Korean Dictionary
How to say "Encouragement" in Korean
“Encouragement” in Korean is 격려 (pronounced "gyeongryeo").
격려
gyeongryeo
Usage & Context
Giving someone confidence and motivation. Encouragement is an important way to show care in Korean relationships.
Example Sentence
나는 너를 격려하고 싶어.
I want to encourage you.
How to use 격려 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Encouragement” is 격려, romanized as gyeongryeo.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 격려.
Pronunciation Guide
격 (gyeok) sounds like 'gyuk', similar to 'g' in 'go' followed by 'yuck'. 려 (ryeo) sounds like 'ryuh', like 'r' in 'red' followed by 'yuh' as in 'yup' without the 'p'. The stress is generally even.
More Example Sentences
A student expressing gratitude to a teacher.
선생님의 따뜻한 격려 덕분에 힘을 낼 수 있었어요.
Thanks to the teacher's warm encouragement, I was able to gain strength.
Supporting a friend facing a challenge.
시험을 앞둔 친구에게 격려의 말을 건넸다.
I offered words of encouragement to my friend before the exam.
Reflecting on a successful team project.
팀원들의 격려가 큰 도움이 되었어요.
The encouragement from my teammates was a great help.
Cultural Context
Encouragement is a vital aspect of interpersonal relationships in Korea, particularly in academic, professional, and family settings. It's common for people to offer words of support and motivation, often using phrases like '힘내세요!' (Himnaeseyo! - Cheer up/Be strong!) or '잘 될 거예요!' (Jal doel geoyeyo! - It'll be fine!). This collective spirit of support helps individuals persevere through challenges.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 격려 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
격려의 말
words of encouragement
격려를 받다
to receive encouragement
격려가 되다
to be encouraging
Related Expressions
격려하다
gyeongryeo-hada
to encourage (verb)
응원
eungwon
cheering, support (similar, often more active)
칭찬
chingchan
praise, compliment (related, but different nuance)
좌절
jwajeol
frustration, discouragement (antonym)
More Relationships Words
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