🎵 K-Culture A1

화이팅

hwaiting

Fighting! (cheer of encouragement)

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What it means

화이팅 is a cheer of encouragement equivalent to You can do it!, Good luck!, or Go for it! Borrowed from the English word fighting but with an entirely positive meaning in Korean.

Nuance & when to use

Usually said with enthusiasm, often with a fist pump. Can be a group shout or a sincere one-on-one cheer. Also spelled 파이팅 (paiting) — both are common.

⚠ Common mistake

English fighting means conflict. Korean 화이팅 is purely positive and encouraging. Don't be confused by the etymology — in Korean it means cheer on, not to fight.

Example sentences

시험 잘 봐! 화이팅! Siheom jal bwa! Hwaiting! Do well on the exam! You've got this!
모두 화이팅! 우리 할 수 있어! Modu hwaiting! Uri hal su isseo! Everyone, fighting! We can do it!
힘들지만 조금만 더 화이팅 해요. Himdeulljiman jogeumman deo hwaiting haeyo. It's tough, but let's keep going just a little more.
오늘도 화이팅이에요! Oneuldo hwaitingiyeyo! Keep it up today too!

See also

응원 힘내세요 잘 할 수 있어요 파이팅
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗ Wikipedia ↗
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More A1 lessons

한글 Hangeul the Korean alphabet / writing system 죄송합니다 joesonghamnida I'm very sorry (formal) 겨울 gyeoul winter
← 형 화장실 어디예요? →

FAQ

When is this used?

Usually said with enthusiasm, often with a fist pump. Can be a group shout or a sincere one-on-one cheer. Also spelled 파이팅 (paiting) — both are common.

What's a common mistake?

English fighting means conflict. Korean 화이팅 is purely positive and encouraging. Don't be confused by the etymology — in Korean it means cheer on, not to fight.

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