📚❓

How to Say ‘You studied hard, right?’ in Japanese

がんばって勉強したよね。

ganbatsu te benkyou shi ta yo ne

[gan-BAHT teh ben-kyoh shee ta yoh ne]

💬 Usage Tip: よね at the end looks for agreement, like "didn't you?" You can reuse it: 昨日も練習したよね "you practiced yesterday too, right?"

Phrase Breakdown

がんばって

ganbatsu te

working hard / doing your best

This is the te-form of がんばる, 'to try hard'. Here it describes how you did something. Hold the small っ briefly: gan-ba-tte.

Example

がんばって走った。

I ran as hard as I could.

Words in this phrase

がんばっ

ganbatsu

[gan-BAHT]

try hard (stem)

Te-form stem of がんばる, to do one's best.

Example

がんばって練習した。

I practiced hard.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

勉強したよね。

benkyou shi ta yo ne

you studied, right?

勉強した (benkyou shita) means 'studied'. よね asks for agreement, like 'right?'. Stretch the long 'ou' in benkyou.

Example

昨日、勉強したよね。

You studied yesterday, right?

Words in this phrase

勉強

benkyou

[ben-kyoh]

study; studying

Noun meaning "study." In interviews, it commonly refers to studying a subject/skill (e.g., Japanese, programming). Often used with する → 勉強する.

Example

面接の自己紹介で、日本語を勉強しています。

In my self-introduction at the interview, I say that I am studying Japanese.

し

shi

[shee]

do (stem)

Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.

Example

注文をお願いし、ます。

I would like to place the order, please.

た

[ta]

past tense

A suffix used to denote the past tense of verbs.

Example

友達が来てくれた。

A friend came for me.

よ

[yoh]

you know; emphasis

A sentence-ending particle adding emphasis, assurance, or informing the listener.

Example

大丈夫だよ。

It is okay, you know.

ね

[ne]

isn't it; right

Sentence-ending particle that seeks agreement or adds friendliness.

Example

今日は暑いですね。

It's hot today, isn't it?

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager