加油
Chinese edit
Chinese phrasebook
 | This entry is part of the phrasebook project, which presents criteria for inclusion based on utility, simplicity and commonness. |
| to add; plus | oil; sly | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| simp. and trad. (加油) |
加 | 油 | |
| Literally: “to increase fuel”. | |||
Etymology edit
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. (Can this(+) etymology be sourced?)
Pronunciation edit
Verb edit
加⫽油 (verb-object) (intransitive)
- (literally) to oil; to lubricate
- (literally) to refuel
- (figuratively) to refuel to accelerate; to hit the gas
- (figuratively) to make extra effort; to work hard
- (figuratively) to cheer someone on
Synonyms edit
Dialectal synonyms of 加油 (“to refuel (a vehicle)”) [map]
| Variety | Location | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Formal (Written Standard Chinese) | 加油 | |
| Mandarin | Taiwan | 加油 |
| Guilin | 加油 | |
| Malaysia | 打油 | |
| Singapore | 打油 | |
| Dagudi (Maliba) | 上油 | |
| Reshuitang (Longling) | 上油 | |
| Mae Salong (Lancang) | 上油 | |
| Mae Sai (Tengchong) | 上油 | |
| Cantonese | Hong Kong | 入油 |
| Gan | Lichuan | 加油 |
| Hakka | Miaoli (N. Sixian) | 添油, 加油 |
| Pingtung (Neipu; S. Sixian) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Hsinchu County (Zhudong; Hailu) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Taichung (Dongshi; Dabu) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Hsinchu County (Qionglin; Raoping) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Yunlin (Lunbei; Zhao'an) | 添油, 加油 | |
| Kuching (Hepo) | 打油 | |
| Jin | Taiyuan | 加油 |
| Southern Min | Xiamen | 添油 |
| Zhao'an | 加油 | |
| Taipei | 加油 GT | |
| Penang (Hokkien) | 拍油, 添油 | |
| Singapore (Hokkien) | 拍油 | |
| Manila (Hokkien) | 入油 | |
| Chaozhou | 加油 | |
| Haifeng | 加油 | |
| Note | GT - General Taiwanese (no specific region identified) | |
Derived terms edit
Interjection edit
加油！
Usage notes edit
- This interjection is idiomatic. It is mainly used during sporting events, games or competitions, or just to encourage someone.
Synonyms edit
Descendants edit
- → English: add oil (calque)