노력해요
noryeokhaeyo
The English phrase "I try" is translated into Korean as 노력해요 (noryeokhaeyo).
This phrase is used to express that one is making an effort to achieve something. If you want to express different nuances of trying, you might use 꾸준히 해 보고 있어요 to say you are trying steadily or consistently, 노력 중이에요 to say you are in the process of making an effort, 최선을 다하고 있습니다 to say you are doing your best or 연습하고 있습니다 to say you are practicing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun 노력, which means "effort", combined with the verb 하다.
Which one should you use?
While 노력해요 means making a sustained effort toward a goal, the Korean grammar pattern -아/어 보다 is used to mean "to try doing" an action to see what happens.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 노력해요 is the polite version. For casual or informal situations, such as when speaking with friends or people younger than you, use 노력해. In highly formal situations, such as professional settings, speeches or when speaking to superiors, use 노력합니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 노력해요 is the polite present tense, which can be used to express a continuous state of making an effort.
How do you pronounce it?
noryeokhaeyo
Did you know?
- While 노력해요 describes the act of trying, Koreans often use the word 정성 (sincerity/devotion) to describe the heart and care put into that effort.
- While English speakers say 'I'll try' to express a possibility of failure, using 노력할게요 in Korean focuses strictly on your commitment to the work rather than the outcome.
- In Korean, the word for 'effort' is 노력, which consists of the characters for 'labor' and 'power'.
Examples in context
- 제안에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?What are your thoughts on the proposal?
- 최선을 다하고 있습니다.I am doing my best.
- 매일 한국어를 공부하려고 노력해요.Maeil hangugeoreul gongbuharyeogo noryeokaeyo.I try to study Korean every day.
- 최선을 다해 노력해요.Choeseoneul daha noryeokaeyo.I try my best.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about learning a new skill.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 요리 공부가 어렵나요?dohyeon ssi, yori gongbuga eoryeopnayo?Dohyun, is studying cooking difficult?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 하지만 정말 노력해요.ne, hajiman jeongmal noryeokhaeyo.Yes, but I really try.
- 수빈 Su-bin대단해요. 계속 힘내세요!daedanhaeyo. gyesok himnaeseyo!That's great. Keep it up!
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 수빈 씨.gomawoyo, subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
