hangsang (항상) — Korean Word Meaning

Dictionary — Entry No. 0678

항상

hangsang · adverb

Dictionary beginner

항상

hangsang

[HANG-sang]

adverbbeginner

Meaning

Always / at all times — an adverb of unwavering constancy that modifies verbs and adjectives. It expresses permanent states, lifelong commitments, and unconditional loyalty. It’s a word that carries the weight of a promise.

K-Pop & K-Drama Context

항상 is one of the most beloved words in K-Pop fan culture. Idols close every speech with 항상 감사해요 (I’m always grateful), and fans respond 항상 응원할게요 (I’ll always cheer for you). BTS’s ‘2! 3! (둘! 셋!)’ is practically an anthem built around 항상 — it’s a direct thank-you letter to ARMY that uses the word to express permanent gratitude.

Example Sentences

항상 고마워.

Hangsang gomawa.

I’m always grateful for you. (warm, casual — used toward friends and loved ones)

항상 네 편이야.

Hangsang ne pyeoniya.

I’m always on your side. (a declaration of unconditional support)

항상 행복하세요.

Hangsang haengbokhaseyo.

May you always be happy. (a blessing used in farewells and well-wishes — formal)

⚠️ Don’t use hangsang when…

항상 and 언제나 both translate as ‘always’ and are largely interchangeable, but 언제나 leans slightly more literary while 항상 is more natural in spoken Korean — learning only one and ignoring the other leaves gaps. Second, don’t confuse 항상 (always) with 여전히 (yeojeonhi/still, meaning something hasn’t changed) — they overlap in feel but 여전히 implies contrast with a past state.

🎵 Heard In

K-Drama: Descendants of the Sun (태양의 후예) — Captain Yoo Si-jin tells Kang Mo-yeon 항상 지켜줄게 (I will always protect you) in one of the most quoted lines in K-Drama history.
K-Pop: BTS — 2! 3! (둘! 셋!)

ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.

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