Life can be a rollercoaster, with its share of ups and downs. During the challenging moments, whether you’re comforting a friend or seeking support yourself in a Korean-speaking environment, the right words can make a world of difference.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a collection of Korean phrases that convey empathy, encouragement, and comfort when someone is going through a hard time. These phrases will help you navigate difficult conversations and offer solace in times of need.
Expressing Empathy – Korean Phrases of Comfort
Expressing empathy is a powerful way to connect with someone going through a hard time. These Korean phrases show that you not only recognize the challenges they face but also genuinely care about their well-being. Your words of understanding and support can provide much-needed comfort and encouragement during difficult moments.
이해해요
(ihaehaeyo)
Translation: I understand.
Sometimes, a simple “I understand” can go a long way in conveying empathy and letting the person know that you comprehend their situation.
너의 감정을 이해해
(neoui gamjeongeul ihaehae)
Translation: I understand your emotions.
Specify that you not only understand the situation but also empathize with their emotional state, which can provide great comfort.
정말 힘들겠지만, 넌 강해
(jeongmal himdeulgetjiman, neon ganghae)
Translation: It’s really tough, but you’re strong.
Acknowledge the difficulty of the situation while emphasizing their inner strength and resilience.
힘들죠?
(himdeuljyo?)
Translation: It must be tough, isn’t it?
Begin by acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. This phrase shows empathy and an understanding of the person’s feelings.
나는 니 편이야
(naneun ni pyeon-ei-ya)
Translation: I’ll be by your side too.
Reassure the person that you’re there to offer support and comfort during their tough times.
많이 힘들었겠다
(manhi himdeureotgetda)
Translation: It must have been very difficult.
Validate the person’s feelings by acknowledging the magnitude of their struggle.
Offering Reassurance – Korean Phrases of Comfort and Support
우리 함께 이겨내자
(uri hamkke igyeonaeja)
Translation: Let’s overcome this together.
Express unity and solidarity, emphasizing that you’re both in this together, facing the challenge as a team.
니 옆에 있을게
(ni yeop-e iteulge)
Translation: I’ll stay by your side.
Reiterate your unwavering support and presence, emphasizing that you won’t leave them to face their difficulties alone.
지금은 힘들겠지만, 시간이 지나면 괜찮아질 거예요
(jigeumeun himdeulgetjiman, sigani jinamyeon gwaenchanaeil geoyeyo)
Translation: It might be tough now, but with time, it will get better.
Offer a perspective of hope, emphasizing that challenges are temporary and that better days lie ahead.
Validating Feelings
당신의 감정을 존중해요
(dangsinui gamjeong-eul jonjunghaeyo)
Translation: I respect your feelings/emotions
Show respect for the person’s emotions, even if you may not fully understand their experience.
힘들다고 느껴지면 얘기해주세요
(himdeuldago neukkyeojimyeon yaegihaejuseyo)
Translation: If it feels tough, please talk about it.
Encourage open communication, assuring them that you’re willing to listen and provide support.
내가 언제든 당신의 말을 들어줄게요
(naega eonjedeun dansineui marleul deul-eo-jul-ge-yo)
Translation: I’ll listen to you anytime.
Reassure them that you’re available to lend an empathetic ear whenever they need to talk.
Expressing empathy is a powerful way to connect with someone going through a hard time.
Offering Encouragement – Korean Phrases of Comfort
Offering encouragement through these phrases can provide the motivation and confidence someone needs to persevere through tough times. By emphasizing progress, determination, and self-belief, you can be a source of inspiration and support during their journey to overcome challenges.
넌 할 수 있어
(neon hal su isseo)
Translation: You can do it.
Offer words of encouragement to boost the person’s confidence and motivation.
절대 포기하지 마
(jeoldae pogihaji ma)
Translation: Never give up.
Reinforce their determination to keep pushing forward and not surrender to adversity.
한 걸음씩 나아가봐
(han georeumssik naagabwa)
Translation: Take it one step at a time.
Or it can be said
차근 차근 해나가봐
(chageun chageun hae-na-ga-bwa)
Encourage them to approach their challenges gradually, emphasizing progress over perfection.
꾸준히 노력하면 성공할 거예요
(kkujunhi noryeokhamyeon seonggonghal geoyeyo)
Translation: If you keep working steadily, you will succeed.
Encourage persistence and hard work by highlighting the potential for success through dedication.
포기하지 말고 계속 도전해봐
(pogihaji malgo gyesok dojeonhaebwa)
Translation: Don’t give up and keep challenging yourself.
Inspire resilience and a proactive mindset by encouraging them to persist in their efforts.
너의 노력은 결코 헛되지 않을 거예요
(neo-eui noryeogeun gyeolko heotdoji anheul geoyeyo)
Translation: Your efforts will never be in vain.
Remind them that their hard work and determination will ultimately yield positive results.
Emphasizing Progress – Korean Phrases of Comfort
가끔은 쉬어도 돼
(gakkemeun swieodo dwae)
Translation: It’s okay to take a break sometimes.
Acknowledge the importance of self-care and the need to recharge while pursuing goals.
작은 성취도 축하해
(jageun seongchido chukhahae)
Translation: Celebrate small achievements too.
Encourage them to recognize and celebrate even minor milestones along the way.
모든 시작은 어려워
(modeun sijageun eoryeowo)
Translation: Every beginning is difficult.
Remind them that it’s normal for the early stages of any endeavor to present challenges, but with time, it gets easier.
Fostering Determination – Comfort and Support in Korean
자신을 믿어
(jasineul mideo)
Translation: Believe in yourself.
Boost their self-confidence and self-belief, emphasizing that they have the capability to overcome obstacles.
어렵다면 더 노력하자
(eoryeopdamyeon deo noryeokhaja)
Translation: If it’s difficult, let’s try even harder.
Encourage a strong work ethic and a willingness to push through challenges with increased effort.
오늘은 더 나은 내일을 위한 준비야
(oneureun deo naeun naeil-eul wihan junbiya)
Translation: Today is preparation for a better tomorrow.
Remind them that their current efforts are an investment in a brighter future.
Providing Comfort – Korean Phrases of Comfort
These phrases offer emotional comfort, encouragement, and reassurance to those navigating difficult moments. By expressing understanding, self-belief, and optimism for the future, you can provide a source of strength and comfort to help them overcome challenges with greater resilience.
슬픈 마음이 이해돼
(seulpeun maeumi ihaedwae)
Translation: I understand your sadness.
Express your understanding of their emotional state and offer comfort.
너를 믿어봐
(neoreul mideo bwa)
Translation: Trust in yourself.
Encourage self-belief and self-empowerment during difficult moments.
모든 게 잘 될 거야
(modeun ge jal doel geoya)
Translation: Everything will turn out well.
Provide reassurance and optimism about the future.
당신은 특별해요
(dangshineun teukbyeolhaeyo)
Translation: You are special.
Remind them of their uniqueness and worth, providing emotional comfort during difficult moments.
Encouraging Self-Belief – Korean Phrases of Comfort
자신을 믿어
(jasineul mideo)
Translation: Believe in yourself.
Offer support for their self-esteem and self-assurance, emphasizing the importance of self-belief during tough times.
당신은 할 수 있어요
(dangshineun hal su isseoyo)
Translation: You can do it.
Informal version:
너는 할 수 있어
(neoneun hal su isseo)
Reinforce their self-confidence and capabilities, encouraging them to face challenges with determination.
내일은 더 나아질 거예요
(naeil-eun deo naajil geoyeyo)
Translation: Tomorrow will be better.
Offer hope and comfort by expressing optimism about the future, emphasizing the potential for improvement.
Reassuring about the Future – Korean Phrases of Comfort
우리 함께 힘을 모아서 어려움을 극복해봐요
(uri hamkke him-eul moaseo eoryeoum-eul geugboghaebwayo)
Translation: Let’s gather our strength together and overcome this challenge.
Offer comfort by emphasizing collaboration and mutual support as a means to face difficulties.
무슨 어려움이 있더라도, 우리 함께 있을 거예요
(museun eoryeoumi issdeorado, uri hamkke isseul geoyeyo)
Translation: Whatever challenges come our way, we’ll face them together.
Reinforce the idea of togetherness and mutual support during tough times.
오늘은 우리가 함께 있으니까 괜찮아요
(oneul-eun uriga hamkke iss-eunikka gwaenchanaeyo)
Translation: Today, we’re together, so it’s okay.
Provide immediate comfort by emphasizing the strength of your presence and support.
Showing Support – Korean Phrases of Comfort
These phrases reinforce your commitment to being there for someone during tough times, emphasizing unity, support, and gratitude. By offering your assistance and showing appreciation for their presence, you can create a strong support system and help them navigate challenging situations with confidence and resilience.
언제든지 도와줄게
(eonjedeunji dowajulge)
Translation: I’ll help you anytime.
Offer your assistance and support, demonstrating your willingness to be there for them.
내 옆에 있어줘서 고마워
(nae yeope isseojwoseo gomawo)
Translation: Thank you for being by my side.
Express gratitude for their presence and support during challenging times.
함께 해낼 수 있어
(hamkke haenael su isseo)
Translation: We can get through this together.
Emphasize the strength of unity and the power of facing challenges as a team.
내가 언제든 당신을 듣고 있을게요
(naega eonjedeun dangsineul deutgo isseulgeyo)
Translation: I’ll listen to you anytime.
Reiterate your availability to lend an empathetic ear whenever they need to talk or share their thoughts and feelings.
네 곁을 떠나지 않을게
(ne gyeoteul tteonaji anheulge)
Translation: I won’t leave your side.
Provide assurance that you’ll remain steadfast and supportive, no matter the challenges they face.
언제든 내게 맡겨봐
(eonjedeun naege matgyeobwa)
Translation: Entrust anything to me anytime.
Convey your readiness to assist with any task or challenge they may encounter.
Emphasizing Unity – Korean Phrases of Comfort
함께 해낼 수 있어
(hamkke haenael su isseo)
Translation: We can get through this together.
Emphasize the strength of unity and the power of facing challenges as a team, highlighting the collective effort to overcome difficulties.
우리가 함께 있으니까 괜찮아
(uriga hamkke isseunikka gwaenchana)
Translation: It’s okay because we’re together.
Provide immediate comfort by emphasizing the strength of your presence and support.
우리는 하나야
(urineun hana-ya)
Translation: We are one.
Highlight the sense of unity and togetherness, reinforcing that you’re all in this as a united front.
Gratitude and Appreciation – Korean Phrases of Comfort
네 곁에 있어서 행복해
(ne gyeote isseoseo haengbokhae)
Translation: I’m happy to be by your side.
Express your contentment and gratitude for the opportunity to support and be with them during challenging times.
감사해요
(gamsahaeyo)
Translation: Thank you.
A simple yet powerful expression of gratitude for their trust and for allowing you to be a source of support.
니가 있어서 행복해
(ni ga isseoseo haengbokhae)
Translation: I’m happy because you’re here.
Convey your happiness and appreciation for their presence and the positive impact it has on your life.
In times of adversity, the right words can provide solace and strength. These Korean phrases of comfort and support offer a helping hand and a kind heart when someone needs it most. Whether you’re consoling a friend, offering encouragement, or seeking support yourself, remember that empathy and kindness are universal languages that transcend borders and cultures.
Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
Thank you for reading 🙂
If you want to check out my other post about Practical Korean sentences from greetings to socializing, please click here.