Ganbaru facts for kids

Ganbaru (pronounced GAHN-bah-roo), also sometimes spelled gambaru, is an important idea in Japanese culture. It means to keep trying your hardest, even when things are really tough. Think of it as "never giving up" or "sticking with it" through difficult times.

This word is often translated as "doing one's best." But in Japan, it means even more than that. It means putting in continuous effort, even if you face problems, fail, or get distracted. It's about "toughing it out" and pushing through challenges.

When you ganbaru, you fully commit to a task. You work hard to finish what you started. It's an active way of doing things, not just passively waiting for something to happen.

What Ganbaru Means

Ganbaru is about showing strong determination. It means you will keep working towards a goal. This is true even when things are hard or you feel like giving up. It's a way of showing resilience and strength.

More Than Just Trying

While "doing your best" is part of it, ganbaru goes further. It means pushing past your limits. It's about finding extra strength when you think you have none left. This concept is deeply valued in Japanese society.

Active Effort

The idea of ganbaru is about taking action. It means actively working to overcome problems. It's not about being a victim of circumstances. Instead, it's about being in charge of your own efforts.

History and Importance

The idea of ganbaru grew from an older concept called gaman. Gaman means to endure or tolerate something with patience and self-control. Ganbaru adds the idea of active effort to that endurance.

In Times of Trouble

Ganbaru becomes very important during difficult times. For example, after the terrible 1995 Kobe earthquake, people used the slogan "Gambaro Kobe." This meant "Let's ganbaru, Kobe!" It helped encourage everyone to work together and rebuild.

Similarly, after the huge 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, ganbaru was heard everywhere. It helped people stay strong and hopeful. It reminded them to keep trying to recover and rebuild their lives.

Related Ideas

• Gaman (term) - The idea of enduring with patience.
• Shikata ga nai - A phrase meaning "it cannot be helped."

See also

In Spanish: Ganbaru para niños