Sensei nara dekimasu yo!” (先生なら出来ますよ) translates to “You've got this, teacher!”
Sono ikida (その意気だ): “Keep up the amazing effort!” “Sono ikida” (その意気だ) is all about acknowledging someone’s determination and encouraging them to continue their outstanding efforts.
- If your friend excels in a challenging exam, you could commend them by saying “Sono ikida!” (その意気だ!).
