Cheer up!：”genki dashite！” Japanese Phrase #162

Yuka

元気を出して — one of the most heartfelt things you can say to someone who’s feeling down in Japanese. But there’s more to it than just “Cheer up!”

Rei

元気を出して (genki o dashite) literally means “Put out some energy/spirit!” It’s a warm encouragement — “Come on, cheer up!” or “Hang in there!”

Breaking Down 元気を出して

元気 (genki) means energy, vitality, health, and spirit. 出す (dasu) means to put out or produce. 〜て form = request/encouragement. So 元気を出して = “Put out your energy / bring out your spirit.”

When to Use It

• Friend is sad after a breakup: 元気を出して！きっと大丈夫だよ。— Cheer up! I’m sure you’ll be okay.
• Someone failed an exam: 元気出してね。次は頑張ろう！— Hang in there. Let’s do our best next time!
• Colleague seems stressed: 元気出してください。応援していますよ。— Cheer up. I’m rooting for you.

Related Encouragement Phrases

元気 in Other Contexts

元気 is a versatile word. You’ll see it in many contexts:

• お元気ですか?— How are you? (polite)
• 元気です！— I’m well / fine!
• 元気な子供。— An energetic child.
• 元気をもらった。— I got energy / felt uplifted (from someone).

Common Mistakes for English Speakers

Don’t confuse 元気を出して (encouraging someone to feel better) with 頑張って (encouraging effort/hard work). If someone is feeling down emotionally, 元気を出して is warmer and more appropriate. 頑張って is better for challenges and tasks that require effort.

Quick Quiz

How do you gently say “Cheer up!” to a friend?

Answer: 元気出してね。

Practice with a Tutor

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