용기
yonggi[joŋɡi]
The Korean word for courage is 용기 (yonggi).
용기 refers to the ability to do things that are frightening. The most common way to express the action of showing, summoning or mustering up courage is to use the phrase 용기를 내다.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that someone 'has courage', you use the particle 가 with the verb 있다 (to exist/have), forming the expression 용기가 있다.
How do you pronounce it?
yonggi
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful because 용기 is a homonym.
Did you know?
- In Korean, the concept of 'courage' is often contrasted with 체면 (saving face). Sometimes, having the 용기 to act means intentionally risking one's social standing or dignity.
- While 용기 refers to courage, the word 기 (氣) inside it refers to a vital energy or life force. In East Asian philosophy, courage is seen as a specific manifestation of this internal energy.
- The word 용기 is a homonym that also means 'container' or 'vessel'. Depending on the context, you might be asking someone for 'courage' or asking for a 'plastic container'.
Examples in context
- 여러분, 조금만 용기를 내주세요.Everyone, please show more courage.This sentence shows how to ask people to show more courage using 용기.Tatoeba #10572160 by ssuss32, translation #12385889 by exeunt404
- 톰은 마침내 용기를 내어 메리에게 데이트 신청을 했다.Tom finally mustered up the courage to ask Mary to go out with him.This sentence illustrates using 용기 in the context of mustering courage to ask someone on a date.Tatoeba #11106654 by intertime, translation #1028941 by CK
- 죽는 일보다 고통 받는 일이 더 많은 용기를 필요로 한다.It requires more courage to suffer than to die.This sentence demonstrates the use of 용기 when discussing the amount of courage required for an action.Tatoeba #6305154 by Queserasera, translation #246326 by CM
- 저는 용기를 갖고 이 프로젝트에 도전하겠습니다.I will take on this project with courage.
- 용기를 가지고 어려운 시기를 극복해야 합니다.We must overcome difficult times with courage.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are talking about a difficult presentation at work.
- 지훈 Ji-hun발표할 때 큰 용기가 필요할 것 같아요.balpyohal ttae keun yong-gi ga piryo-hal geot gat-ayo.I think it will take a lot of courage to give the presentation.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨는 충분히 할 수 있어요.Jihoon-ssi-neun chung-bun-hi hal su isseoyo.Jihoon, you can definitely do it.
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요, 서연 씨 덕분에 힘이 나네요.Goma-wo-yo, Seoyeon-ssi deok-bun-e him-i na-ne-yo.Thank you, Seoyeon, your words give me strength.
- 서연 Seo-yeon진심으로 응원할게요!Jinsim-euro eung-won-hal-ge-yo!I will sincerely root for you!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 용기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
