Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 행운을 빌어요 | haeng'uneul bireoyo | |
| 행운을 빕니다 | haeng'uneul bimnida | |
| 행운을 빈다 | haeng'uneul binda | |
| 파이팅 | paiting | [pʰa̠itʰiŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 화이팅 | hwaiting | [ɸwa̠itʰiŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The phrases are used to wish fortune on someone or to provide encouragement. While 행운을 빌어요 literally means "I wish (you) luck," a very common way to offer spirited encouragement is to use the colloquial terms 파이팅 or 화이팅.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 행운을 빌어요 is composed of 행운 (luck) and 빌어요 (to wish or pray).
Which one should you use?
The different forms change based on the social setting and level of politeness. 행운을 빕니다 is the most formal version, whereas 행운을 빌어요 is the standard polite form. 행운을 빈다 is the plain style, which is used in writing or when speaking casually to someone of equal or lower status. For energetic encouragement, 파이팅 and 화이팅 are used colloquially.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 행운을 빌어요, the noun 행운 (luck/fortune) is used with the object marker 을.
How do you pronounce it?
haeng'uneul bireoyo
When do people say it?
It is used to cheer someone on, similar to saying "Go for it!" or "You can do it!"
Did you know?
- The words 파이팅 and 화이팅 are 'Konglish' terms derived from the English word 'fighting'. In Korea they signify spirit and endurance rather than physical conflict.
- In Korea, the energetic 파이팅 is often accompanied by a closed fist pumped into the air. This gesture transforms the word from a simple phrase into a physical expression of support.
- The verb 빌다 in 행운을 빌어요 can mean both 'to wish' and 'to beg'. Depending on the context, it can describe praying to a deity or asking for a favor.
Examples in context
- 예진 씨, 오늘 학업 시험에서 좋은 결과 얻기를 빕니다.Ye-jin, I wish you the best results in today's academic exam.
- 할머니, 건강과 행운이 항상 함께하시길 빕니다.Grandmother, I hope health and good luck are always with you.
- 새로운 시작에 행운을 빌어요.saeroun sijak-e haeng-un-eul bireoyo.Good luck with your new start.
Example conversation
Minji is seeing Hyunwoo off before his big job interview.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 면접 잘 보세요.Hyunwoo-ssi, myeonjeop jal boseyo.Hyunwoo, do well on your interview.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 민지 씨.Gomawoyo, Minji-ssi.Thank you, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji진심으로 행운을 빌어요.Jinsim-euro haeng-un-eul bireoyo.I sincerely wish you good luck.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 감사합니다.Jeongmal gamsahamnida.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good luck” translations and entries 파이팅, 화이팅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 파이팅, CC BY-SA 4.0.
