열심히 공부해
yeolsimhi gongbuhae
The Korean phrase for 'study hard' is 열심히 공부해 (yeolsimhi gongbuhae).
This phrase is used to describe putting a lot of effort and time into learning a subject. Note that the adverb 열심히 describes doing something with great effort or diligence. It should not be confused with 세게, which refers to applying physical force or strength.
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb 열심히 literally means 'with heart' or 'diligently'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
열심히 공부해 is an informal way to say 'study hard'. For a standard polite way suitable for most daily social interactions, you can use 열심히 공부해요. If you are speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, use the polite form 열심히 공부하세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
To issue a strong command, such as when a parent or teacher is speaking to a student, you can use the imperative form 열심히 공부해라. Another variation, 성실하게 공부하세요, is used to emphasize studying both diligently and steadfastly.
How do you pronounce it?
yeolsimhi gongbuhae
Did you know?
- When students are told to 열심히 공부해, they may use the word 벼락치기, which means 'thunder-strike', to describe the act of cramming everything in the last minute.
- The word 공부 for 'study' was originally a Buddhist term referring to the practice of merit and spiritual cultivation.
- Korean has a specific word for the 'study-hard' lifestyle called 입시지옥, which translates literally to 'entrance exam hell'.
Examples in context
- 나는 늘 열심히 공부해.I always study hard.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal habit of studying hard.Tatoeba #8362076 by Eunhee, translation #66085 by CK
- 열심히 공부해.Study hard.This sentence is useful for giving the command to study hard.Tatoeba #8358325 by Eunhee, translation #53465 by CK
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their upcoming test.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연아, 내일 시험 준비 다 했어?Seo-yeon-a, nae-il si-heom jun-bi da hae-sseo?Seoyeon, are you all ready for tomorrow's test?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니, 이제부터 열심히 공부해.a-ni, i-je-bu-teo yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-hae.No, I'm going to study hard starting now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon나도 같이 공부할게.na-do gat-i gong-bu-hal-ge.I'll study with you too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그래, 도현이 너도 열심히 공부해.geu-rae, Do-hyeon-i neo-do yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-hae.Okay, you study hard too, Dohyun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
