Korean Dictionary
How to say "Break a Leg" in Korean
“Break a Leg” in Korean is 파이팅 (pronounced "Paiting").
파이팅
Paiting
Usage & Context
Paiting (from fighting) is the Korean equivalent of break a leg or good luck. It is an enthusiastic cheer of encouragement widely used in Korean daily life.
Example Sentence
시험 잘 봐, 파이팅!
Good luck on the exam, fighting!
How to use 파이팅 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Break a Leg” is 파이팅, romanized as Paiting.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 파이팅.
Pronunciation Guide
파이팅 (Paiting): Sounds like "Pai-ting." "Pai" rhymes with "pie," and "ting" is like the "ting" in "tingle." The 't' sound is often softer, closer to a 'd' in rapid speech, but "ting" is a good approximation.
More Example Sentences
Encouraging a friend or colleague before a significant event.
내일 중요한 발표가 있어? 잘 해! 파이팅!
You have an important presentation tomorrow? Do well! Fighting!
Motivating someone who is struggling or facing a challenge.
힘들어도 조금만 더 버텨봐, 파이팅!
Even if it's hard, just hold on a little longer, fighting!
A general cheer of encouragement for a large group, often seen in public messages or media.
수능 시험 보는 모든 수험생 여러분, 파이팅!
To all students taking the Suneung exam, fighting!
Cultural Context
'파이팅' is one of the most ubiquitous and iconic Korean expressions. Derived from the English word 'fighting,' it's used as a versatile cheer of encouragement, similar to 'Go for it!', 'You can do it!', or 'Good luck!'. It's not just for sports; you'll hear it everywhere: before exams, job interviews, big projects, or even just when someone is having a tough day. It embodies the Korean spirit of perseverance and collective encouragement, frequently used by K-pop idols and fans alike.
Editorial note
We review entries like 파이팅 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
파이팅!
Go for it! / You can do it!
우리 팀 파이팅!
Go team!
오늘 하루도 파이팅!
Have a great day! / Fighting for today too!
Related Expressions
힘내세요
Himnaeseyo
Cheer up, be strong (polite)
잘 될 거야
Jal doel geoya
It'll be fine/It'll work out
응원합니다
Eungwonhamnida
I support you/I'm rooting for you
화이팅
Hwaiting
An older or sometimes alternative spelling/pronunciation of 파이팅, with the same meaning
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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