격려하다 in 30 Seconds
- 격려하다 means to encourage or hearten someone, focusing on building their courage and confidence.
- It is a transitive verb (N을/를 격려하다) and is more formal than simple cheering (응원).
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and supportive family contexts to boost morale.
- It differs from 'comforting' (위로) by focusing on future action rather than just shared sadness.
The Korean verb 격려하다 (Gyeok-ryeo-ha-da) is a sophisticated yet common term that translates to 'to encourage' or 'to hearten.' At its core, it combines the Hanja characters 激 (격 - to surge/excite) and 勵 (려 - to strive/exert). This etymology suggests an action that stirs up someone's internal energy to help them strive harder toward a goal. Unlike simple cheering, 격려하다 implies a deeper level of emotional support and psychological reinforcement, often coming from a person in a position of guidance or care.
- Primary Nuance
- Providing the courage needed to continue a difficult task or to overcome a failure.
- Social Context
- Commonly used in professional, educational, and familial settings where mentorship occurs.
- Emotional Weight
- It carries a sense of warmth, sincerity, and belief in the other person's potential.
"선생님은 낙제한 학생을 따뜻하게 격려하며 다시 도전할 용기를 주셨다." (The teacher warmly encouraged the failing student, giving them the courage to try again.)
To understand 격려하다, one must distinguish it from '응원하다' (to cheer/root for). While '응원' is often loud and public (like at a sports game), '격려' is often a quiet, personal conversation that rebuilds a person's shattered confidence. It is the act of saying, "I see your effort, and I believe you can do it," when the recipient is most doubtful of themselves.
"힘든 시기를 겪고 있는 친구를 진심으로 격려해 주었다." (I sincerely encouraged my friend who was going through a hard time.)
- Synonym focus: 북돋우다
- While '격려하다' is formal, '북돋우다' (to boost/inspire) is often used for spirits or morale.
- Antonym focus: 낙담시키다
- The direct opposite is to discourage or cause someone to lose heart.
Using 격려하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the typical particles that accompany it. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes an object—the person or group being encouraged—marked by the object particle -을/를.
1. Basic Sentence Structure
The standard formula is: [Subject] + [Object] + 을/를 + 격려하다.
- 부모님은 나를 격려하신다. (My parents encourage me.)
- 감독님은 선수들을 격려했다. (The coach encouraged the players.)
2. Adverbial Pairings
To add depth to the action, specific adverbs are frequently used with 격려하다. These adverbs describe the manner of encouragement:
- 따뜻하게 (Warmly)
- Focuses on the emotional warmth and kindness of the support.
- 진심으로 (Sincerely)
- Emphasizes the honesty and depth of the speaker's feelings.
- 아낌없이 (Unsparingly)
- Suggests giving a lot of praise and support without holding back.
- 말없이 (Silently)
- Used when support is shown through presence or actions rather than words.
3. Using the Noun Form: 격려
The noun form 격려 is often used with verbs like 보내다 (to send), 아끼지 않다 (to not spare), or 받다 (to receive).
"그의 따뜻한 격려 한 마디가 나에게 큰 힘이 되었다."
(His single word of warm encouragement became a great strength to me.)
The word 격려하다 is a staple in formal and semi-formal Korean discourse. While you might use simpler words like '힘내' (Cheer up) in casual conversation, 격려하다 is what you'll see in news reports, literature, and official speeches.
1. In the Workplace
Managers and CEOs use this term during meetings or performance reviews to boost team morale. It's a key word in 'HR speak' (Human Resources).
- ▶ "팀장님은 프로젝트를 마친 팀원들을 격려하기 위해 회식을 제안했다." (The team leader suggested a dinner to encourage the team members who finished the project.)
2. In News and Media
When a public figure visits a disaster site or a training camp, the media always uses this word.
"대통령은 수해 복구 현장을 방문하여 자원봉사자들을 격려했습니다." (The President visited the flood recovery site and encouraged the volunteers.)
3. In Educational Settings
Teachers use it when discussing student progress with parents or in report cards.
- ▶ "학생의 잠재력을 믿고 지속적으로 격려해 주시기 바랍니다." (Please believe in the student's potential and continue to encourage them.)
4. Sports Commentary
When a player makes a mistake, the commentator might note how the captain approaches them to offer '격려'.
Even advanced learners sometimes confuse 격려하다 with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Here are the most frequent pitfalls:
1. 격려하다 vs. 응원하다
This is the most common confusion.
- 응원하다 (To cheer/root for): Usually happens during an event. It's external, loud, and often collective. Think of pom-poms and shouting.
- 격려하다 (To encourage): Often happens after a failure or before a challenge. It's internal, psychological, and focused on building spirit.
2. 격려하다 vs. 위로하다
While both involve emotional support, the goal is different.
- 위로하다 (To comfort/console): Focuses on sharing the sadness. It's about empathy for a loss.
- 격려하다 (To encourage): Focuses on moving forward. It's about providing strength to try again.
3. Wrong Particle Usage
Learners often try to use '에게' (to someone) because in English we say "give encouragement to someone." However, in Korean, you 'encourage someone' directly as an object.
친구에게 격려했다.
친구를 격려했다.
4. Over-formalizing
Using '격려하다' with a very close friend in a casual setting might sound a bit stiff or like a textbook. In casual settings, use "힘을 주다" (give strength) or "응원하다".
Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'support.' Choosing the right one depends on the context and the 'flavor' of the encouragement.
북돋우다 (Buk-dot-u-da)
To boost, to inspire, to fan the flames of someone's spirit.
"사기를 북돋우기 위해 이벤트를 열었다." (We held an event to boost morale.)
고무하다 (Go-mu-ha-da)
To inspire or stimulate (often used in artistic or intellectual contexts).
"그의 연설은 많은 청년들을 고무했다." (His speech inspired many young people.)
독려하다 (Dok-ryeo-ha-da)
To urge, to spur on (implies a bit more pressure to perform or finish).
"정부는 수출을 독려하고 있다." (The government is urging/spurring on exports.)
지지하다 (Ji-ji-ha-da)
To support, to back up (often used for opinions, candidates, or causes).
"나는 너의 결정을 전적으로 지지해." (I fully support your decision.)
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
-아/어 주다 (doing something for someone)
-게 (adverbializer)
-기 위해 (in order to)
-을/를 통해 (through...)
Honorific -시-
Examples by Level
선생님이 저를 격려해요.
The teacher encourages me.
Subject + Object + Verb
친구를 격려하세요.
Please encourage your friend.
Imperative form -세요
엄마가 저를 격려해 주셨어요.
Mom encouraged me (for my benefit).
-해 주다 (auxiliary verb for favor)
우리는 서로 격려해요.
We encourage each other.
서로 (each other)
격려가 필요해요.
I need encouragement.
Noun + 가 필요하다
따뜻하게 격려해요.
Encourage warmly.
Adverbial -게
아빠는 저를 항상 격려해요.
Dad always encourages me.
항상 (always)
격려해 줘서 고마워요.
Thank you for encouraging me.
-어서 고맙다 (reason for thanks)
실패한 친구를 격려해 주었습니다.
I encouraged my friend who failed.
Past tense -었습니다
선생님의 격려는 큰 힘이 됩니다.
The teacher's encouragement is a great strength.
Noun form '격려'
우리는 팀원들을 격려하기로 했어요.
We decided to encourage our team members.
-기로 하다 (decide to)
힘들어하는 동생을 격려했습니다.
I encouraged my younger sibling who was having a hard time.
Present participle -는
격려의 말을 전하고 싶어요.
I want to deliver words of encouragement.
-고 싶다 (want to)
그는 나를 진심으로 격려해 주었다.
He encouraged me sincerely.
진심으로 (sincerely)
서로 격려하며 공부해요.
Let's study while encouraging each other.
-하며 (while doing)
많은 사람들이 그 선수를 격려했다.
Many people encouraged that player.
Plural -들
실망한 아이를 따뜻하게 격려하는 것이 중요합니다.
It is important to warmly encourage a disappointed child.
-는 것이 중요하다 (it is important to...)
부장님은 직원들의 사기를 격려하기 위해 회식을 하셨다.
The manager had a team dinner to encourage the staff's morale.
-기 위해 (in order to)
그의 따뜻한 격려 덕분에 다시 시작할 수 있었다.
Thanks to his warm encouragement, I could start again.
덕분에 (thanks to)
어려운 상황일수록 서로를 격려해야 합니다.
The more difficult the situation, the more we must encourage each other.
-을수록 (the more...)
선생님은 학생들의 꿈을 격려하며 조언을 아끼지 않으셨다.
The teacher encouraged the students' dreams and didn't spare advice.
아끼지 않다 (not spare/not hold back)
실패를 두려워하지 말라고 격려해 주셨어요.
They encouraged me not to fear failure.
-라고 (indirect quotation)
누군가를 격려하는 일은 생각보다 쉽지 않다.
Encouraging someone is not as easy as one might think.
생각보다 (than thought)
따뜻한 말 한마디가 누군가에게는 큰 격려가 됩니다.
A single warm word can be a great encouragement to someone.
격려가 되다 (to become encouragement)
지도자는 구성원들을 격려하여 목표를 달성하도록 이끌어야 한다.
A leader should lead members to achieve goals by encouraging them.
-하도록 (so that/in order to)
정부는 중소기업의 성장을 격려하기 위한 정책을 발표했다.
The government announced policies to encourage the growth of small businesses.
-기 위한 (intended for)
그는 절망에 빠진 이웃들을 격려하는 데 앞장섰다.
He took the lead in encouraging neighbors who were in despair.
-는 데 앞장서다 (take the lead in...)
비난보다는 격려가 아이의 성장에 훨씬 효과적이다.
Encouragement is much more effective for a child's growth than criticism.
-보다 (than)
그의 연설은 좌절하고 있던 청년들을 다시금 격려했다.
His speech once again encouraged the frustrated youth.
다시금 (once again)
서로 격려하는 분위기가 조성될 때 업무 효율이 높아진다.
Work efficiency increases when an atmosphere of mutual encouragement is created.
분위기가 조성되다 (atmosphere is created)
부모의 격려를 받고 자란 아이는 자존감이 높다.
A child who grows up receiving parental encouragement has high self-esteem.
-고 자라다 (grow up doing/receiving)
어떤 시련이 와도 우리를 격려해 줄 사람이 곁에 있다는 것은 행복이다.
It is a blessing to have someone by our side who will encourage us no matter what trials come.
-는다는 것은 (the fact that...)
사회적 약자들을 격려하고 지원하는 제도적 장치가 마련되어야 한다.
Institutional mechanisms to encourage and support the socially vulnerable must be established.
제도적 장치 (institutional mechanism)
그 작가는 작품을 통해 독자들의 삶을 격려하고자 노력해 왔다.
The author has strived to encourage readers' lives through their work.
-고자 노력하다 (strive to...)
스포츠 정신은 승패를 떠나 서로를 격려하는 데 그 본질이 있다.
The essence of sportsmanship lies in encouraging each other regardless of victory or defeat.
본질이 있다 (the essence lies in...)
심리학자들은 긍정적인 자기 격려가 스트레스 해소에 도움이 된다고 조언한다.
Psychologists advise that positive self-encouragement helps in relieving stress.
자기 격려 (self-encouragement)
대통령은 신년사에서 국민들의 노고를 치하하며 격려의 메시지를 보냈다.
In the New Year's address, the President praised the people's hard work and sent a message of encouragement.
치하하다 (to praise/commend)
문화 예술의 진흥을 격려하기 위해 다양한 보조금이 지급되고 있다.
Various subsidies are being paid to encourage the promotion of culture and arts.
진흥 (promotion/advancement)
교사는 학생의 사소한 성취도 놓치지 않고 격려함으로써 학습 동기를 유발한다.
By encouraging even the minor achievements of students, teachers trigger learning motivation.
-함으로써 (by doing...)
역사적으로 위대한 지도자들은 위기의 순간마다 백성들을 격려하여 국난을 극복했다.
Historically, great leaders overcame national crises by encouraging the people at every moment of crisis.
국난을 극복하다 (overcome a national crisis)
인간의 존엄성을 수호하려는 의지를 격려하는 것은 문명의 의무이다.
Encouraging the will to protect human dignity is an obligation of civilization.
수호하다 (to protect/defend)
그 철학자는 고난 속에서도 인간 정신의 고귀함을 격려하는 글을 남겼다.
The philosopher left writings that encourage the nobility of the human spirit even amidst suffering.
고귀함 (nobility/loftiness)
창의적 사고를 격려하기 위해서는 기존의 틀을 깨는 교육 혁신이 선행되어야 한다.
To encourage creative thinking, educational innovation that breaks existing frameworks must come first.
선행되어야 한다 (must be preceded)
공동체의 결속을 격려하는 사회적 자본의 확충이 시급한 과제로 떠오르고 있다.
The expansion of social capital to encourage community solidarity is emerging as an urgent task.
결속 (solidarity/unity)
비판적 지성은 권력의 횡포에 맞서는 용기를 격려하는 등불이 되어야 한다.
Critical intelligence should be a lamp that encourages the courage to face the tyranny of power.
횡포 (tyranny/oppression)
예술가는 시대의 아픔을 위로하는 동시에 새로운 희망을 격려하는 선구자적 역할을 수행한다.
Artists perform a pioneering role in comforting the pain of the times while simultaneously encouraging new hope.
선구자적 역할 (pioneering role)
자아 실현을 향한 끊임없는 정진을 격려하는 사회적 분위기가 성숙한 사회의 척도이다.
A social atmosphere that encourages constant devotion toward self-actualization is the measure of a mature society.
정진 (devotion/striving)
학문적 탐구의 열정을 격려하고 지원하는 풍토가 조성되어야 비로소 지식 강국으로 거듭날 수 있다.
Only when a climate that encourages and supports the passion for academic inquiry is created can we be reborn as a knowledge powerhouse.
비로소 (finally/only then)
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
It is more about building internal strength than external cheering.
Very high in media, education, and workplace; moderate in daily casual speech.
Strongly paired with '따뜻하게' and '진심으로'.
- Using '에게' instead of '을/를'.
- Pronouncing it as [격려] instead of [경녀].
- Using it to mean 'praise' (칭찬) for a good result already achieved.
- Using it with a high-ranking superior in a way that sounds condescending.
- Confusing it with '응원하다' in a loud stadium setting.
Tips
Object Particle
Remember to use '을/를' for the person you are encouraging. Don't use '에게'.
Nasalization
Practice saying [경녀] slowly. The 'ㄱ' sound changes to 'ㅇ' and 'ㄹ' changes to 'ㄴ'.
Hierarchy
In Korea, encouragement usually flows from 'top to bottom' or between equals. Be careful using it with superiors.
Synonym Choice
Use '응원하다' for sports and '격려하다' for personal growth or overcoming failure.
Formal Letters
Start a supportive letter with '격려의 마음을 담아 이 글을 씁니다' (I write this with a heart of encouragement).
Honorifics
When a teacher encourages you, use '격려해 주셨어요' to show respect for their action.
In-jeong
Showing '격려' is a sign of being a warm-hearted person (인정이 많은 사람) in Korean society.
News Keywords
Listen for '격려' in news headlines about government officials visiting markets or factories.
Pep Talks
Use '따뜻한 격려 한마디' (one warm word of encouragement) to describe small but meaningful support.
Root Words
Associate '격' with 'excitement' and '려' with 'effort'. Exciting someone's effort!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Gyeok' as 'Gears' and 'Ryeo' as 'Rear'. You are pushing the 'Gears' from the 'Rear' to make the car (person) go forward!
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Cultural Context
The Korean education system is highly competitive, making '격려' from parents a crucial psychological support for students.
Managers often use '격려금' (incentive money) to show appreciation for hard work.
When someone encourages you, it is polite to respond with '덕분에 큰 힘이 되었습니다' (Thanks to you, it was a great strength).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"힘들어하는 친구를 어떻게 격려하면 좋을까요? (How should I encourage a friend who is struggling?)"
"가장 기억에 남는 격려의 말은 무엇인가요? (What is the most memorable word of encouragement you've received?)"
"부모님은 당신을 어떻게 격려하시나요? (How do your parents encourage you?)"
"실패했을 때 격려가 도움이 되었나요? (Did encouragement help when you failed?)"
"팀원들을 격려하는 자신만의 방법이 있나요? (Do you have your own way of encouraging team members?)"
Journal Prompts
오늘 나 자신을 어떻게 격려했는지 써 보세요. (Write about how you encouraged yourself today.)
누군가에게 진심 어린 격려를 받았던 경험을 기록하세요. (Record an experience where you received sincere encouragement from someone.)
격려가 사람의 인생을 어떻게 바꿀 수 있을까요? (How can encouragement change a person's life?)
내가 다른 사람을 격려할 때 주로 사용하는 말들. (Words I mainly use when encouraging others.)
격려와 비판 중 무엇이 더 성장에 도움이 된다고 생각하나요? (Which do you think is more helpful for growth: encouragement or criticism?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say '자기 격려' (self-encouragement). It means giving yourself a pep talk or staying positive during hard times.
Usually, a subordinate doesn't '격려' a boss because it implies a position of guidance. Instead, use '응원합니다' or '항상 지지합니다'.
위로 is for when someone is sad (like at a funeral). 격려 is for when someone needs courage to keep going (like before an exam).
It is pronounced as [경녀하다] due to the nasalization rule where 'ㄱ' meets 'ㄹ'.
Yes, it is very common. You will see it on banners, in cards, and in speeches.
It's rare. Usually, we use '칭찬하다' (praise) or '훈련시키다' (train). But in a poetic sense, you could.
It is a small monetary bonus given to employees or athletes to boost their morale.
Yes, it is considered a 'Hanja' word, making it more formal than native Korean equivalents like '힘을 주다'.
Yes, adding the particle '를' is grammatically correct and often used for emphasis.
The most direct opposite is '낙담' (discouragement) or '비난' (criticism).
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Summary
격려하다 is the essential Korean verb for providing psychological and emotional support. It is the act of 'stirring up' someone's inner strength to help them face challenges, making it a vital word for leadership, education, and deep friendship.
- 격려하다 means to encourage or hearten someone, focusing on building their courage and confidence.
- It is a transitive verb (N을/를 격려하다) and is more formal than simple cheering (응원).
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and supportive family contexts to boost morale.
- It differs from 'comforting' (위로) by focusing on future action rather than just shared sadness.
Object Particle
Remember to use '을/를' for the person you are encouraging. Don't use '에게'.
Nasalization
Practice saying [경녀] slowly. The 'ㄱ' sound changes to 'ㅇ' and 'ㄹ' changes to 'ㄴ'.
Hierarchy
In Korea, encouragement usually flows from 'top to bottom' or between equals. Be careful using it with superiors.
Synonym Choice
Use '응원하다' for sports and '격려하다' for personal growth or overcoming failure.
Example
선생님은 실패한 학생들을 따뜻하게 격려해 주셨다.
