힘
him[çim]
The English word 'strength' is translated into Korean as 힘 (him).
The word 힘 is used to refer to physical strength, power or social and political influence.
Meaning: quality of being strong (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 힘 is the standard word for strength, you can use 강인함 to specifically emphasize endurance and resilience.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 힘 is the subject of a sentence, you attach the subject marker –이 to form 힘이. When it is the object of a verb, such as in the phrase 'to use strength', you attach the object marker –을 to form 힘을.
How do you pronounce it?
him
Did you know?
- In Korean, 힘 can describe not just physical strength but also the 'energy' or 'spirit' needed to get through a difficult day. People often tell others 힘내세요, which literally means 'exert your strength' but is used as 'cheer up' or 'stay strong'.
- The word 힘 is used in the term 힘든 to describe a situation that is 'hard' or 'exhausting'. While 힘 means strength, 힘들다 literally describes a state where the required strength is 'too much' or 'difficult to exert'.
- The word 힘 first appeared in written records in the Seokbo sangjeol in 1447. This text was a Buddhist work written to describe the life of the Buddha using the newly created Korean alphabet.
Examples in context
- 그 일은 많은 힘이 필요하다.That job takes a lot of strength.This sentence is useful for describing a situation where a task requires a lot of 힘.Tatoeba #2386325 by nysjisi, translation #2418455 by Rector
- 저는 사업에 필요한 힘을 갖추고 있습니다.I have the strength required for business.
- 그는 어려움을 극복하는 강인함을 갖고 있어요.He possesses the strength to overcome difficulties.
- 그는 힘이 정말 세다.geuneun himi jeongmal seda.He is really strong.
- 팔에 힘을 주세요.pare himeul juseyo.Put some strength into your arm.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are at the gym.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 힘이 많이 남았어요?Jihoon ssi, himi mani namasseoyo?Ji-hoon, do you have much strength left?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 이제 힘이 하나도 없어요.Aniyo, ije himi hanado eopseoyo.No, I have no strength left at all now.
- 지은 Ji-eun오늘 운동을 아주 열심히 했네요.Oneul undongeul aju yeolsimhi haetneyo.You worked out really hard today.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 정말 힘들어요.Ne, jeongmal himdeureoyo.Yes, it is really tiring.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries 힘, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 힘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
