An international student asked me this question. "Teacher, when I said 'Fighting!' to a friend going to take an exam, the people next to us all laughed together. Why?" It's exam season these days. The CSAT is also next month, so you hear this phrase a lot. ## It's not a call to fight In English, "fighting" means being in the middle of a fight. But in Korea, "화이팅" means "Cheer up!" or "Let's do our best!" A phrase once shouted at sporting events entered everyday life, and its meaning changed. So it's used for everything from exams and job interviews to sports days and even toasts. You can say it to a friend, to your team, or to yourself. ## Why "Hwaiting" Instead of "Hang in There" "Hang in there" can sound like you're telling someone who's already exhausted to do even more. "Hwaiting" is short and light, so it feels less of a burden. And when a group shouts it together, it also feels like "you're not alone." On the morning of the CSAT, the underclassmen stand in front of the school gate and cry out, "Seniors, hwaiting!" They shout it out loud. It's less about the meaning of the words and more about showing the feeling of "we're right here with you." ## What to Say in These Situations When a friend is going to take an exam, say "Fighting!" One phrase is enough. Adding a tightly clenched fist makes it even better. For teachers or older people at work, "I'll be cheering for you" or "Good luck on it" is more polite. For someone who has finished all their exams, say "You worked hard" instead of "You can do it!" This phrase suits people who have already pulled it off much better.