힘
him[çim]
The English word power can be translated into Korean. The default form is 힘 (him). Wiktionary also lists 권력 (gwollyeok) and 세력 (seryeok).
Meaning: ability to affect or influence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 힘 | him | [çim] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 권력 | gwollyeok | [ˈkwɘ(ː)ʎʎʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 세력 | seryeok | [ˈsʰe̞(ː)ɾjʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term for power in Korean varies based on whether you are discussing physical strength, political authority or the influence of a group.
Which one should you use?
힘 is used for physical strength or the general concept of power, such as in the phrase 'knowledge is power'. 권력 specifically refers to political power or the authority held by people in positions of command. 세력 refers to power in terms of influence, clout or the strength of a particular faction or group.
How do you pronounce it?
him
Did you know?
- When a person says they are 힘들다, they are literally saying 'power is difficult', which is the most common way to say 'I am tired' or 'this is hard'.
- While 힘 refers to power, the phrase 힘내세요 is the standard way to say 'cheer up' or 'be strong' when someone is struggling.
- Unlike English where 'power' can mean electricity, Korean uses 전기 for electrical power, though 전력 is used for 'electric power' in technical contexts.
Examples in context
- 아는 것이 힘이다.Knowledge is power.This sentence shows how to use 힘 in a common proverb.Tatoeba #11105153 by intertime, translation #277046 by LowMemory
- 대기업들은 경제적인 권력을 가지고 있습니다.Large corporations possess economic power.
- 어머니는 항상 저에게 힘을 주었습니다.My mother always gave me strength.
- 이 회사에서는 성공하려면 힘을 다해야 합니다.In this company, you need to exert all your power to succeed.
- 야구선수들은 대단한 힘이 필요합니다.Baseball players need tremendous power.
- 나는 이번 시험에서 힘을 다 썼어요.I exerted all my power in this exam.
- 오늘 날씨가 너무 좋아서 에너지가 넘칩니다.The weather is so nice today, I'm filled with energy.
- 스포츠를 하면 에너지가 넘쳐요.Sports fill me with energy.
- 그는 많은 사람을 움직이는 힘이 있다.geuneun maneun saramul umjigineun himi itda.He has the power to move many people.
- 말 한마디에 큰 힘이 실려 있다.mal hanmadie keun himi sillyeo itda.Great power is contained in a single word.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are discussing a project at work.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨가 결정하는 힘이 더 커요.Minjun ssiga gyeoljeonghaneun himi deo keoyo.Minjun, you have more power to make the decision.
- 민준 Min-jun아니에요, 수빈 씨 의견이 더 중요해요.anieyo, Subin ssi uigyeoni deo jungyohaeyo.No, your opinion is more important, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin그래도 팀장님이 민준 씨를 더 믿으시잖아요.geuraedo timjangnim-i Minjun ssireul deo mideusijanayo.Still, the team leader trusts you more.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 제가 한번 설득해 볼게요.geureom jega hanbeon seoldeukhae bolgeyo.Then I will try to persuade them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “power” translations and entries 힘, 권력, 세력, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
