행운을 빌어줘
haeng-un-eul bireojwo
In Korean, "wish me luck" is said as 행운을 빌어줘 (haeng-un-eul bireojwo).
You use this phrase to request that someone hopes for your success in a future event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 행운 (luck), 을 (object marker) and 빌어줘 (please wish/pray for me).
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding –세요 to the end of the phrase, as seen in 행운을 빌어주세요, makes the request polite.
How do you pronounce it?
haeng-un-eul bireojwo
Did you know?
- While 행운을 빌어줘 is a literal translation, many Koreans actually use the English-derived phrase 파이팅 (fighting) to cheer someone on or wish them luck.
- The verb 빌다 in 빌어줘 is used both for wishing for luck and for apologizing or begging for forgiveness.
- In traditional contexts, requesting someone to 'pray' for you using 빌다 reflects a history of shamanism and folk religion where prayers were offered to spirits for success.
Examples in context
- 내일 오전에 시험이 있는데, 다들 행운을 빌어줘요.I have an exam tomorrow morning. Wish me luck, everyone.
- 발표 잘 할 수 있게 행운을 빌어줘.balpyo jal hal su itge haenguneul bireojwo.Wish me luck so I can do a good presentation.
- 시험 보기 전에 행운을 빌어줘!siheom bogi jeone haenguneul bireojwo!Wish me luck before the exam!
Example conversation
Ji-eun is about to go on a stage for a performance.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈아, 나 무대 올라가기 전에 행운을 빌어줘.jiun-a, na mudae ollagagi jeone haenguneul bireojwo.Ji-hun, wish me luck before I go on stage.
- 지훈 Ji-hun물론이지, 지은아! 너는 잘 할 거야.mullon-iji, ji-eun-a! neoneun jal hal geoya.Of course, Ji-eun! You will do great.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워, 긴장되지만 최선을 다할게.gomawo, ginjangdoe-jiman choeseoneul dahalge.Thanks, I'm nervous but I'll do my best.
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 화이팅!eung, hwaiting!Yeah, fighting!
