Korean words in the Oxford English DictionaryLanguage
Fighting! (파이팅) — a cheer of encouragement
In Korean, “fighting” (파이팅 or 화이팅) is a cheer that means “You can do it!”. The OED lists the Korean sense as encouragement.
OED update: September 2021Korean: 파이팅 / 화이팅Used to cheer someone onUpdated Oct 20, 2026
Study Korean
Paid links · Store and booking links on this page are affiliate links: when you buy or book through them, K for All earns a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stock and shipping change, so check the store before you buy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Hangeul Master (TTMIK Books)
A beginner book for learning to read and write Hangeul.
-
Example image
Korean keyboard stickers (Softamm, 5-in-1)
Stickers that put Hangeul on your keyboard so you can type Korean words.
What it means
Korean “fighting!” has nothing to do with brawling. You say it before an exam, a match or a hard day: “Good luck!”, “You've got this!”.
In the OED
The OED added “fighting” in the Korean sense in its September 2021 update. Press coverage quotes the definition as “to express encouragement, incitement, or support”.
How it's used in Korea
People often say it with a raised fist, or write 화이팅 in a message to a friend. Both 파이팅 and 화이팅 are seen; check the National Institute of Korean Language for the standard spelling.
Example
“내일 시험 파이팅!” (Good luck on tomorrow's exam!)