What does it mean word for word?
The noun part of the phrase, 수고, literally means effort, toil or hardship.
Which one should you use?
While 수고하셨습니다 is the formal way to express this, 수고했어 is the informal version used only with close friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In contrast, 수고했어 is a casual version used among friends or close colleagues.
How do you pronounce it?
sugohasyeotseumnida
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use 수고하세요 to mean 'goodbye' after a task is done, but 수고하세요 actually implies "please continue to work hard," which can sound patronizing if said to a superior.
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, acknowledging someone's labor with this phrase is a vital social lubricant used to show respect for their time and energy. Another related phrase is 고생하셨습니다, which literally means "you have suffered" but is used to acknowledge hard work and sacrifice.
Did you know?
- While 수고하셨습니다 is common in offices, saying it to a very high-ranking boss can still be seen as rude in traditional circles because it implies you are evaluating their performance.
- The phrase 고생하셨습니다 is a more intense version of this sentiment, as it frames the hard work as a form of 'suffering'.
- In a group setting, a leader may say 수고했어 to their subordinates as a way of granting collective permission to stop working and relax.
Examples in context
- 이번 프로젝트에서 정말로 수고하셨습니다.You have worked really hard on this project.
- 항상 우리를 위해 고생하셨습니다.You have always worked hard for us.
- 오늘 정말 힘들었겠다. 수고했어!Today must have been tough. You worked hard!
- 프로젝트 끝내느라 수고하셨습니다.peurojekteu kkeutnaenura sugohasyeossseumnida.You worked hard finishing the project.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are leaving the office at the end of the day.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 오늘 정말 수고하셨습니다.Ji-hun ssi, oneul jeongmal sugohasyeossseumnida.Ji-hun, you really worked hard today.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨도 오늘 수고하셨습니다.Ji-eun ssi-do oneul sugohasyeossseumnida.Ji-eun, you worked hard today too.
- 지은 Ji-eun내일 뵐게요.naeil boelgeyo.I will see you tomorrow.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 조심히 들어가세요.ne, josimhi deureogaseyo.Yes, please get home safely.
