加油

Chinese

FWOTD – 15 November 2014
to add; plus oil; sly
simp. and trad.
(加油)
Literally: “to increase fuel”.

Etymology

It started to be used as an interjection in the '60s and '70s during the Macau Grand Prix when people start chanting "加油", urging the drivers to step on the gas pedal to increase speed.

Pronunciation


Verb

加油

  1. to refuel
  2. to oil; to lubricate
  3. to accelerate; to hit the gas
  4. to make extra effort; to work hard
  5. to cheer someone on

Derived terms

  • 加油加醋
  • 加油機加油机
  • 加油添醋
  • 加油添醬加油添酱
  • 加油站 (jiāyóuzhàn)
  • 火上加油 (huǒshàngjiāyóu)
  • 空中加油
  • 空中加油飛機空中加油飞机

Interjection

加油

  1. come on!; go for it!; go!
    加油   Jiāyóu, nǐ néng xíng de!   Come on, you can do it!
    中國加油 / 中国加油   Zhōngguó, jiāyóu!   Go, China!

Usage notes

  • This interjection is idiomatic. It is mainly used during sporting events, games or competitions, or just to encourage someone.

Synonyms

  • (Sichuanese) 雄起 (xióngqǐ)
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