힘들어요
himdeureoyo
In Korean, "it is hard" is expressed as 힘들어요 (himdeureoyo).
The phrase 힘들어요 is used to express that a task or a situation is physically or mentally exhausting. This includes describing physical labor, such as heavy lifting, as well as emotional or mental stress, such as a stressful job or a difficult breakup.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 힘 (strength or power) and 들다 (to enter or cost), which literally means that strength is being spent or used.
Which one should you use?
While 힘들어요 describes being exhausted or overwhelmed by effort, you should use 어려워요 specifically when describing tasks that are intellectually difficult or complex.
How does it change in a sentence?
Removing the 요 ending makes the phrase informal, used with close friends or people younger than you. For formal, polite speech in professional settings or when speaking to superiors, you can use the form 힘듭니다.
How do you pronounce it?
himdeureoyo
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, saying 힘들어요 can be a subtle, polite way to decline a request or an invitation without saying 'no' directly.
- While 힘들어요 describes the feeling of being exhausted, Koreans often respond to this phrase with 수고하세요, which acknowledges the other person's hard work.
- The word 힘 (strength) is the foundation for the common encouragement 힘내세요, which literally commands someone to 'put strength in'.
Examples in context
- 회의록을 읽는 것은 어렵습니다.It is difficult to read the meeting minutes.
- 오늘 숙제 진짜 힘들어.Today's homework is really challenging.
- 오늘 일은 너무 힘들어요.oneul ireun neomu himdeureoyo.Work is so hard today.
- 혼자서 하기엔 좀 힘들어요.honjaseo hagien jom himdeureoyo.It is a bit hard to do alone.
- 시험 공부가 정말 힘들어요.siheom gongbuga jeongmal himdeureoyo.Studying for exams is really exhausting.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are taking a break at the office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 오늘 많이 힘들어요?jieun ssi, oneul mani himdeureoyo?Jieun, is today very hard for you?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 일이 너무 많아서 힘들어요.ne, iri neomu manaseo himdeureoyo.Yes, it is hard because there is so much work.
- 도현 Do-hyeon커피 한 잔 마실래요?keopi han jan masillaeyo?Do you want to drink a cup of coffee?
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요. 정말 고마워요.joayo. jeongmal gomawoyo.That sounds good. Thank you so much.
