Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tough Cookie" in Korean
“Tough Cookie” in Korean is 강인한 사람 (pronounced "Ganginha Saram").
강인한 사람
Ganginha Saram
Usage & Context
A tough cookie is a person who is strong and difficult to defeat or upset. In Korean culture, being strong and resilient is greatly admired.
Example Sentence
그 사람은 어떤 역경에도 굴하지 않는 강인한 사람이에요.
That person is a tough cookie who does not yield to any adversity.
How to use 강인한 사람 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tough Cookie” is 강인한 사람, romanized as Ganginha Saram.
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 강인한 사람.
Pronunciation Guide
For 강인한 (Gang-in-han), 'Gang' sounds like the start of 'gangster,' 'in' like the English word 'in,' and 'han' like 'han' in 'Hannah.' For 사람 (Sa-ram), 'Sa' is like 'sa' in 'salsa,' and 'ram' is like the animal 'ram.' The stress is fairly even across syllables.
More Example Sentences
Talking about a resilient elder in a family.
우리 할머니는 정말 강인한 분이셨어. 힘든 시절을 다 이겨내셨지.
My grandmother was a truly tough cookie. She overcame all the difficult times.
Praising an athlete's resilience and determination.
그 선수는 부상에도 불구하고 경기를 끝까지 뛰는 강인한 정신력을 보여줬어요.
That athlete showed a tough cookie spirit, playing until the end despite the injury.
Giving encouragement or advice to someone facing challenges.
아무리 힘든 상황이 와도 꿋꿋하게 버티는 강인한 사람이 되어야 해.
You need to become a tough cookie who endures steadfastly no matter how difficult the situation.
Cultural Context
In Korean culture, resilience (강인함) is a highly admired virtue, often seen as a strength passed down through generations, especially given Korea's history of overcoming adversity. Phrases like '강인한 정신력' (tough mental strength) are common in sports, business, and daily life to describe someone who doesn't give up easily. It's a positive trait, often associated with the 'fighting spirit' (투지) frequently depicted in K-dramas where characters face immense challenges.
Editorial note
We review entries like 강인한 사람 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
강인한 정신력
Strong mental fortitude
강인한 의지
Strong will
강인한 생명력
Strong vitality/resilience (of life)
Related Expressions
강철 멘탈
Gangcheol Mental
Steel mental (strong mindset)
외유내강
Oeyu Naegang
Gentle outside, strong inside (iron fist in a velvet glove)
끈기 있는 사람
Kkeungi Inneun Saram
Persistent person
나약한 사람
Nayakan Saram
Weak person (antonym)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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