Are you a sports fan and want to more fully enjoy Japanese sporting culture? With some simple phrases, you can definitely enhance the experience. Whether you’re attending a baseball, soccer, or sumo match—or even cheering on Japan at the Olympics—these 18 Japanese phrases will help you keep up with the action, cheer like a native, and impress other sports enthusiasts!
1. 頑張れ！ (Ganbare!) – “Do your best!” / “Go for it!”
This is the most popular form of encouragement for athletes. You’ll hear this for any sport, from sumo wrestling to football.
2. ファイト！ (Faito!) – “Fight!” / “You got this!”
Derived from English, faito! is a supportive term to psych up players or teams.
3. やった！ (Yatta!) – “I did it!” / “We did it!”
An exclamation when something amazing is achieved, such as a scored goal or a won game.
4. すごい！ (Sugoi!) – “Amazing!” / “Awesome!”
Use this to compliment an amazing play, an incredible player, or an electrifying moment.
5. いけー！ (Ike!) – “Go!”
A straightforward and powerful call to propel someone ahead, often shouted at runners, cyclists, or any player attempting a play.
6. ナイス！ (Naisu!) – “Nice!”
Another loanword, naisu! is shouted to acknowledge a good play or performance.
7. それ行け！ (Sore ike!) – “Go for it!”
A more forceful version of ike, this shout is used to push a team or player towards victory.
8. ドンマイ！ (Donmai!) – “Don’t mind!” / “No worries!”
From the English phrase “Don’t mind,” this is used to console players after a blunder or mistake.
9. もう少し！ (Mou sukoshi!) – “A little more!”
Spoken when a player or team is close to scoring or victory.
10. チャンス！ (Chansu!) – “Chance!”
Shouted when there’s a chance to score or make a big play.
11. 決めろ！ (Kimero!) – “Finish it!”
A command urging a player to complete a decisive action, like scoring a goal or delivering a finishing blow.
12. 守れ！ (Mamore!) – “Defend!”
Often heard in soccer and basketball, this is a call to protect the goal or court from the opposing team.
13. 逆転！ (Gyakuten!) – “Comeback!”
Used when a player or team is turning the game around from a losing position.
14. 勝つぞ！ (Katsu zo!) – “We will win!”
An assertive phrase that proclaims victory before it’s even achieved.
15. 決勝戦 (Kesshousen) – “Final match”
Use this term when referring to the championship match in a tournament.
16. 延長戦 (Enchousen) – “Overtime”
For those nail-biting moments when the game is tied and extends beyond regular time.
17. 反則！ (Hansoku!) – “Foul!”
When you need to call out a rules violation, this is the word to yell.
18. 優勝！ (Yuusho!) – “Championship!” / “Victory!”
A word any fan would love to say when their favorite team or player wins it all!
Final Thoughts
Sports bring people together with passion and energy. With these Japanese phrases, you can immerse yourself in the excitement and celebrate with local fans. Next time you watch a Japanese sporting event, don’t be afraid to cheer like a pro!
Do you have any other phrases you’ve learned while watching Japanese sports? Share them with us in the comments!
