[Learn][Korean] Encouraging Words in Korean - "힘내세요" & "행운을 빌어요"

 

힘내세요 행운을 빌어요 good luck stay strong

Life is full of challenges, and sometimes we all need a few words of encouragement. In Korean, two of the most common phrases used to cheer someone up or wish them luck are "힘내세요!" and "행운을 빌어요!". These expressions are frequently used in daily life, whether it's for friends, coworkers, students, or even strangers.

Let’s explore the meanings of these phrases, how to use them naturally, and when they are most appropriate!

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1. What Does "힘내세요" Mean?

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Literal Meaning

• "힘" (Him) – Strength, power
• "내다" (Naeda) – To bring out, to produce
• "세요" (Seyo) – A polite ending

So, "힘내세요!" (Himnaeseyo!) literally means "Please bring out your strength!" but is used in the same way as:

• "Cheer up!"
• "Stay strong!"
• "You got this!"

It’s a motivational phrase used when someone is struggling, facing a challenge, or feeling down.

Variations & Casual Forms

• Formal: 힘내세요! (Himnaeseyo!) – Used with elders, coworkers, or in polite situations.
• Casual: 힘내! (Himnae!) – Used with close friends and family.
• Very Polite: 힘내십시오! (Himnaesipsio!) – Used in very formal settings.

Example Situations to Use "힘내세요"

• A friend is feeling sad → "힘내! 넌 할 수 있어!" (Cheer up! You can do it!)
• A student is preparing for exams → "시험 잘 봐! 힘내세요!" (Do well on your exam! Stay strong!)
• A coworker is having a tough day at work → "힘내세요! 조금만 더 하면 끝나요!" (Cheer up! Just a little more, and it’ll be over!)

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2. What Does "행운을 빌어요" Mean?

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Literal Meaning

• "행운" (Haengun) – Good luck, fortune
• "빌다" (Bilda) – To wish or pray for
• "어요" (Eoyo) – A polite ending

So, "행운을 빌어요!" (Haenguneul bileoyo!) literally means "I wish you luck!" and is equivalent to:

• "Good luck!"
• "I hope you succeed!"
• "Best wishes!"

It’s a phrase used to wish someone success before an important event, such as a test, job interview, competition, or life-changing decision.

Variations & Casual Forms

• Formal: 행운을 빌어요! (Haenguneul bileoyo!) – Used with acquaintances or in polite situations.
• Casual: 행운을 빌어! (Haenguneul bilo!) – Used with close friends.
• Very Polite: 행운을 빕니다! (Haenguneul bimnida!) – Used in formal speech or writing.

Example Situations to Use "행운을 빌어요"

• A friend has a job interview → "면접 잘 봐! 행운을 빌어!" (Do well in your interview! Good luck!)
• Someone is going on a big trip → "좋은 여행 되길 바라! 행운을 빌어요!" (Have a great trip! Wishing you good luck!)
• Before a big competition → "대회에서 꼭 우승하길! 행운을 빕니다!" (I hope you win the competition! Best of luck!)

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3. Key Differences Between "힘내세요" & "행운을 빌어요"

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Expression	Meaning	When to Use
힘내세요!	Cheer up! Stay strong!	When someone is struggling, feeling down, or facing a tough situation
행운을 빌어요!	Good luck! Best wishes!	When someone is about to take a test, compete, or start something new

 

Quick Tip:

If someone is stressed or struggling, say "힘내세요!" (Stay strong!).
If someone is about to face a challenge, say "행운을 빌어요!" (Good luck!).

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4. Other Related Encouraging Expressions

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If you want to encourage someone, here are a few more Korean phrases you can use:

• 할 수 있어요! (Hal su isseoyo!) – "You can do it!"
• 포기하지 마세요! (Pogihaji maseyo!) – "Don’t give up!"
• 기운 내세요! (Giun naeseyo!) – "Cheer up!"
• 좋은 결과 있길 바라요! (Joeun gyeolgwa itgil barayo!) – "I hope you get good results!"
• 파이팅! / 화이팅! (Paiting! / Hwaiting!) – "Fighting!" (A Konglish way to say "Go for it!")

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5. How to Use These Expressions Naturally?

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Formal vs. Casual Speech

• Formal: "힘내세요!" / "행운을 빌어요!" (Polite for work, teachers, or elders)
• Casual: "힘내!" / "행운을 빌어!" (Used with close friends and family)
• Very Polite: "힘내십시오!" / "행운을 빕니다!" (Used in official settings or written messages)

Try These Situations!

• If your friend is studying hard for an exam → "시험 잘 봐! 힘내!"
• If your coworker is having a stressful day → "조금만 더 힘내세요! 곧 끝나요!"
• If your sibling is going for a big interview → "좋은 결과 있길 바라! 행운을 빌어!"

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Final Thoughts

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"힘내세요!" and "행운을 빌어요!" are two essential Korean phrases for encouragement and support. Whether someone is going through a hard time or preparing for an important event, these words can provide warmth and motivation.

Next time your Korean friend needs support, try using "힘내세요!" to cheer them up or "행운을 빌어요!" to wish them success!