What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 행운을 빕니다 is composed of 행운 (luck), 을 (an object marker) and 빕니다 (to wish or pray in a formal way).
Which one should you use?
The different forms vary based on your relationship with the person. 행운을 빕니다 is the formal standard, while 행운을 빌어요 is a polite version suitable for acquaintances or colleagues. For closer relationships, you can use the slightly informal 행운을 빌게, the informal 행운을 빈다 or the casual version 행운을 빌어 used with close friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
행운을 빕니다 is a formal way to express the sentiment. 행운을 빌어요 is polite but less formal than 빕니다, making it appropriate for colleagues or acquaintances. 행운을 빌게 is considered slightly informal. Finally, 행운을 빌어 is the informal/casual version used specifically with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
By changing the verb ending from 빕니다 to 빌어요, the phrase becomes polite rather than strictly formal, which is a common way to adjust the level of politeness for acquaintances.
How do you pronounce it?
haeng-un-eul bimnida
Did you know?
- In high-pressure situations like exams, Koreans may avoid saying 행운을 빕니다 and instead focus on 'effort' through phrases like 열심히 하세요. This reflects a cultural emphasis on hard work over random chance.
- The verb 빕니다 used in 행운을 빕니다 shares the same root as the word for 'begging' or 'pleading'. Wishing someone luck is linguistically framed as making a humble request to a higher power.
- While 행운을 빕니다 is used for luck, Koreans often use the phrase 화이팅 to cheer others on. This is a Konglish version of 'fighting' and is used as an exclamation of encouragement.
Examples in context
- 화이팅!You'll do great on your exam!
- 새로운 시작에 행운을 빕니다.saeroun sijage haenguneul bimnida.Best of luck with your new beginning.
- 앞날에 행운을 빕니다.apnare haenguneul bimnida.Best of luck in your future.
Example conversation
Ji-eun is seeing off Ji-hun, who is leaving for a job interview.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 면접에서 행운을 빕니다.Ji-hun ssi, myeonjeobeseo haenguneul bimnida.Ji-hun, best of luck on your interview.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다, 지은 씨.Gamsahamnida, Ji-eun ssi.Thank you, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun꼭 합격할 거예요.Kkok hapgyeokhal geoyeyo.You will surely pass.
- 지훈 Ji-hun열심히 하고 올게요.Yeolsimhi hago olgeyo.I will do my best.
