Korean word

힘

Pronunciation

Romanizationhim

Meaning

  • nounstrength

Example

그는 힘이 세다.keu neun hi mi se da

He is strong.

Illustration for 힘 (strength)

More examples

응원해 줘서 힘을 냈어요.eung won hae chwo seo hi meul nae sseo yo

I gained strength because you cheered me on.

Core concept

A body's physical force for moving things and lasting through effort.

Common phrases

  • 힘을 내다hi meul nae da

    muster strength

  • 힘이 나다hi mi na da

    gain strength

  • 힘을 모으다hi meul mo eu da

    gather strength

Similar words

에너지eneoji: Inner fuel that keeps the body or mind active and lively.
체력cheryeok: Physical reserve that helps the body stay active and recover after effort.
기운kiun: A sense of vitality or will that helps a person feel ready to act.

Definition in Korean

몸을 움직이거나 물건을 들어 올리거나 오래 버틸 수 있는 신체적 능력mo meul um ji gi geo na mul geo neul teu reo ol li geo na o rae peo til ssu in neun sin che jeok neung nyeok

Word origin

This is a native Korean word, not a Sino-Korean borrowing, and it has long been used in everyday speech for bodily strength.

Usage tips

  • English strength can also describe courage, but this Korean word focuses first on what the body can physically do.

Other meanings

  • abilitynoun
  • staminanoun
  • powernoun

Opposites

  • 약함yakamweaknessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word