Did you know …
The Japanese version of “Good luck!” doesn’t actually say “Good luck!”… Ganbatte (頑張って) literally means “Do your best”… It is interesting to see that where Occidental culture refers to luck, Japanese culture emphasizes on your ability to influence upon your own destiny… If somebody says to you Ganbatte kudasai (頑張ってください) or Ganbatte (頑張って), you should reply Un, ganbaru! (うん、頑張る！) which means, “Yes, I’ll do my best!”
Saying Ganbatte makes complete sense when the person you are speaking to is able to influence the outcome, e.g. when taking an exam or going to a job interview.
But what do you say if the situation is such that it’s truly a matter of luck – for example, your friend has played lotto ? Then you have to say something specific, such as Takarakuji ga ataru to ii desu ne (宝くじが当たるといいですね。): “I hope that your number will be drawn”…
And Zettai akiramenai (絶対諦めない) means “Never give up !”…
All the best to all students grading on Sunday !