절대 포기하지 마
jeoldae pogihaji ma
The English phrase "never give up" is translated into Korean as 절대 포기하지 마 (jeoldae pogihaji ma).
절대 포기하지 마 is an encouraging phrase used to tell someone to keep trying and not stop despite difficulties.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 절대 (never/absolutely not), 포기하다 (to give up) and the negative imperative ending -지 마 (do not).
Which one should you use?
절대 포기하지 마 is much stronger and more emphatic than 포기하지 마 due to the inclusion of 절대 (never/absolutely). Removing 절대 (never) makes the phrase a softer, more general 포기하지 마 (don't give up) rather than the emphatic 절대 포기하지 마 (never give up).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
절대 포기하지 마세요. is a formal way to say "Never give up," while 포기하지 마. is an informal way to say "never give up."
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding -세요 to the end makes the phrase 절대 포기하지 마세요 a polite command suitable for speaking to elders or people you are not close with.
How do you pronounce it?
jeoldae pogihaji ma
Did you know?
- While 절대 포기하지 마 is encouraging, Koreans also use the term 존버 as a slang version of 'never giving up' when enduring an incredibly miserable situation for a long time.
- In Korean sports culture, the phrase 포기하지 마 is often linked to the 'spirit of fighting' or 투혼, where giving up is seen not just as a failure of skill but as a lack of mental fortitude.
- Korean has several words for 'giving up', and 포기 specifically refers to abandoning a goal or a right, whereas 단념 refers to letting go of a hope or a desire.
Examples in context
- 제가 여러분에게 하고 싶은 말씀은 '절대 포기하지 마세요'입니다.The message I want to give to all of you is 'never give up.'
- 친구야, 어려워도 포기하지 마.Friend, even if it's difficult, never give up.
- 절대 포기하지 마.jeoldae pogihaji ma.Never give up.
- 힘들어도 절대 포기하지 마.himdeureodo jeoldae pogihaji ma.Even if it's hard, never give up.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is encouraging Seoyeon, who is struggling with her studies.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연아, 너무 힘들면 말해.Seoyeon-a, neomu himdeulmyeon malhae.Seoyeon, tell me if it's too hard.
- 서연 Seo-yeon공부가 너무 어려워.Gongbuga neomu eoryeowo.Studying is too difficult.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo조금만 더 힘내, 절대 포기하지 마.Jogeumman deo himnae, jeoldae pogihaji ma.Cheer up a little more, never give up.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 현우야. 다시 해볼게.Gomawo, Hyunwoo-ya. Dasi haebolge.Thanks, Hyunwoo. I will try again.
