Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fighting (encouragement)" in Korean
“Fighting (encouragement)” in Korean is 파이팅 (pronounced "Paiting").
파이팅
Paiting
Usage & Context
A uniquely Korean expression of encouragement and support, borrowed from English 'fighting'. It's used to cheer someone on before an exam, competition, or difficult task. Often accompanied by a raised fist gesture. Essential Korean pop culture vocabulary.
Example Sentence
내일 시험이에요? 파이팅!
Exam tomorrow? Fighting! (You've got this!)
How to use 파이팅 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fighting (encouragement)” is 파이팅, romanized as Paiting.
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 파이팅.
Pronunciation Guide
파 (pa) sounds like 'pa' in 'papa'. 이 (i) is like 'ee' in 'see'. 팅 (ting) is like 'ting' in 'tingle', but with a soft 't' sound. The 'i' is often pronounced quickly, almost blending with 'pa' to sound like 'pai-ting'.
More Example Sentences
Encouraging someone before an important event.
면접 잘 봐요! 파이팅!
Do well on your interview! Fighting!
Cheering on a sports team during a game.
우리 팀, 끝까지 파이팅!
Our team, fighting until the end!
Encouraging someone who is working hard and tired.
밤새 공부하느라 힘들지? 조금만 더 파이팅!
It must be tough studying all night, right? Just a little more, fighting!
Cultural Context
파이팅 is one of the most iconic Korean expressions of encouragement, directly borrowed from English 'fighting' but used in a completely different context. It's not aggressive but rather a cheer, meaning 'You can do it!' or 'Go for it!'. Often accompanied by a raised fist gesture, especially in sports or competitive situations. Ubiquitous in K-dramas, K-pop, and daily life, from students before exams to athletes on the field. It embodies the Korean spirit of perseverance.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 파이팅 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
대한민국 파이팅!
Go Korea! (Common cheer for national teams)
시험 파이팅!
Good luck with your exam!
오늘 하루도 파이팅!
Fighting for today too! (Encouragement for the day ahead)
Related Expressions
힘내세요
Himnaeseyo
Cheer up / Be strong.
화이팅
Hwaiting
Fighting! (An alternative romanization/pronunciation, often used interchangeably).
응원합니다
Eungwonhamnida
I support you / I cheer for you.
잘 할 수 있어요!
Jal hal su isseoyo!
You can do it well!
More Greetings Words
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