Top 15 Words of Encouragement in Korean

If you have been following Korean Tv shows or drama, you've probably noticed people use encouraging words such as ” 파이팅 hwaiting” (Fighting).
Today, we will be sharing the top 15 words of encouragement in Korean which you can use to cheer on your family, friends or even favorite K-pop stars.

1. 파이팅! hwaiting [Go]

You've probably already noticed, 파이팅 hwaiting is borrowed from the English word “fighting”.

However, this word does not necessarily mean to engage in the act of “fighting” rather it is a Konglish word that refers to fighting spirit.

파이팅! hwaiting is often used to wish good luck or to lift the team spirit by saying cheer up!

Example
대한민국 파이팅, daehanminguk hwaiting! [Go, Korea]

2. 괜찮아 gwenchana [It’s okay]

You can use this word to comfort someone who is feeling sad, depressed or worried with a low pitch.

Example
A: I am feeling sad because I lost my lipstick…
B:  괜찮아. You can buy another one.

3. 힘내 himne [Cheer up!]

You can use to cheer up someone who is feeling sad

.

Example
A: My girlfriend just broke up with me…
B: 힘내! I am here for you.

4. 할 수 있어 hal su isseo [You can do it]

You can use this phrase to someone who is feeling doubtful about doing something or to simply encourage someone before they do something important – exams or sports

Example
A: I am really anxious about the football match tonight
B: 할 수 있어! You've been preparing for years for this day.

5. 포기하지마 pogihajima [Don’t give up]

You can use this phrase to cheer on someone who is feeling discouraged, demotivated and on the verge to give up on something.

Example
A: I don't think I will be chosen to debut for the new K-pop girl band
B: 포기하지마! You can always try again for a different girl group!

6. 정하지 마 geokjeonghaji ma [Don’t worry

You can use this phrase when someone is worried about an issue.

Example:
A: I think I am going to fail the Seneung exams.
B: 정하지 마! I am pretty sure, you did your best.

7. 자랑스러워 jarangseureoweo [I’m proud of you]

You can use this phrase to tell someone how you are proud of them or their achievements!

A: Omma, I got accepted into Seoul National University
B: Congrats! 자랑스러워!

8. 잘했어 jalhesseo [You nailed it]

You can use this phrase when somebody did something exactly right or perfect.

You can think of someone trying to hammer a nail into a board.

They hit the nail so perfectly that the nail goes straight into the board very well.

If you scored 100% on an exam, you “nailed it”.

A: I got 100% for my Mathematic test!
B: Oh wow! 잘했어!

9. 꿈을 이루길 바랄게 ggumeul irugil baralge [I hope your dreams come true]

You can use this phrase when someone tells you of their dreams.

A: I hope to be an actress starring in K-drama's someday!
B: This is ambitious! 꿈을 이루길 바랄게.

The next few phrases you can use it on your favorite K-pop stars or Korean celebrities.

10. 살빼지마세요 salppaejimaseyo [Please don’t lose any weight]

K-pop star: I have been dieting because I want to lose weight
Fan: Your body is fine! 살빼지마세요

11. 당신은 소중한 사람이에요  dangsineun sojunghan saramieyo [You’re a special person]

K-pop star: I don't think I am good enough comparing to my other band members.
Fan: 당신은 소중한 사람이에요

12. 난 항상 응원 할게요 nan hangsang eungwon halgeyo [I’ll always support you]

K-pop star: I think I am leaving this K-popindustry because I want to focus on my mental health.
Fan: It is okay. 난 항상 응원 할게요

13. 푹 쉬세요 puk swiseyo [Please rest well]

K-pop star: I am sorry for canceling the upcoming show because I am not feeling well physically.
Fan: It is okay. We understand that you are tired! 푹 쉬세요

14. 행복하세요 haengbokaseyo [Please be happy]

K-pop star: I have been feeling sad lately…
Fan: Don't worry, everything will be alright soon. 행복하세요!

15. 실수해도 괜찮아요 silsuhaedo gwaenchanayo [It's ok if you make a mistake.]

K-pop: I am sorry if my comment has hurt some of my fan's feelings.
Fan: 실수해도 괜찮아요. We are all humans after all.