만세
manse[ˈma̠(ː)nsʰe̞]
The English phrase 'hooray' is translated into Korean as 만세 (manse).
만세 is an exclamation used to express joy, victory or celebration. It functions similarly to 'hooray' or 'hurrah' in English.
Meaning: elated expression of approval (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 만세 literally translates to 'ten thousand years'.
How do you pronounce it?
manse
When do people say it?
Historically, this phrase was used to wish for the long life of a monarch or the longevity of a nation, which is why it is used to celebrate great achievements or independence.
Did you know?
- The term 만세 can be used ironically to express frustration or a sense of giving up, similar to how an English speaker might say 'Great!' when something goes wrong.
- In Korea, shouting 만세 is often accompanied by raising both arms straight up in the air, a gesture that became a powerful symbol of national resistance and unity.
- While it means 'ten thousand years', the phrase is closely related to the Japanese 'banzai', which uses the same Chinese characters to express a similar sentiment of longevity and victory.
Examples in context
- 만세!Hooray!This example shows how to use 만세 as a standalone exclamation of joy.Tatoeba #10585438 by ssuss32, translation #943665 by U2FS
- 만세! 우리 팀이 이겼어요!Man-se! Our team won!
- 오오! 좋은 발표였어요. 짝짝짝!Wow! It was a great presentation. Clap, clap, clap!
- 오예! 내가 이기다니 너무 좋아!Hooray! I can't believe I won, I'm so happy!
- 시험에 합격했다, 만세!siheome hapgyeokhaetda, manse!I passed the exam, hooray!
- 드디어 휴일이다, 만세!deudieo hyuilida, manse!It is finally the holiday, hooray!
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are celebrating their winning soccer match.
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리 팀이 이겼어, 만세!uri timi igyeosseo, manse!Our team won, hooray!
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 대단해, 지훈아!jeongmal daedanhae, jihoon-a!That is truly amazing, Jihoon!
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연아, 너도 정말 고생했어.seoyeon-a, neodo jeongmal gosaenghaesseo.Seoyeon, you also worked very hard.
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 너무 기뻐!eung, neomu gippeo!Yes, I am so happy!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hooray” translations and entries 만세, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
