In today’s blog, we will learn about the phrase 화이팅.
화이팅 (romanized “hwaiting” but pronounced more like “hoy-ting”), is used as a cheer or word of encouragement–like “Let’s go” or “Do your best”–but can also be used as “good luck” to someone before a test or endeavor of some kind. However, 화이팅 is actually a 비표준어(non-proper language) as the correct word is 파이팅.
파이팅 is actually the standard in written Korean, but it has evolved into 화이팅 throughout the years due to the pronunciation. Do remember the correct writing for fighting should still be 파이팅 when used in exams/etc.
Other ways to cheer on in Korean:
At sporting events, the crowd will cheer on their team with 화이팅, sometimes preceded by 아자, 아자! just to get pumped up, and in international matches: 대한민국, 회이팅!! or even 코리아 화이팅!!
아자 can used similarly as “Let’s go” or “Let’s do it” alone, as well as with 화이팅. You can also say gain strength (힘내라 or 힘내자). While 응원하다 is the action verb meaning “to cheer on”.
Did you know the difference between 파이팅 and 화이팅 before our blog post today? Share this with your friends!
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Happy learning, fighting! 즐거운 공부 되세요! 파이팅!