What does 화이팅 (hwaiting) mean?
- 화이팅hwaiting
You can do it! / Go!
Fine in most situations
화이팅 (hwaiting) is a Korean cheer that means "You can do it!", "Good luck!" or "Go!". It comes from the English word "fighting", but it has nothing to do with fighting.
Where it comes from
화이팅 is borrowed from English "fighting". The officially recommended spelling is 파이팅, but 화이팅 is extremely common.
How to use 화이팅
Say 화이팅 to encourage someone before an exam, interview, game or long day. You can put a word before it, like 시험 화이팅! (Good luck on your exam!)
It is friendly and widely used at school, at work and in sports. People often say it with a raised fist. With someone much older or senior, 힘내세요 (Please cheer up / keep going) can sound more respectful.
Do not translate it back into English as "fighting" when speaking to English speakers, as it can confuse them. "You've got this" is closer.
Examples
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Texting a friend the night before an exam
Starting the morning with your team
Cheering at a game
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 파이팅 | You can do it! | Official spelling, same meaning. |
| 힘내 | Cheer up / Hang in there | Casual. |
| 힘내세요 | Please keep going | Polite. |
| 아자 아자 화이팅 | Let's go, you can do it! | Extra energetic cheer. |
Questions learners ask
Why do Koreans say fighting?
화이팅 is a loanword from English "fighting" that came to mean "You can do it!" in Korean.
Is it hwaiting or paiting?
Both are used. 파이팅 is the officially recommended spelling, but 화이팅 is very common.
Can I say hwaiting to my boss?
It is common at work and usually fine. With someone much more senior, 힘내세요 can sound more respectful.