What does 加油 mean in Chinese?

加油 (jiā yóu) means "to add oil; to top up with gas; to refuel; to accelerate; to step on the gas; (fig.) to make an extra effort; to cheer sb on" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 4.

How do you pronounce 加油?

加油 is pronounced "jiā yóu" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 加油?

加油 is an HSK 4 word on the new HSK exam syllabus.

What characters make up 加油?

加油 is made up of the characters 加, 油. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 加油?

You can practice writing 加油 using our stroke order tool.

加油 (jiā yóu), to add oil

加油

jiā yóu

to add oil; to top up with gas; to refuel; to accelerate

HSK 4 New to HSKverb

Characters in This Word

加油

Definitions

(verb) to add oil
to top up with gas
to refuel
to accelerate
to step on the gas
(fig.) to make an extra effort
to cheer sb on

Example Sentences

加油！你可以的！

Jiāyóu! Nǐ kěyǐ de

Come on! You can do it!

Related Words

加快(jiā kuài)· to accelerate

→

加大油门(jiā dà yóu mén)· to accelerate

→

给力(gěi lì)· cool

→

加剧(jiā jù)· to intensify

→

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 4
HSK 2.0: Not listed
HSK Lord study list: HSK 2 list

加油: New to the HSK lists at HSK 4. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 4 exam

Studying for HSK 4? Keep 加油 with the rest of your level.

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Start studying free The words new HSK 4 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.