Meaning

"Hang in there" means "don't give up, keep going, this will get better." The picture is of someone holding on to a rope or a branch: the fall is close, but if you keep your grip, you'll make it. You say it to someone going through a hard stretch: a tough first month at a new job, a long hospital stay, exam season, a baby who won't sleep.

It's warm, casual American English, fine with friends, family and coworkers, and common at the end of a text or a call. It has been printed on motivational posters for decades, so it can sound a little worn. On its own, after someone shares something really painful, it can feel thin. Pair it with something real: "Hang in there. I'll bring dinner on Thursday."

You can also use it about yourself: "I'm hanging in there" is a common, honest answer to "How are you?" when things are hard but you're managing.

In a conversation

ElifVikram
  1. Elif
  2. Vikram
  3. Elif
  4. Vikram
  5. Elif
  6. Vikram

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1Your friend says, "Hang in there." What is she telling you?
2Someone asks how you are, and life is hard but you're managing. What's a natural answer?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. It's encouraging, so keep your voice warm. The stress falls on "hang" and "there".

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.