Good Luck in Korean: Perfect Ways to Express It

If you love K-dramas, you probably know that "Fighting!" is a way to cheer someone on, but what is the origin of this expression? Why do Koreans say it, and when is it appropriate to use?

Here, I will explore this Korean word for luck, basic ways of expressing good luck in Korean, and specific Korean phrases used in different situations to wish someone good luck.

The Korean word for luck

In Korean, the word for luck is written as '운' (un) which means good fortune or luck. You can use it in sentences such as:
- 그는 모든 일에 운이 없어요 (geuneun modeun ire uni eopseoyo) - He is unlucky in all his endeavors.

Other ways to express "Good Luck" in Korean include:
- 좋은 운 (joeun un) - literally translates to "good" "fortune"
- 행운 (haengun) - this word can also mean “good fortune.”

For instance, you can use the following phrases:

- 행운을 빌어주세요 (haenguneul bireojuseyo) Please wish me luck.

- 이번에는 좋은 운을 빌어 봅니다 (ibeoneun joeun uneul bireo bomnida) I hope for good luck this time.

The Korean word for "lucky" is 운이 좋다 (uni jota). It can also be written as "행운이다" (haengunida) which means fortunate.
Here are some examples:

- 오늘 운이 좋았어요 (oneul uni joasseoyo) Today was a lucky day for me.
- 너를 만난 건 행운이야 (neoreul mannan geon haenguniya) I was lucky to meet you.

"Good fortune" in Korean

If you want to use the expression "good fortune" in Korean, you can use "행운" (haengun). For example:

- 그의 행운이 부러워요 (geuui haenguni bureowoyo) - I envy his good fortune.

Basic ways of wishing good luck in Korean

1. Fighting - 화이팅 (Hwaiting)

“Hwaiting”, also spelled as "Fighting", is Konglish (Korean mixed with English) for the English word, "fighting". However, it does not mean actual fighting, but instead it is used to trigger encouragement, support and cheering for someone. It implies wishing someone the best of luck and to empower them to give it their all. 

This expression is commonly used in various K-dramas and shows to encourage and wish someone good luck in Korean. Koreans use this expression to uplift their peers and friends in any kind of situation like an interview, exam, and even life itself. It is also used in social media interactions, such as commenting on posts or sending messages to show support. Besides, you may hear Hwaiting at a sporting event, where fans will shout it to support their team.

 
Here's an example: 항상 화이팅! (hangsang hwaiting!) - Good luck always!

Where "Fighting!" Came From

The word "Fighting!" has a mysterious history. Most people think it comes from the English word "fight". Some possible origins are:
- It was inspired by the English cheer, "Fight, team!".
- It's a Korean war invention. During the Korean war, competing Korean merchants reportedly engaged in physical fights. The American soldiers enjoyed watching the merchants fight and shouted "Fight! Fight! Fight!" to egg them on. 
- It was popularized when KTF telecom used "Korea Team Fighting!" as a slogan for the World Cup in 2002.
- The first time it appeared in print was in 1965, in a Chosun Ilbo article about a company sports event.
- It originated from the Japanese "fight-o".

How to Write Hwaiting in Korean

Hwaiting can be written in two ways in Korean: 

- 화이팅 (Hwaiting)
- 파이팅 (Phaiting)

You may use either spelling without changing the meaning. They are the same. It's important to note that the letter "F" does not exist in the Korean alphabet, so "Phaiting" is used as an alternative.

How to Say Hwaiting in Korean?

The correct pronunciation of 'hwaiting' is 'hwa-iting'. The 'hwa' is pronounced like 'hwa' in Hawaii, and 'iting' is pronounced like 'e-ting'.

How to Spell Hwaiting in Korean? 

The Korean term for 'hwaiting' is spelled as 화이팅 in hangul. However, it is important to note that in the English romanization system, there are variations of spelling (such as hwaiting, fighting, fighiting, hwighting, etc.) due to the differences in transliteration methods and personal preferences.

Alternatives to Hwaiting in Korean 

While 'hwaiting' is the most commonly used phrase, there are other phrases that convey similar meanings, such as "daebak," which means "awesome," "amazing," or "great job," and "jjang," which means "the best" or "number one."

Fighting or Hwaiting? 

Both 'fighting' and 'hwaiting' are used interchangeably. The English word 'fighting' is borrowed and transliterated into Korean as 'hwaiting' to show support and encouragement.

Aja Aja Fighting in Korean 

Another variation of the term 'hwaiting' is 'aja aja hwaiting' (아자 아자 화이팅) or 'aja aja fighting' (아자 아자 파이팅), which has a stronger and more enthusiastic connotation. The term 'aja aja' is derived from the Korean word 'ajayo,' which means "let's do it" or "let's go," and is equivalent to "come on" or "let's go" in English.

2. Good Luck (Formal) - 잘보세요 (Jal Boseyo)

In Korean culture, formalities are highly valued, and one needs to be mindful of the proper level of formality when addressing someone. The phrase “잘보세요” (jal boseyo) is commonly used to express good luck in formal situations.

It shows respect and is a polite way of wishing someone well and is used to address someone who is older or of a higher social rank. Here's an example: 공연 잘 하세요! (gongyeon jal haseyo!) - Good luck with the performance!

3. Good Luck (Informal) - 잘봐 (Jalbwa)

If you want to express good luck in a more casual tone to your friends or people who are your age, you can use the phrase "잘봐" (Jalbwa).

Its direct translation is "see well," and it is usually followed by the words 시험 (siheom), which means exam, or 면접 (myeonjeob), which means job interview. Here's an example: 오늘 시험 잘봐! (oneul sihom jalbwa) – See today’s exam well!/Good luck with today’s exam!

Tips:
If you want to use an informal version of "Good Luck" in Korean, you can use "잘봐" (jalbwa) or "화이팅" (hwaiting). "잘봐" can be used when you are talking to a close friend, and "화이팅" can be used with friends or family members.
Examples:
오늘 시험 잘봐! (oneul siheom jalbwa!) - Good luck with today’s exam!
우리 아들, 시험 화이팅! (uri adeul siheom hwaiting!) - My son, good luck on your exam!/I'm so proud of you, my son! You're going to ace your exam!

4. Good Luck (Standard) - 잘봐요 (Jalbwayo)

This phrase uses a standard level of formality that’s not too casual but not too formal either. If you don’t know the person you want to wish luck to that well, you can add “요” (yo) to make it more polite. The phrase becomes 잘봐요 (jalbwayo).

Here's an example: 면접을 잘봐요! (Myeonjeobeul jalbwayo!) – See the job interview well!/Good luck with your job interview!

Specific Korean phrases to wish good luck

1. Good Luck with Your Test - 시험 잘 보세요 (Siheom Jal Boseyo)

In Korean culture, education is highly valued, and students often strive to do their best. To wish someone good luck on a test or exam, the formal phrase “시험 잘 보세요” (Siheom Jal Boseyo) is a respectful way to show support. You can use this with anyone, especially those who are older than you or in a higher position.

Here's an example: 시험 잘 보세요! (siheom jal boseyo) – Good luck with the exam!

2. Good Luck with Your Interview - 면접 잘 보세요 (Myeonjeop Jal Boseyo)

In Korea, job interviews are considered essential and can cause a lot of stress. To wish someone good luck before an important job interview, you can use the formal phrase “면접 잘 보세요” (Myeonjeop Jal Boseyo) as a sign of respect and support. You can also say,” 면접 잘 봐” (Myeonjeop Jal bwa) if it’s a more informal situation.

3. ‘All the Best’ in Korean

The English phrase "all the best" can be expressed in Korean as “행운을 빌어요” (haenguneul bireoyo). You may shorten it as “행운을 빌어” (haenguneul bireo) for informal use.

Examples:
당신의 행운을 빌어그의 행운이 부러워요 (geuui haenguni bureowoyo) - I envy his good fortune.

Tips:
You can use this phrase to greet someone or bid farewell to them.
For instance, you can say "행운을 빌어요" to someone who is about to take an exam or go for a job interview.
However, if you want to say "I wish you all the best" to someone, you can use the phrase "행운을 빌게요" (haenguneul bilgeyo).

4. "You Can Do it" in Korean

If you want to encourage someone and tell them that they can do it, you can use the phrase "할 수 있어요" (hal su isseoyo), which means "you can do it" in English.

For informal language, you can use the phrase "넌 할 수 있어" (neon hal su isseo).

5. 잘 하고 와(요) (Jal-ha-go-wa-(yo))

This phrase is similar to the previous one but with an added element of "returning." It means you're wishing someone to "do well and come back" or "come back with good news." It's often used when someone is going on a trip, taking an exam, participating in an event, or any situation when they're leaving for a while and coming back.

When speaking to someone older and in a formal setting, it's appropriate to add "요" at the end of the sentence. For instance, "잘 해요" instead of "잘 해."

If you're addressing someone with whom you're close, you can include titles like "oppa" (오빠), "nuna" (누나, 언니), "hyung" (형), etc. For example, "형 잘 하고 와!" or "누나 화이팅!"

6. Good Luck with Your Doctor Visit

If you want to wish someone good luck with their doctor's appointment, you can say "의사 방문 잘 하세요" (Uisa bangmun jal haseyo). This translates to "visit your doctor well."

Lucky Objects

Like many cultures, Korea has its own superstitions surrounding good fortune. Here are some lucky objects and charms in Korea:

- Pigs: In Korean culture, pigs symbolize wealth and prosperity. That's why images of pigs are prevalent during the Lunar New Year, when people wish for good luck and fortune.

- Baby teeth: It's a common belief that preserving baby teeth can bring good luck and fortune to the family. Parents often keep their children's baby teeth as lucky charms.

Is crow bad luck or good luck in Korea?

A black bird is a bad omen in Korean culture. If you see one in the morning when you leave your house, you will have a terrible day. This reminds me of how some people think that crows are a sign of death. Koreans believe that when a crow cries, it signals death for someone nearby. This comes from the fact that crows not only eat living creatures but also feast on the dead.

What colors are good luck in Korean?

There are many colors that have positive meanings and symbolism in Korea. Here are some of them:

- Red: Red is a color of passion, energy, and prosperity. It is also associated with the sun and fire, which are sources of life and warmth. Red is often worn by brides and grooms on their wedding day to wish for a happy and prosperous marriage.
- Yellow: A color of joy, optimism, and wisdom. It is also the color of the earth and harvest, which represent abundance and wealth. Yellow is often used to decorate homes and businesses to attract good fortune and happiness.
- Green: Green is a color of nature, harmony, and health. It is also the color of jade, which is a precious stone that symbolizes longevity and protection. Green is often worn by people who want to promote peace and harmony in their lives.
- White: White is a color of purity, innocence, and cleanliness. It is also the color of snow and moonlight, which are symbols of beauty and grace. White is often worn by people who want to show respect and sincerity to others.

Last words

With these words meaning good luck in Korean, you can cheer on your friends and family as they tackle challenging situations. Remember, "Fighting!" is not just a phrase in K-dramas - it's an essential part of the country's culture.