힘내세요
himnaeseyo
In Korean, 'hang in there' can be expressed as 힘내세요 (himnaeseyo).
This expression is used to encourage someone who is going through a hard time, such as facing a difficult work situation or studying for exams. It serves to tell someone to stay positive and keep trying during a difficult situation.
Which one should you use?
힘을 내세요 and 힘을 내 emphasize the act of gaining strength and perseverance. In contrast, 견디세요 and 견뎌 carry the specific meaning of enduring or withstanding a difficult situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of the phrase is 힘내, which is used with friends or people younger than you. The polite version is 힘내요, which is suitable for general social situations with people you are not close to.
How do you pronounce it?
himnaeseyo
Did you know?
- While 힘내세요 is encouraging, saying it too often to someone in deep grief can sometimes feel dismissive. In such cases, Koreans may prefer 마음 잘 추스르세요, which asks the person to gather their heart.
- The phrase 힘내세요 literally translates to 'put out your strength', as if you are physically moving your energy from inside your body to the outside world.
- The phrase 힘내 is frequently used as a 'fighting' cheer. This is related to the common Konglish expression 화이팅 (Fighting!), which functions as a synonym for 'hang in there' or 'good luck'.
Examples in context
- 성적이 좋지 않더라도, 힘내세요. 여러분은 할 수 있습니다.Even if your grades are not good, hang in there. You can do it.
- 시험이 어렵더라도, 힘내. 우리 함께 해결할 수 있어.Even if the exam is challenging, hang in there. We can solve it together.
- 힘내세요, 거의 다 왔어요.Himnaeseyo, geoui da wasseoyo.Hang in there, you're almost there.
- 너무 걱정하지 말고 힘내세요.Neomu geokjeonghaji malgo himnaeseyo.Don't worry too much and hang in there.
- 오늘 하루도 힘내세요!Oneul harudo himnaeseyo!Hang in there through today too!
Example conversation
Minji is encouraging Minjun, who is feeling stressed about his exams.
- 민지 Min-ji시험 공부하느라 많이 힘들죠?Siheom gongbuhaneura mani himdeuljyo?It's hard studying for your exams, right?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 조금 지치네요.Ne, jogeum jichineyo.Yes, I'm a little exhausted.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 조금만 더 힘내세요!Minjun ssi, jogeumman deo himnaeseyo!Minjun, hang in there just a little longer!
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 민지 씨.Gomawoyo, Minji ssi.Thank you, Minji.
