파이팅
paiting[pʰa̠itʰiŋ]
The English phrase 'ganbatte' can be expressed in Korean as 파이팅 (paiting).
An expression used to encourage someone to do their best or keep going.
Which one should you use?
힘내세요 is a formal way to say 'take strength' or 'stay strong'. 열심히 해봐 is an informal expression meaning 'give it your best shot' or 'try your hardest'.
How do you pronounce it?
paiting
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the Japanese word 'ganbatte' when they intend to use the Korean equivalent 파이팅.
Did you know?
- If you use the word 파이팅 in a professional setting, it is often accompanied by a raised fist. This physical gesture is a standard part of the phrase's social ritual in Korea.
- The term 파이팅 is a 'pseudo-anglicism', meaning it is a Korean adaptation of an English word that has been reshaped to fit Korean phonology and meaning.
- Despite the English origin of 파이팅, using the actual English word 'fighting' in a sentence would be misunderstood as an act of aggression.
Examples in context
- 오늘 시험 파이팅!oneul si-heom pa-i-ting!Good luck on your exam today!
- 우리 모두 파이팅 해요.u-ri mo-du pa-i-ting hae-yo.Let's all do our best.
Example conversation
Jieun is cheering for Hyunwoo before his job interview.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 면접 파이팅!Hyeon-u ssi, myeon-jeop pa-i-ting!Hyunwoo, good luck with your interview!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 지은 씨.go-ma-wo-yo, Ji-eun ssi.Thank you, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun떨지 말고 잘하고 와요.tteol-ji mal-go jal-ha-go wa-yo.Don't be nervous and do well.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 최선을 다할게요.ne, choe-seon-eul da-hal-ge-yo.Yes, I will do my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 파이팅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 파이팅, CC BY-SA 4.0.
