Learn Korean: Verb + 힘

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 힘. 힘 means power or energy. We use this to express that we are not capable of doing something at the moment because of lack of energy. For example, I came home late one night because I had a drink with my boss and colleagues. I ingested a large amount of alcohol so I was literally exhausted physically and mentally. My wife welcomed me with a nag about financial matter and she wouldn’t stop berating me. In my condition, how could I possibly understand her? So I said I can’t fight with you right now (because I have no energy to do so). The main verb is 싸우다 (to fight). We take the verb stem (싸우) and attach ㄹ (싸울). If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use 을. Then, we add 힘(이) 없다. It means to have no power/energy. The actual sentence is (너랑) 싸울 힘(이) 없어(요).

먹을 힘이 없어.

I have no energy to eat.

펜 잡을 힘 없어요.

I can’t hold a pen. I am too weak to do it.

요리할 힘 없어.

I am too weak to cook.