What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 오늘 (today) and 수고했어 (worked hard/labored).
Which one should you use?
While 오늘 수고했어 is a standard way to express this, other variations exist depending on the specific sentiment and level of formality. For example, 잘 했어 is an informal way of saying "You did well," whereas 고생했어 is used to acknowledge someone's efforts or hard work in a casual context. In formal settings, 잘 하셨습니다 is a formal way to say "You did well."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 오늘 수고했어 is informal and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. To say 'you did well today' to a superior or in a formal setting, use the polite form 오늘 수고하셨습니다 or the expression 수고하셨어요 to show respect and acknowledge someone's hard work or efforts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 수고하다 is in the past tense (했어) because the effort or work being acknowledged has already been completed.
How do you pronounce it?
oneul sugohaesseo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid saying 수고하세요 (keep working hard) to a superior, as it can sound like you are commanding them to continue working.
Did you know?
- The phrase 수고했어 is so tied to hierarchy that using it toward a boss is often seen as 'evaluating' their performance, which is socially forbidden in traditional Korean culture.
- In Korean culture, acknowledging someone's labor is often more important than acknowledging their success. Using 수고했어 focuses entirely on the physical or mental exertion rather than the result of the work.
- In a professional Korean office, saying 수고하셨습니다 is often the standard way to say 'goodbye' to colleagues, regardless of whether they actually worked hard that specific day.
Examples in context
- 수고하셨어요. 오늘 발표 정말 잘 하셨어요.You did well today. Your presentation was really great.
- 잘 하셨습니다. 프로젝트를 성공적으로 마무리하셨네요.You did well. You successfully completed the project.
- 오늘 수고했어.oneul sugohaesseo.You did well today.
- 정말 오늘 수고했어!jeongmal oneul sugohaesseo!You really did a great job today!
- 다들 오늘 수고했어.dadeul oneul sugohaesseo.Everyone did well today.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are leaving the library after studying together.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈, 오늘 수고했어.Jihun, oneul sugohaesseo.Jihun, you did well today.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 너도 오늘 수고했어.Subin neodo oneul sugohaesseo.Subin, you did well today too.
- 수빈 Su-bin우리 이제 집에 갈까?uri ije jibe galkka?Shall we go home now?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 같이 가자.eung, gachi gaja.Yes, let's go together.
