Daily Chinese | Do you know the origin of 加油 Jiayou ?

“加油” (Jiāyóu) is one of the most commonly used and instantly recognizable phrases in Mandarin Chinese. It’s often heard in the context of encouragement, similar to the English expressions "Go!" or "You can do it!" But have you ever wondered about its origin and how it became such a popular phrase in everyday conversation? Let's explore the history and significance of this powerful expression.

The Literal Meaning of “加油”

In its literal form, “加油” consists of two characters:

• 加 (Jiā) means "to add" or "to increase."

• 油 (Yóu) means "oil."

Together, these two characters form the phrase “加油,” which literally translates to “add oil.” Jiayou literally means adding fuel oil or lubricating oil to machines or cars. A wider usage is an encouragement to oneself or others. It is the most common word in our daily life. Different countries have different sayings. How do you say it in your country?In October 2018, Chinese English "add oil" was also included in the Oxford Dictionary.

The Origin of "加油Jiayou"

Do you know where the popular Chinese phrase, “add oil,” came from? During the reign of the Qing emperor Daoguang, Zhang Ying, the father of Zhang Zhidong, who was the father of Wuhan, was prefect of Guizhou. After taking up the post, he paid a little pocket money out of his own salary in order to develop the local education industry. He thought of a strategy to induce young students to study hard. Every evening, when he dispatched officers for the evening patrol, he asked them to take buckets of oil. If they discovered someone studying at night, then they were to add a spoonful of oil to their lamp and say the words "The prefect wishes to add some oil to your lamp." Now you know this is where “add oil” came from.

How to Use “加油”

1. Encouragement for Others: When a friend is facing a difficult situation, whether it's a big exam, a job interview, or an athletic competition, you can say “加油” to express your belief in their ability to succeed.

• Example: “考试加油! 我相信你能通过！”
  (“Good luck with the exam! I believe you can pass!”)

2. Personal Motivation: You can also use “加油” to motivate yourself. When facing a challenging project or task, a little self-encouragement can go a long way.

• Example: “今天有很多工作要做, 加油！”
  (“There’s a lot of work to do today, let's keep going!”)

3. Sports and Competitions: “加油” is commonly used in sports, especially during marathons, games, or even casual activities.

• Example: “加油! 再跑几步就到终点了！”
  (“Keep going! Just a few more steps to the finish line!”)

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