힘내세요
himnaeseyo
To say 'be strong' in Korean, use 힘내세요 (himnaeseyo).
The phrase is an expression used to encourage someone to stay positive or to keep going during a difficult time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 힘, meaning 'strength' or 'power' and the verb 내다, which means 'to put' or 'to exert'. Literally, it translates to 'to bring out strength'.
Which one should you use?
The form 힘내세요 is the formal version, while 힘내요 is a standard polite version that is slightly less formal. The version 힘내 is the informal way to say it.
How does it change in a sentence?
The expression 'always be strong' can be said as 항상 힘내세요 in formal contexts or 항상 힘내 in informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
himnaeseyo
Did you know?
- While 힘내세요 is used for encouragement, Koreans often use the word 파이팅 'fighting' as a cheer to encourage strength and victory in sports or exams.
- If you use the informal 힘내 with a superior or a stranger, it can come across as dismissive or condescending rather than supportive.
- While English speakers say 'stay strong' to imply holding onto one's current state, Koreans use the verb 내다, which implies actively 'producing' or 'bringing out' strength from within.
Examples in context
- 너무 슬퍼하지 말고 힘내세요.neomu seulpeohaji malgo himnaeseyo.Don't be too sad and be strong.
- 항상 옆에서 응원할 테니 힘내세요.hangsang yeopeseo eungwonhal teni himnaeseyo.I will always cheer for you, so be strong.
- 힘내세요, 다 잘 될 거예요.himnaeseyo, da jal doel geoyeyo.Be strong, everything will be fine.
Example conversation
Subin is comforting Hyunwoo after he failed an important exam.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 너무 낙담하지 마세요.Hyunwoo ssi, neomu nakdamhaji maseyo.Hyunwoo, please don't be too discouraged.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 속상해요, 수빈 씨.Jeongmal soksanghaeyo, Subin ssi.I am really upset, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin힘내세요, 다음에는 꼭 성공할 거예요.Himnaeseyo, daeumeneun kkok seonggonghal geoyeyo.Be strong, you will surely succeed next time.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 정말 큰 힘이 돼요.Gomawoyo, jeongmal keun himi dwaeyo.Thank you, that is a great help.
