Lyrics & Translation
Learning Korean through EXO's "History" offers a unique window into the ambitious and hopeful energy of a group on the verge of stardom. The song's lyrics are filled with powerful verbs and expressions of determination and unity, such as "일어나" (ireona - stand up/rise) and "강해질 수 있는 나" (ganghaejil su itneun na - I who can become stronger). What makes "History" special is its role as a declaration of intent; it's a piece of K-pop history itself, marking the beginning of EXO's journey to becoming one of the industry's most successful groups. By studying its lyrics, you can learn not just the language, but also the cultural context of a K-pop debut and the storytelling that defines the genre.
Key Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Meanings |
---|---|
heart /hɑːrt/ A1 |
|
dream /driːm/ A2 |
|
future /ˈfjuːtʃər/ A2 |
|
pain /peɪn/ B1 |
|
history /ˈhɪstəri/ B1 |
|
strong /strɔːŋ/ B1 |
|
world /wɜːrld/ A1 |
|
light /laɪt/ A1 |
|
magic /ˈmædʒɪk/ B2 |
|
sun /sʌn/ A1 |
|
time /taɪm/ A1 |
|
learn /lɜːrn/ A2 |
|
together /təˈɡeðər/ A2 |
|
break /breɪk/ B1 |
|
shout /ʃaʊt/ B1 |
|
exist /ɪɡˈzɪst/ B2 |
|
Do you remember what “heart” or “dream” means in "History"?
Hop into the app to practice now – quizzes, flashcards, and native-like pronunciation are waiting!
Key Grammar Structures
-
내 심장이 뛰지를 않아
➔ Negative form with verb + 지 않다 (or 안 + verb)
➔ Indicates the negative, meaning 'not doing' or 'not'.
-
우리는 점점점 멀어져 가
➔ Progressive aspect with 가다 to express ongoing change
➔ Combining the verb with 가다 emphasizes ongoing movement or change.
-
내일이 바로 끝인지도 몰라
➔ Ending with -지도 모르다 to express possibility or uncertainty
➔ Indicates the speaker's uncertainty about the statement.
-
갈수록, 갈수록, 갈수록
➔ The construction 갈수록 + present tense to indicate increasing degree or tendency over time
➔ Expresses that a process or condition intensifies as time progresses.
-
시공간을 뛰어넘어서
➔ Verb + 을/를 + 넘어서 to mean 'to go beyond' or 'to transcend'
➔ Indicates surpassing or transcending a boundary or limit.
-
모든 슬픔이, 기쁨이, 여기에
➔ Listing with commas: connecting multiple nouns
➔ Used to list multiple nouns or concepts in a sequence.
-
우린 원래 하나로 태어났던 순간
➔ Past participle sentence with '던' to describe a past state or experience
➔ Indicates a past event or state that has relevance to the present.
Same Singer
Related Songs

Warrior
AURORA

Jones vs. Jones
Kool & The Gang

All Is Not Lost
OK Go, Pilobolus

Peter Pan
Kelsea Ballerini

Long Ago and Far Away
Frank Sinatra

Tricky
Crazy Frog

Jealous Type
Doja Cat

I'm Gonna Show You Crazy
Bebe Rexha

One More Time
Robin Schulz, Felix Jaehn, Alida

Joy to the World
Boney M.

Out Of My League
LANY

home
gnash, johnny yukon

Believer
American Authors

Write On Me
Fifth Harmony

Be Brave
Owl City

BRON
Lykke Li

Funhouse
P!nk

Naked
Jonas Blue, MAX

Pussycat
Wyclef Jean, Tom Jones

Slave to Your Love
Hurts