화이팅
hwaiting[ɸwa̠itʰiŋ]
hwaiting is the Korean phrase for hwaiting.
The phrase is used to cheer someone on, similar to saying 'Go for it!', 'Good luck!' or 'You can do it!' in English.
Which one should you use?
While 화이팅 is very common in speech, 파이팅 (paiting) is the more standard transcription of the English word 'fighting' and is often preferred in formal writing or broadcasting.
How do you pronounce it?
hwaiting
When do people say it?
In Korea, the word 'fighting' is used as an exclamation of encouragement rather than referring to a physical combat or struggle. As an alternative to hwaiting in formal contexts, you can use 힘내세요 (Have strength / Be strong).
Did you know?
- The phrase is a 'pseudo-anglicism', meaning it is a word that sounds English but has been reshaped into a uniquely Korean expression.
- When saying 화이팅, Koreans often pump their fist in the air to physically demonstrate the strength they are wishing for the other person.
- Because it is an exclamation of energy, it is almost never used in response to a tragedy or a sad event, even if the person needs 'strength'.
Examples in context
- 화이팅하세요!Good luck! / You can do it!
- 힘내세요!Stay strong! / Take courage!
- 파이팅 해!Cheer up! / You've got this!
- 오늘 시험 화이팅!oneul siheom hwaiting!Good luck on your exam today!
- 우리 모두 화이팅하자.uri modu hwaiting-haja.Let's all do our best.
- 준비 잘하고, 화이팅!junbi jal-hago, hwaiting!Prepare well, and fighting!
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyeon are studying for a big exam together.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 공부 너무 힘들죠?Dohyeon ssi, gongbu neomu himdeuljyo?Dohyeon, studying is really hard, isn't it?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 하지만 조금만 더 하면 돼요.ne, hajiman jogeumman deo hamyeon dwaeyo.Yes, but I just need to do a little bit more.
- 서연 Seo-yeon거의 다 왔어요. 화이팅!geoui da wasseoyo. hwaiting!We're almost there. Fighting!
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 서연 씨도 화이팅!gomawoyo, Seoyeon ssi-do hwaiting!Thanks, fighting to you too, Seoyeon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 화이팅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 화이팅, CC BY-SA 4.0.
