Phrase in 30 Seconds
This proverb highlights the value of seeking out challenging experiences to gain wisdom and personal growth.
- Means: Voluntarily choosing difficult tasks to learn and grow.
- Used in: Encouraging someone to take on challenges or reflecting on hard work.
- Don't confuse: It is not about being a masochist; it is about intentional growth.
Explicación a tu nivel:
Significado
Some people intentionally seek out difficult experiences for growth or benefit.
Contexto cultural
Deeply rooted in the Confucian work ethic and the rapid development era. Similar sentiments exist in China and Japan regarding the value of hardship. Focuses more on 'grit' and 'no pain, no gain' as individualistic achievements. Often used by teachers to encourage students to take difficult subjects.
Context is key
Always check the tone. If you say it with a smile, it's praise. If you say it with a sigh, it's a complaint.
Cultural nuance
Koreans value hard work. Using this phrase shows you understand that value.
Context is key
Always check the tone. If you say it with a smile, it's praise. If you say it with a sigh, it's a complaint.
Cultural nuance
Koreans value hard work. Using this phrase shows you understand that value.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word.
고생은 ____도 한다.
The proverb is '고생은 사서도 한다'.
When is it appropriate to use this phrase?
Which situation is best for this proverb?
The phrase is for voluntary challenges, not involuntary suffering.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이 일이 너무 힘들 것 같아. B: ____. 나중에 큰 도움이 될 거야.
This fits the context of encouraging someone through hard work.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios고생은 ____도 한다.
The proverb is '고생은 사서도 한다'.
Which situation is best for this proverb?
The phrase is for voluntary challenges, not involuntary suffering.
A: 이 일이 너무 힘들 것 같아. B: ____. 나중에 큰 도움이 될 거야.
This fits the context of encouraging someone through hard work.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
2 preguntasMostly, but it depends on the tone. It can be used to tease someone who is doing something unnecessarily difficult.
It's better to use it in speech or informal writing. In formal writing, use more professional language.
Frases relacionadas
사서 고생
specialized formBuying suffering.
젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다
specialized formOne should buy suffering in youth.
고진감래
similarSweetness comes after bitterness.
천 리 길도 한 걸음부터
builds onA journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.
Dónde usarla
Encouraging a friend
A: 이번 프로젝트 너무 힘들 것 같아.
B: 그래도 고생은 사서도 한다잖아. 잘할 수 있어!
Reflecting on work
Colleague: 왜 이렇게 어려운 일을 자원했어요?
You: 고생은 사서도 한다고 하니까요. 배우는 게 많을 것 같아요.
Giving advice
Mentor: 젊을 때 고생은 사서도 한다는 말이 있습니다. 지금 도전하세요.
Mentee: 네, 명심하겠습니다.
Self-talk
You: 오늘도 야근이네. 고생은 사서도 한다... 그래, 다 내 성장을 위한 거야.
Discussing hobbies
A: 주말에 왜 그렇게 힘든 등산을 가?
B: 고생은 사서도 한다잖아. 정상에서 보는 풍경이 좋거든.
Job interview
Interviewer: 우리 회사는 업무 강도가 높습니다.
Candidate: 고생은 사서도 한다는 마음가짐으로 성장하고 싶습니다.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine buying a bag of 'hard work' at a store because you know it's full of gold coins (wisdom).
Asociación visual
A person walking past a comfortable, flat path to climb a steep, rocky mountain on purpose.
Rhyme
고생은 사서도 한다, 미래를 위해 참는다.
Story
Min-su wanted to learn coding. Instead of taking an easy class, he joined a difficult bootcamp. His friends asked why. He smiled and said, '고생은 사서도 한다잖아.' Now, he is a top developer.
In Other Languages
English: 'No pain, no gain.' Japanese: '可愛い子には旅をさせよ' (Let your beloved child travel).
Word Web
Desafío
Identify one difficult task you've been avoiding and commit to doing it for 5 minutes today.
Review in 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days.
Pronunciación
Standard pronunciation.
Clear articulation of the 'o' sound.
Espectro de formalidad
고생은 사서도 한다는 마음으로 임하겠습니다. (Professional to casual)
고생은 사서도 한다고 하니 열심히 해보세요. (Professional to casual)
고생은 사서도 한다잖아, 힘내! (Professional to casual)
사서 고생 중ㅋㅋ (Professional to casual)
The phrase likely evolved from the traditional Korean wisdom that life is a series of trials. The 'buying' (사서) metaphor implies that one is willing to pay a price (effort/time) to acquire the 'commodity' of experience.
Dato curioso
It is one of the most frequently cited proverbs in Korean self-help literature.
Notas culturales
Deeply rooted in the Confucian work ethic and the rapid development era.
“젊은이들에게 고생은 사서도 한다고 조언한다.”
Similar sentiments exist in China and Japan regarding the value of hardship.
“동아시아 문화권에서는 고난을 성장의 기회로 본다.”
Focuses more on 'grit' and 'no pain, no gain' as individualistic achievements.
“서구권의 'No pain, no gain'과 유사한 맥락이다.”
Often used by teachers to encourage students to take difficult subjects.
“선생님은 고생은 사서도 한다며 어려운 문제를 풀게 하셨다.”
Inicios de conversación
최근에 스스로 어려운 일을 선택한 적이 있나요?
고생은 사서도 한다는 말에 동의하시나요?
Errores comunes
고생을 사서 해요.
고생은 사서도 한다.
L1 Interference
고생을 사요.
고생은 사서도 한다.
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
El que algo quiere, algo le cuesta.
Korean emphasizes the 'choice' of hardship.
On n'a rien sans rien.
Korean is more about the 'value' of the struggle.
Ohne Fleiß kein Preis.
German is more transactional.
可愛い子には旅をさせよ
Japanese focuses on parenting/mentoring.
من طلب العلا سهر الليالي
Arabic is more specific about the type of sacrifice.
吃得苦中苦，方为人上人
Chinese is more focused on social status.
고생은 사서도 한다
N/A
Quem quer, corre atrás.
Portuguese is about the chase.
Spotted in the Real World
“오늘도 야근... 고생은 사서도 한다니까!”
A post about working late.
Fácil de confundir
Learners often think this is negative.
It can be negative if used to mock, but positive if used to praise.
Preguntas frecuentes (2)
Mostly, but it depends on the tone. It can be used to tease someone who is doing something unnecessarily difficult.
usage contextsIt's better to use it in speech or informal writing. In formal writing, use more professional language.
usage contexts
