Definition
加油 (jiā yóu) is a separable verb (离合词): when meaning 'to refuel', insert words like 一次 or 过 between 加 and 油 (e.g. 加一次油). Figuratively, it means 'to cheer on' or 'to make an extra effort' and is the common, spoken encouragement. It differs from 捧场 (pěng chǎng), which means showing support by attending an event, not just shouting encouragement.
verb
to refuelto add oil(fig.) to cheer onto encourageto make an extra effort
Examples
- 。Zuótiān wǒ gěi chē jiā guò yí cì yóu.I refueled the car once yesterday.
- 加油。Dàjiā zài wèi yùndòngyuán jiā yóu.Everyone is cheering for the athletes.
- ，加油！Zhè cì kǎoshì nǐ yídìng néng guò, jiā yóu!You'll definitely pass this exam — keep it up!
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