What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 수고, which literally refers to labor, effort or hardship.
Which one should you use?
While 수고하셨습니다 focuses on acknowledging the effort or hardship exerted, other expressions like 잘 하셨습니다 mean "great job" and 훌륭합니다 mean "excellent" or "splendid".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
수고하셨습니다 is the polite, formal way to acknowledge someone's work. In casual settings with friends or subordinates, you can use the informal version 수고했어. For a formal "great job", you might use 잘 하셨습니다 and for a formal "excellent" or "splendid", use 훌륭합니다. For informal settings, 잘 했어 means "good job" or "well done" and 대단해 means "amazing" or "impressive".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 수고하셨습니다 is in the past tense, which serves to acknowledge that the effort has already been exerted.
How do you pronounce it?
sugohasyeosseumnida
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use 수고하세요 to say goodbye. Although it means "keep working hard", it can be perceived as rude if a subordinate says it to a superior because it sounds like you are commanding them to continue their labor.
Did you know?
- The word 수고 is rooted in the idea of 'hardship' or 'trouble', meaning you are literally acknowledging the physical or mental pain the other person endured for the task.
- When used as a greeting in an email, 수고 많으십니다 is used to acknowledge that the recipient is currently busy and working hard.
- In casual settings, the shortened version 수고! is often used as a quick 'bye' among close friends or coworkers of the same rank.
Examples in context
- 잘 하셨습니다. 정말 훌륭한 발표였어요.Great job. It was a truly excellent presentation.
- 잘 했어! 정말 멋져!Good job! It's really awesome!
- 대단해! 너의 작품은 진짜 대단해!Amazing! Your artwork is truly impressive!
- 오늘 정말 수고하셨습니다.oneul jeongmal sugohasyeotseumnida.You really worked hard today.
- 프로젝트 끝내느라 수고하셨습니다.peurojekteu kkeun-naeneura sugohasyeotseumnida.Great work finishing the project.
- 모두 수고하셨습니다, 내일 봐요.modu sugohasyeotseumnida, naeil bwayo.Great work everyone, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are leaving the office after a long day of work.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 오늘 정말 수고하셨습니다.Subin ssi, oneul jeongmal sugohasyeotseumnida.Subin, you did great work today.
- 수빈 Su-bin감사합니다, 민준 씨도 수고하셨습니다.gamsahamnida, Minjun ssi-do sugohasyeotseumnida.Thank you, Minjun, great work to you too.
- 민준 Min-jun조심히 퇴근하세요.josimhi toegeunhaseyo.Get home safely.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 내일 뵙겠습니다.ne, naeil boepgetseumnida.Yes, see you tomorrow.
