행운을 빕니다
haeng-uneul bimnida
The English phrase "best wishes" is translated into Korean as 행운을 빕니다 (haeng-uneul bimnida).
This phrase is used to wish someone success in a specific upcoming event or in their general future, similar to 'good luck' or 'best wishes' in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 행운 (luck) with the object marker 을 and 빕니다 (to wish/pray), literally meaning "I wish luck".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 행운을 빕니다 uses the formal polite ending -ㅂ니다, making it suitable for speeches, formal letters or addressing superiors. The form 행운을 빌어요 is the standard polite version used in everyday conversation, whereas 행운을 빕니다 is more formal.
How do you pronounce it?
haeng-uneul bimnida
Did you know?
- While 행운을 빕니다 means 'good luck', Koreans often use 파이팅 ('fighting') to encourage someone. Unlike the formal wish for luck, 파이팅 is an active cheer meant to energize a person.
- The verb 빌다 in 행운을 빕니다 can also mean 'to beg' or 'to apologize'. In a different context, the same word is used when someone is pleading for forgiveness.
- If you are wishing luck to a very close friend, 행운을 빕니다 is too formal. You would likely drop the polite endings entirely and use a slang term or a simple 'do your best' (잘 해), as formal luck wishes can sound sarcastic between peers.
Examples in context
- 새로운 시작에 행운을 빕니다.saeroun sijage haenguneul bimnida.Best wishes on your new beginning.
- 앞날에 행운을 빕니다.apnare haenguneul bimnida.Best wishes for your future.
Example conversation
Dohyun is wishing Subin good luck on her job interview.
- 도현 Do-hyeon면접 잘 보세요, 수빈 씨.myeonjeop jal boseyo, Subin ssi.Good luck with your interview, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin감사합니다, 도현 씨.gamsahamnida, Dohyun ssi.Thank you, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon진심으로 행운을 빕니다.jinsimeuro haenguneul bimnida.I sincerely wish you the best of luck.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 고마워요.jeongmal gomawoyo.Thank you so much.
