계속 그렇게 해
gyesok geureoke hae
To say "keep it up" in Korean, use 계속 그렇게 해 (gyesok geureoke hae).
The phrase is used to encourage someone to maintain a current positive behavior, performance or habit.
Meaning: maintain or continue a positive streak (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 계속 (continuously), 그렇게 (like that/in that way) and 해 (do).
Which one should you use?
While 계속 그렇게 해 is the default form, you may also use 계속해 as an informal version of the phrase or 계속하세요 as a formal way to express the same meaning.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version suitable for speaking to someone older or in a higher position, use 계속 그렇게 하세요. The form 계속하세요 is also a formal way to say "keep it up".
How do you pronounce it?
gyesok geureoke hae
When do people say it?
The word 화이팅 is a widely used cheer in Korean culture that can be translated as "keep it up" or "you can do it". Additionally, if you want to encourage someone to keep going despite difficulties, you can use the formal phrase 힘내세요, which means "take strength" or "be strong".
Did you know?
- The cheer 화이팅 is a 'Konglish' word, meaning it is a Korean adaptation of English that would likely confuse a native English speaker if used in the same context.
- The word 계속 is a Sino-Korean loanword, meaning its roots are traced back to Chinese characters rather than native Korean origins.
- In Korean culture, the choice between 계속해 and 계속하세요 depends entirely on the social hierarchy and age of the listener, not just the level of formality.
Examples in context
- 계속 그렇게 해.gyesok geureoke hae.Keep it up.
- 지금처럼 계속 그렇게 해.jigeumcheoreom gyesok geureoke hae.Keep doing it just like now.
- 잘하고 있으니까 계속 그렇게 해.jalhago isseunikka gyesok geureoke hae.You're doing well, so keep it up.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is praising Jihoon for his hard work at the gym.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈, 운동 정말 열심히 한다!Jihoon, undong jeongmal yeolsimhi handa!Jihoon, you are working out so hard!
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다. 더 노력할게요.gamsahamnida. deo noryeokhalgeyo.Thank you. I will try harder.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지금 아주 좋아. 계속 그렇게 해.jigeum aju joa. gyesok geureoke hae.It's great right now. Keep it up.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 포기하지 않겠습니다.ne, pogihaji ankessumnida.Yes, I won't give up.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 계속, 해, CC BY-SA 4.0.
