힘내요
himnaeyo
In Korean, 'stay strong' is said as 힘내요 (himnaeyo).
This expression is used to encourage someone to keep their courage or spirits up during a difficult time. It is commonly used when someone is facing a temporary setback, such as a bad day, a long workday or a difficult exam. While the English 'stay strong' can be used in very somber or heavy situations, 힘내요 often carries a nuance of 'cheer up' or 'find your energy'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of 힘, meaning strength or power and 내다, meaning to produce or bring out. Literally, it means 'to produce strength'.
Which one should you use?
The version 힘내 is used as an informal way to say 'stay strong' or 'cheer up', while 힘낼 수 있어 is an informal way to say 'you can do it' or 'stay strong'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version 힘내 is used with close friends or people younger than you. To make the phrase more respectful and suitable for elders or superiors, you can add the honorific suffix '-세요' to create 힘내세요.
How do you pronounce it?
himnaeyo
Did you know?
- When reacting to a stressful situation in a group, Koreans might use 파이팅 (fighting), a Konglish word that functions as a way to say 'stay strong' or 'go for it'.
- Because 힘내요 can be quite bright and energetic, using it during a period of deep mourning or profound grief might actually feel slightly insensitive to some.
- While 힘내요 is for encouragement, Koreans use the term 정 to describe the emotional bond that makes these words of support feel sincere and meaningful.
Examples in context
- 힘내세요. 언제든지 제가 여러분을 응원할게요.Stay strong. I'll always support you.
- 너는 충분히 강하다. 계속 힘을 내봐.You are strong enough. Keep staying strong.
- 고생이 많으셨습니다. 아직 끝까지 힘내야 해요.You've endured a lot. You still need to stay strong until the end.
- 너무 걱정하지 말고 힘내요.neomu geokjeonghaji malgo himnaeyo.Don't worry too much and stay strong.
- 오늘도 힘내요!oneuldo himnaeyo!Stay strong today as well!
- 항상 뒤에서 응원할 테니 힘내요.hangsang dwieseo eungwonhal teni himnaeyo.I will always be rooting for you, so stay strong.
Example conversation
Minji is comforting Hyunwoo after he had a difficult day at work.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 오늘 정말 고생 많았어요.Hyunwoo ssi, oneul jeongmal gosaeng manasseoyo.Hyunwoo, you worked really hard today.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo조금 힘들지만 괜찮아요.jogeum himdeuljiman gwaenchanayo.It's a bit tough, but I'm okay.
- 민지 Min-ji너무 자책하지 말고 힘내요.neomu jachaekhaji malgo himnaeyo.Don't blame yourself too much and stay strong.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨의 응원 덕분에 힘이 나요.Minji ssiui eungwon deokbune himi nayo.Your encouragement gives me strength, Minji.
