계속 수고하세요
gyesok sugohaseyo
The English phrase "keep up the good work" can be translated into Korean as 계속 수고하세요 (gyesok sugohaseyo).
The phrase is used to encourage someone to continue performing a task well.
Which one should you use?
While 계속 수고하세요 is used to encourage continued effort, you may also use phrases like 잘하고 있어 or 잘하고 있어요 to mean "you're doing well."
How do you pronounce it?
gyesok sugohaseyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 수고하세요 toward a superior or someone much older, as it can sound like you are commanding them to work hard.
Did you know?
- In Korea, 수고하세요 is frequently used as a polite way to say 'goodbye' to a shopkeeper or driver when leaving, even if you are not encouraging their work.
- In many Korean social settings, instead of saying 'keep up the good work', people might simply say 고생하셨습니다 (gosaenghasyeotseumnida), which literally means 'you have gone through much suffering'.
- In very casual settings, friends might use 파이팅 (fighting) instead of 계속 수고하세요 to encourage someone to keep going.
Examples in context
- 수고하고 계십니다. 계속 잘 해 주세요.You're working hard. Please continue to do well.
- 형, 생각보다 잘하고 있어. 계속 그렇게 해.Brother, you're doing better than expected. Keep it up.
- 친구야, 고생하고 있는데 잘하고 있어. 힘내.Friend, I know you're going through a lot, but you're doing well. Stay strong.
Example conversation
Minjun is leaving the office while Jieun is still working.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 저는 먼저 퇴근할게요.jieun ssi, jeoneun meonjeo toegeunhalgeyo.Jieun, I'm leaving for the day now.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 민준 씨. 조심히 가세요.ne, minjun ssi. josimhi gaseyo.Okay, Minjun. Get home safely.
- 민준 Min-jun남은 업무 계속 수고하세요.nameun eommu gyesok sugohaseyo.Keep up the good work with the remaining tasks.
- 지은 Ji-eun감사합니다. 내일 봬요!gamsahamnida. naeil bwaeyo!Thank you. See you tomorrow!
