Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cheer up" in Korean
“Cheer up” in Korean is 힘내세요 (pronounced "Himnaeseyo").
힘내세요
Himnaeseyo
Usage & Context
Encouraging someone who is feeling down or discouraged. 힘 means 'strength' and 내세요 means 'please bring out'. The casual form is 힘내 or 힘내요. Often paired with 괜찮아요 (it's okay) to provide comfort along with encouragement.
Example Sentence
많이 힘들죠? 힘내세요! 잘 될 거예요.
It must be tough. Cheer up! It'll work out.
How to use 힘내세요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cheer up” is 힘내세요, romanized as Himnaeseyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 힘내세요.
Pronunciation Guide
힘 (him) sounds like 'him' in 'himself'. 내 (nae) is like 'nay' in 'nay-say'. 세 (se) is like 'say'. 요 (yo) is like 'yo' in 'yo-yo'. The stress is fairly even, or slightly on 'him' for emphasis.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
힘내십시오
Himnaesipsio
A more formal and deferential way to say 'cheer up' or 'be strong,' often used in very formal settings or when addressing someone of much higher status.
Casual (반말)
힘내
Himnae
A casual form used among close friends, family, or subordinates.
More Example Sentences
Comforting a friend after a setback.
괜찮아, 다음엔 잘 할 수 있을 거야. 힘내!
It's okay, you'll do well next time. Cheer up!
Offering support to a struggling colleague.
프로젝트 때문에 많이 힘들죠? 힘내세요, 제가 도울게요.
The project must be really tough, right? Cheer up, I'll help you.
Encouraging someone during an emotional difficult time.
너무 슬퍼하지 마. 힘내! 좋은 날이 올 거야.
Don't be too sad. Cheer up! Good days will come.
Cultural Context
힘내세요 is a warm and empathetic expression, literally meaning 'bring out your strength.' It's used to comfort and encourage someone who is feeling down, stressed, or facing difficulties. Unlike '파이팅' which is more about cheering for success, '힘내세요' focuses on emotional resilience and overcoming hardship. Often heard in K-dramas when characters are going through personal struggles, offering a sense of solidarity and care.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 힘내세요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
힘내세요, 제가 옆에 있을게요.
Cheer up, I'll be by your side.
너무 힘들어하지 마세요. 힘내세요!
Don't struggle too much. Cheer up!
조금만 더 힘내요!
Just a little more, cheer up!
Related Expressions
파이팅
Paiting
Fighting! (General encouragement)
괜찮아요
Gwaenchanhayo
It's okay / Don't worry.
걱정하지 마세요
Geokjeonghaji maseyo
Don't worry.
잘 될 거예요
Jal doel geoyeyo
It will be okay / It will work out.
More Greetings Words
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