만세
manse[ˈma̠(ː)nsʰe̞]
The English phrase 'long live' is translated into Korean as 만세 (manse).
만세 is used as an exclamation to cheer for someone or something, functioning similarly to shouting 'hurrah' or 'long live' in English. It can also be used to express a desire for the prosperity of a nation or a person.
Meaning: prosper (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 만세 literally means 'ten thousand years'.
How do you pronounce it?
manse
When do people say it?
In historical and political contexts, shouting 만세 is a way to express a desire for the prosperity of a nation or a person. If you wish to express wishes for longevity more specifically, you might use other phrases: 영원히 사시길 바랍니다 is used for someone of higher social status to mean 'May you live forever', 장수하십시오 means 'May you have a long life' and 건강하고 오래 사세요 means 'Stay healthy and live long'.
Did you know?
- In Korean history, the phrase 대한독립만세 (Long live Korean independence) became a powerful rallying cry during the March 1st Movement in 1919.
- In modern Korean, you might hear children shout 만세 while raising both arms in the air, a physical gesture that accompanies the word during celebrations.
- The concept of 'ten thousand years' in 만세 is a linguistic pattern common in many East Asian languages, where a massive number is used to express a wish for immortality.
Examples in context
- 대한민국 만세!Daehanminguk manse!Long live the Republic of Korea!
- 자유 만세!Jayu manse!Long live freedom!
- 우리 팀 만세!Uri tim manse!Long live our team!
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a historical drama on TV.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 멋진 장면이에요.Jeongmal meotjin jangmyeon-ieyo.It is a really cool scene.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아요, 만세라고 외칠 때 소름 돋았어요.Majayo, manse-rago oechil ttae soreum dodasseoyo.Right, I got goosebumps when they shouted long live.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨도 그렇게 느꼈나요?Hyeon-u ssi-do geureoke neukkyeotnayo?Did you feel that way too, Hyeon-u?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 정말 감동적이었어요.Ne, jeongmal gamdongjeogieosseoyo.Yes, it was truly moving.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 만세, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
