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B1 noun #1,000 más común 9 min de lectura

노력

noryeok Top 1,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 노력 en 30 segundos

Explicación 노력 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '노력' primarily as part of the verb '노력하다', which means 'to try' or 'to work hard'. You can use it in simple sentences like '공부 노력해요' (I try to study) or '운동 노력해요' (I try to exercise). At this stage, it is a basic vocabulary word used to show that you are doing your best. It is often interchangeable in spirit with '열심히' (hard/diligently), as in '열심히 공부해요'. You might hear your teacher say '노력하세요!' to encourage you to keep practicing your Korean alphabet or basic greetings. Focus on the simple 'Noun + 하다' structure to express your intentions.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use '노력' as a noun more frequently. You can start using it with basic particles like '노력을 해요' (I make an effort) or '노력이 필요해요' (Effort is needed). You will also encounter it in slightly more complex structures like '한국어를 잘하려고 노력해요' (I am making an effort to be good at Korean). Here, the '-려고' pattern (in order to) is a key companion to '노력하다'. You should also be able to recognize it in simple advice from friends, such as '조금 더 노력해 봐' (Try a bit harder). You are moving from just 'doing' to 'exerting effort' for a specific purpose.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural significance of '노력' in Korea. It is no longer just a word for 'trying'; it represents a value system. You will use collocations like '노력을 기울이다' (to devote effort) or '노력을 아끼지 않다' (to not spare any effort). You can describe your long-term goals and the '끊임없는 노력' (ceaseless effort) required to reach them. You will also start to distinguish '노력' from similar words like '수고' or '정성'. In a B1 context, you might discuss your career aspirations or hobbies, explaining how much effort you have invested in them using the past tense '노력해 왔습니다' (I have been making an effort).

At the B2 level, you can use '노력' in more abstract and formal contexts. You might encounter it in news reports about '정부의 노력' (the government's efforts) or in literature discussing the human condition. You should be comfortable using the '-(으)려는 노력' structure to modify nouns, such as '환경을 보호하려는 노력' (efforts to protect the environment). You will also understand the social debates surrounding '노력', such as the idea that effort alone might not be enough in a competitive society. Your vocabulary should expand to include idioms like '피나는 노력' (blood-sweating effort) and you should be able to use the word in formal presentations or essays.

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At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of '노력' and its synonyms. You can discuss the philosophical implications of effort versus talent (재능) or luck (운). You are familiar with academic and professional expressions like '경주하다' (to devote/exert) as a more formal alternative to '기울이다' when paired with '노력'. You can analyze texts that critique the 'noryeok' culture in modern Korea, understanding the sarcasm or frustration behind terms like '노오력' (an exaggerated way of saying effort used to mock older generations' advice). You can use the word to construct complex arguments about social mobility and meritocracy in Korean society.

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At the C2 level, you command '노력' with the precision of a native speaker. You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal contexts, or poetic expressions. You understand the historical roots of the word and how it has evolved from a Confucian virtue to a modern corporate buzzword. You can navigate the most subtle distinctions between '노력', '공', '심혈', and '노고'. Whether you are writing a thesis on Korean labor history or delivering a keynote speech, you use '노력' and its related forms to convey deep sincerity, systemic struggle, or strategic endeavor. You are also fully aware of the socio-political weight the word carries in contemporary Korean discourse.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

노력 en 30 segundos

노력 means 'effort' or 'endeavor' in Korean, representing the energy spent to achieve a goal.
It is a core cultural value in Korea, often seen as the primary key to success and personal growth.
The verb form 노력하다 is used to say 'to try hard' or 'to make an effort' in various situations.
Commonly paired with words like '끊임없는' (ceaseless) or '최선의' (best) to describe the intensity of the work.

The Korean word 노력 (noryeok) is a fundamental concept in Korean culture, representing the physical, mental, and emotional energy one invests to achieve a specific goal. While the English word 'effort' often covers this ground, 노력 carries a weight of persistence and moral virtue in the Korean context. It is not just about trying; it is about the sustained application of will over time. In a society historically influenced by Confucian values, the act of putting in effort is often seen as more important than the result itself. Whether you are a student studying for the CSAT (Suneung), an office worker aiming for a promotion, or a trainee practicing choreography for years to become a K-pop idol, 노력 is the engine that drives success.

Daily Life Usage: In everyday conversation, Koreans use this word to encourage others or to describe their own dedication. It is frequently paired with the verb 하다 (to do) to form 노력하다 (to make an effort/to try hard). You will hear parents telling children to put in more effort in school, or friends telling each other '노력은 배신하지 않는다' (Effort does not betray you).
Professional Context: In the workplace, 노력 is a key metric for evaluation. Even if a project fails, showing that you put in significant 노력 can sometimes mitigate the negative consequences. It implies a sense of responsibility and sincerity toward one's duties.

성공은 천재성보다 노력에 의해 결정됩니다.
— Success is determined more by effort than by genius.

Grammatically, 노력 is a noun that often takes the object marker 을/를. Common expressions include 노력을 기울이다 (to devote effort) and 노력이 필요하다 (effort is needed). It is distinct from 수고 (trouble/labor), which is often used as a greeting or acknowledgment of someone else's work, whereas 노력 is the abstract concept of the work itself. When you want to express that someone has worked hard on a specific task, you might say '수고하셨습니다,' but if you are describing their lifelong dedication to a craft, you would use 노력.

그녀의 노력이 드디어 결실을 맺었습니다.
— Her effort has finally borne fruit.

Synonym Comparison: While 애 (ae) also means effort or anxiety, it is more colloquial and often used in the phrase 애를 쓰다. 정성 (jeongseong) implies 'sincerity' or 'devotion,' often used when making a gift or cooking for someone. 노력 remains the most versatile and standard term for general endeavor.

우리는 환경을 보호하기 위해 노력해야 합니다.
— We must make an effort to protect the environment.

Using 노력 correctly involves understanding its common verb pairings and the particles that typically accompany it. As a noun, it functions as the subject or object of a sentence, but its most frequent appearance is in the verbalized form 노력하다. Let's break down the different ways to integrate this word into your Korean speech and writing.

The Verb Form: 노력하다: This is the most common way to say 'to try' or 'to make an effort.' It is usually preceded by the -려고 (in order to) or -기 위해 (for the sake of) patterns. For example: '한국어를 잘하려고 노력해요' (I am trying to be good at Korean).
Noun + Particle: 노력을: When using 노력 as a noun, it often takes verbs like 기울이다 (to lean/devote), 쏟다 (to pour), or 아끼다 (to spare). '모든 노력을 기울였습니다' means 'I devoted all my efforts.'

아무리 노력해도 안 되는 일이 있어요.
— There are things that don't work out no matter how hard you try.

In formal settings, you might use the honorific form 노력하시다 when referring to the efforts of someone older or in a higher position. In a business email, you might write '귀사의 노력에 감사드립니다' (We thank you for your company's efforts). Conversely, in casual settings, you can simply say '노력해 봐' (Try making an effort / Give it a shot).

그의 노력은 정말 가상합니다.
— His effort is truly commendable/admirable.

Common Adjectives

끊임없는 노력: Ceaseless/constant effort
피나는 노력: Blood-sweating (extreme) effort
헛된 노력: Vain/useless effort
최선의 노력: Best effort

우리는 더 나은 미래를 위해 노력을 멈추지 않을 것입니다.
— We will not stop our efforts for a better future.

The word 노력 is ubiquitous in Korean media, literature, and daily life. Because Korean society places a high premium on diligence, you will encounter this word in almost every sphere of public and private life. Understanding the contexts in which it appears will help you grasp its emotional and social resonance.

In K-Dramas and Movies: Think of any 'underdog' story in a K-drama. The protagonist often lacks money or status but possesses an infinite amount of 노력. You'll hear lines like '내 노력을 무시하지 마!' (Don't ignore my effort!) during climactic arguments. It serves as the moral justification for the hero's eventual success.
In K-Pop and Variety Shows: Idols frequently use this word in interviews when discussing their training periods. They talk about the 노력 they put into perfecting a single dance move. On variety shows like 'Running Man' or 'Infinite Challenge,' members are often praised for their 노력 even when they fail at a mission, emphasizing the 'spirit of trying.'

연습생 시절의 노력이 지금의 저를 만들었습니다.
— The effort from my trainee days made me who I am today.

In the news and political speeches, 노력 is used to describe government initiatives. Phrases like '경제 회복을 위한 노력' (efforts for economic recovery) or '외교적 노력' (diplomatic efforts) are staples of Korean journalism. It frames the government's actions as a sincere struggle toward a goal.

정부는 물가 안정을 위해 최선의 노력을 다하고 있습니다.
— The government is doing its best effort to stabilize prices.

Social Media and Self-Help: On Korean Instagram or YouTube, you'll see hashtags like #노력하는삶 (a life of making effort) or #노력은배신하지않는다. It is a central theme in the 'God-saeng' (living a diligent and productive life) trend popular among Gen Z.

결과보다 과정에서의 노력이 더 중요합니다.
— The effort in the process is more important than the result.

While 노력 is a straightforward word, English speakers often make subtle mistakes in its usage, particularly regarding collocations, synonyms, and the nuances of Korean social etiquette. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Using '노력' instead of '수고': In English, you might say 'Good effort!' to someone who just finished a task. In Korean, saying '좋은 노력!' sounds very awkward and unnatural. Instead, you should say '수고하셨습니다' or '고생하셨습니다'. 노력 is the abstract quality of trying, while 수고 is the specific labor performed.
Mistake 2: Confusing '노력' with '시도': English speakers often use 'try' for both 'making an effort' and 'attempting something once.' In Korean, 시도 (sido) is an attempt or a trial. If you are trying a new food, you use 먹어 보다, not 노력하다. Use 노력 only when there is a sense of sustained exertion toward a goal.

❌ 이 피자를 먹으려고 노력해요. (I am exerting mental energy to eat this pizza.)
✅ 이 피자를 먹어 봐요. (I am trying/tasting this pizza.)

Another common error is the misuse of 노력하다 vs 애쓰다. While they are similar, 애쓰다 often implies a sense of struggling or being in a difficult situation. If you say '공부하려고 애썼어요', it sounds like studying was a painful struggle. '공부하려고 노력했어요' is more neutral and standard.

❌ 당신의 노력이 좋아요. (Your effort is good - sounds like a literal translation.)
✅ 노력이 대단하시네요. (Your effort is impressive.)

Register and Formality: Using 노력 in very casual slang contexts can sometimes sound overly serious. If a friend asks if you're going to the gym, and you say '노력할게' (I will make an effort), it sounds like a solemn vow. A simple '갈게' (I'll go) or '해볼게' (I'll try) is often better.

그는 노력 끝에 성공을 거두었습니다.
— He achieved success after (at the end of) much effort.

Korean has several words that overlap with 노력, each with its own specific nuance and context. Choosing the right one will help you express the exact kind of 'trying' you mean.

노력 (Noryeok) vs. 애 (Ae): 노력 is formal and general. 애 is more native Korean (pure Korean) and often implies a sense of anxiety or urgent struggle. You 'use' effort (노력을 하다), but you 'squeeze out' or 'burn' 애 (애를 쓰다, 애를 태우다).
노력 (Noryeok) vs. 정성 (Jeongseong): 정성 means 'sincerity' or 'devotion.' While 노력 focuses on the energy spent, 정성 focuses on the heart and care put into something. If you cook a meal for a sick friend, you are putting in 정성. If you are studying for a math exam, you are putting in 노력.
노력 (Noryeok) vs. 수고 (Sugo): 수고 refers to the trouble or labor taken to do something. It is almost always used to acknowledge someone else's work. You wouldn't usually say 'My 수고 was great,' but you would say 'Thank you for your 수고.'

어머니의 정성이 가득 담긴 음식입니다.
— This is food filled with a mother's devotion (sincerity).

Another interesting alternative is 공 (gong). This is often used in the phrase 공을 들이다, which means to put a lot of time and effort into a long-term project or relationship. It implies building something up carefully over time, like a tower or a reputation.

그는 이 작품에 많은 공을 들였습니다.
— He put a lot of (time-consuming) effort into this work.

When to use '시도' (Sido): Use 시도 when you want to emphasize the 'attempt' itself, especially a first attempt or a risky one. '새로운 시도를 하다' (To make a new attempt). 노력 is the work you do after the attempt to make it succeed.

그의 노력은 결국 빛을 보게 될 것입니다.
— His effort will eventually see the light (succeed).

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The character 努 (Noh) contains the radical for 'slave' (奴) and 'strength' (力), historically suggesting the kind of intense strength a laborer or slave would exert.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /no.ɾjʌk/

US /noʊ.rjʌk/

In Korean, stress is generally even, but the first syllable '노' may have a slightly higher pitch.

Rima con

실력 (skill) 협력 (cooperation) 강력 (strong) 권력 (power) 폭력 (violence) 압력 (pressure) 활력 (vitality) 중력 (gravity)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ryeok' as 'ree-ock' (two syllables). It should be one fluid syllable.
Using a hard English 'R' instead of the Korean flap 'ㄹ'.
Over-emphasizing the final 'k' sound; it should be unreleased.
Confusing the vowel 'ㅕ' (yeo) with 'ㅛ' (yo).
Confusing '노력' (noryeok) with '능력' (neungnyeok).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it is a common Hanja word.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of specific collocations like '기울이다' to sound natural.

Expresión oral 2/5

The pronunciation of 'ryeok' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Very frequently used in media and daily life.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

하다 일 공부 성공 힘

Aprende después

능력 실력 결과 과정 목표

Avanzado

경주하다 매진하다 헌신 노고 심혈

Gramática que debes saber

-(으)려고 노력하다

살을 빼려고 노력하고 있어요.

-기 위해 노력하다

가족을 부양하기 위해 노력합니다.

-는 노력 (Noun modification)

변화하려는 노력이 중요해요.

노력 끝에 (After effort)

오랜 노력 끝에 합격했습니다.

아무리 -해도 (No matter how much)

아무리 노력해도 안 될 때가 있어요.

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Ejemplos por nivel

저는 매일 한국어 공부를 노력해요.

I try to study Korean every day.

노력하다 is used here as a verb.

더 노력하세요!

Please try harder!

Imperative form of 노력하다.

운동을 노력하고 있어요.

I am trying to exercise.

-고 있다 indicates a continuous action.

노력이 중요해요.

Effort is important.

노력 is the subject here.

친구를 도와주려고 노력해요.

I try to help my friend.

-려고 indicates intention.

일찍 일어나려고 노력해요.

I try to wake up early.

Intention + effort.

노력은 좋아요.

Effort is good.

Simple topic marker.

요리를 노력해 봐요.

Try to cook.

-어 보다 means 'to try doing'.

시험을 위해 많은 노력을 했어요.

I put in a lot of effort for the exam.

Noun '노력' with object marker.

노력이 부족한 것 같아요.

I think the effort is lacking.

-ㄴ 것 같다 expresses an opinion.

성공하려면 노력이 필요해요.

Effort is needed to succeed.

-(으)려면 means 'if you want to'.

그는 정말 노력하는 사람이에요.

He is a person who really makes an effort.

Present participle modifying '사람'.

노력 덕분에 이겼어요.

I won thanks to the effort.

덕분에 means 'thanks to'.

조금 더 노력하면 할 수 있어요.

If you try a bit more, you can do it.

-(으)면 indicates a condition.

우리는 함께 노력해야 합니다.

We must make an effort together.

-아야 하다 means 'must'.

노력의 결과가 나왔어요.

The result of the effort came out.

Possessive marker '의'.

그녀는 꿈을 이루기 위해 끊임없이 노력했습니다.

She made constant efforts to achieve her dream.

-기 위해 means 'in order to'.

모든 노력을 기울였지만 실패했어요.

I devoted all my efforts but failed.

노력을 기울이다 is a common collocation.

부모님의 노력으로 제가 여기까지 왔습니다.

I came this far through my parents' efforts.

-(으)로 indicates the means or cause.

그의 노력이 드디어 빛을 발했습니다.

His effort finally shone (paid off).

Idiomatic expression '빛을 발하다'.

노력을 아끼지 말고 도와주세요.

Please help without sparing any effort.

노력을 아끼지 않다 means 'to not spare effort'.

이 일은 시간과 노력이 많이 듭니다.

This work takes a lot of time and effort.

시간과 노력이 들다 means 'to take time and effort'.

자신의 부족함을 채우려는 노력이 필요합니다.

Effort to fill one's own deficiencies is needed.

-(으)려는 modifies '노력'.

노력은 결코 배신하지 않습니다.

Effort never betrays you.

A common Korean proverb.

정부는 실업률을 낮추기 위해 다각적인 노력을 하고 있습니다.

The government is making multifaceted efforts to lower the unemployment rate.

Formal/Professional context.

개인의 노력만으로는 사회적 문제를 해결할 수 없습니다.

Social problems cannot be solved by individual effort alone.

-만으로는 means 'with only...'.

그의 성공 뒤에는 피나는 노력이 숨겨져 있었습니다.

Behind his success, blood-sweating effort was hidden.

피나는 노력 is an idiomatic adjective.

우리는 환경 오염을 줄이려는 노력을 멈춰서는 안 됩니다.

We must not stop our efforts to reduce environmental pollution.

-어서는 안 된다 means 'must not'.

노력의 가치를 인정받는 사회가 되어야 합니다.

It must become a society where the value of effort is recognized.

Passive form '인정받다'.

아무리 노력해도 환경이 뒷받침되지 않으면 힘들어요.

No matter how hard you try, it's difficult if the environment doesn't support you.

아무리 -해도 means 'no matter how much'.

그녀의 학문적 노력은 많은 이들에게 영감을 주었습니다.

Her academic efforts inspired many people.

Adjectival form '학문적'.

실패를 두려워하지 않는 노력이 중요합니다.

Effort that is not afraid of failure is important.

Relative clause modifying '노력'.

현대 사회에서 '노력'이라는 단어는 때로 압박으로 다가오기도 합니다.

In modern society, the word 'effort' sometimes comes across as pressure.

-이라는 indicates a definition or naming.

그는 자신의 모든 심혈을 기울여 이 프로젝트에 노력했습니다.

He put all his heart and soul into making an effort for this project.

심혈을 기울이다 is a high-level synonym/collocation.

구조적인 모순을 개인의 노력 부족으로 치부해서는 안 됩니다.

Structural contradictions should not be dismissed as a lack of individual effort.

-로 치부하다 means 'to dismiss/regard as'.

그의 노고와 헌신 덕분에 우리 팀이 우승할 수 있었습니다.

Thanks to his hard work and dedication, our team was able to win.

노고 is a formal synonym for effort/labor.

진정한 노력은 남에게 보이기 위한 것이 아니라 자신을 위한 것입니다.

True effort is not for showing others, but for oneself.

-기 위한 것 indicates purpose.

우리는 평화 정착을 위한 외교적 노력을 경주해야 합니다.

We must exert diplomatic efforts for the establishment of peace.

경주하다 is a very formal verb for 'exerting' effort.

그의 노력은 가히 독보적이라고 할 수 있습니다.

His effort can be said to be truly unrivaled.

가히 and 독보적 are advanced vocabulary.

노력의 양보다 질이 중요하다는 사실을 잊지 마세요.

Don't forget the fact that the quality of effort is more important than the quantity.

-다는 사실 indicates a fact.

개인의 실존적 고뇌와 이를 극복하려는 노력이 문학의 영원한 주제입니다.

Individual existential anguish and the effort to overcome it are eternal themes of literature.

Existential and literary context.

사회의 지속 가능한 발전을 위해서는 범국가적인 노력이 수반되어야 합니다.

For the sustainable development of society, nation-wide efforts must be accompanied.

범국가적 and 수반되다 are academic terms.

그의 예술적 성취는 천부적인 재능과 초인적인 노력의 산물입니다.

His artistic achievement is the product of innate talent and superhuman effort.

초인적 (superhuman) and 산물 (product).

우리는 과거의 잘못을 되풀이하지 않기 위해 뼈를 깎는 노력을 해야 합니다.

We must make bone-chilling (extremely painful) efforts not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

뼈를 깎는 노력 is a powerful idiom.

자본주의 체제 하에서 노력의 배분은 효율성뿐만 아니라 형평성도 고려해야 합니다.

Under the capitalist system, the allocation of effort must consider not only efficiency but also equity.

Economic and philosophical context.

그의 일생은 진리를 탐구하기 위한 고독한 노력의 연속이었습니다.

His life was a series of lonely efforts to seek the truth.

연속 (series/continuation).

인간의 의지가 빚어낸 숭고한 노력은 역사를 바꾸는 힘이 됩니다.

The sublime effort created by human will becomes the power that changes history.

숭고한 (sublime) and 빚어내다 (to create/fashion).

노력의 허무함을 논하기 전에, 우리가 무엇을 위해 노력하는지 자문해야 합니다.

Before discussing the futility of effort, we must ask ourselves what we are striving for.

자문하다 (to ask oneself).

Sinónimos

애씀 수고 정성 분투

Antónimos

태만 게으름 포기

Colocaciones comunes

노력을 기울이다

노력을 쏟다

노력이 필요하다

노력이 가상하다

노력을 아끼지 않다

노력이 결실을 맺다

노력 끝에

끊임없는 노력

최선의 노력

헛된 노력

Frases Comunes

노력하겠습니다

— I will try my best. A standard polite response to a task.

앞으로 더 노력하겠습니다.

노력은 배신하지 않는다

— Effort never betrays you. A common motivational saying.

힘들어도 참으세요. 노력은 배신하지 않으니까요.

노력파

— A person who succeeds through hard work rather than talent.

그는 천재라기보다 노력파예요.

노력형 인간

— An 'effort-type' human; someone who values hard work.

저는 전형적인 노력형 인간입니다.

노력의 산물

— The product of effort. Used to describe an achievement.

이 책은 10년 노력의 산물입니다.

노력 부족

— Lack of effort. Often used in self-reflection or criticism.

이번 실패는 제 노력 부족입니다.

노력의 대가

— The price or reward of effort.

그는 노력의 대가를 톡톡히 받았다.

노력의 흔적

— Traces of effort. Used when looking at someone's work.

곳곳에 노력의 흔적이 보이네요.

노력을 멈추다

— To stop making an effort.

우리는 노력을 멈춰서는 안 됩니다.

노력을 배가하다

— To double one's efforts.

성공을 위해 노력을 배가해야 합니다.

Se confunde a menudo con

노력 vs 능력

Means 'ability.' Effort (노력) is what you do; ability (능력) is what you possess.

노력 vs 수고

Means 'trouble/labor.' Use '수고' to thank someone for a specific task, not '노력'.

노력 vs 시도

Means 'attempt.' A '시도' is a one-time try; '노력' is sustained work.

Modismos y expresiones

"피나는 노력"

— Extreme effort, as if one is sweating blood.

피나는 노력 끝에 금메달을 땄다.

Emphatic

"뼈를 깎는 노력"

— Effort so intense it feels like carving bone; extremely painful effort.

뼈를 깎는 노력으로 체질을 개선했다.

Formal/Emphatic

"노력이 가상하다"

— Used to praise someone (often younger) for their commendable effort.

혼자서 해보려는 노력이 가상하구나.

Neutral

"노력은 배신하지 않는다"

— Hard work always pays off in the end.

포기하지 마, 노력은 배신하지 않아.

Motivational

"천재는 노력하는 자를 이길 수 없다"

— A genius cannot beat someone who works hard.

열심히 하세요. 천재는 노력하는 자를 못 이깁니다.

Motivational

"노력의 결실"

— The fruit of one's labor; the successful result of effort.

이번 우승은 그간의 노력의 결실입니다.

Neutral

"노력도 능력이다"

— The ability to work hard is also a type of talent.

끈기 있게 하는 걸 보니 노력도 능력인 것 같아.

Neutral

"헛수고"

— Vain effort; effort that results in nothing.

비가 와서 세차한 게 헛수고가 됐어.

Informal

"공든 탑이 무너지랴"

— A tower built with great effort will not fall easily. (Hard work is reliable).

걱정 마세요. 공든 탑이 무너지겠어요?

Proverb

"우공이산"

— Moving a mountain through persistence (Chinese idiom used in Korean).

우공이산의 마음으로 노력하면 안 될 게 없다.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

노력 vs 애

Both mean effort.

'애' is more native and implies a sense of struggle or anxiety. '노력' is more general and formal.

애를 쓰며 버텼다 vs 노력을 다했다.

노력 vs 정성

Both involve putting energy into something.

'정성' is about heart and sincerity (e.g., making a gift). '노력' is about hard work (e.g., studying).

정성이 가득한 선물 vs 공부 노력.

노력 vs 고생

Both relate to hard work.

'고생' implies hardship or suffering. '노력' is the proactive act of trying.

고생 끝에 낙이 온다 vs 노력은 배신하지 않는다.

노력 vs 공

Both mean effort spent.

'공' is often used for time-consuming, careful work on a specific project.

공을 들인 탑.

노력 vs 연습

Both involve repetitive work.

'연습' is practice to gain a skill. '노력' is the broader effort including that practice.

피아노 연습 vs 성공을 위한 노력.

Patrones de oraciones

N을/를 노력해요

한국어 공부를 노력해요.

V-려고 노력해요

일찍 자려고 노력해요.

N에 노력을 기울이다

일에 노력을 기울여요.

노력 끝에 V

노력 끝에 성공했어요.

V-려는 노력

이해하려는 노력이 필요해요.

노력을 아끼지 않다

지원을 위해 노력을 아끼지 않아요.

노력을 경주하다

평화를 위해 노력을 경주합니다.

N은 노력의 산물이다

이 작품은 노력의 산물입니다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

노력가 (hard worker)

노력형 (effort-type)

노고 (hard work/labor)

무노력 (lack of effort)

Verbos

노력하다 (to make an effort)

노력시키다 (to make someone work hard)

Adjetivos

노력적인 (effort-oriented - rare)

가상하다 (commendable - often used with effort)

Relacionado

열심히 (hard/diligently)

끈기 (persistence)

인내 (patience)

성실 (sincerity/diligence)

도전 (challenge)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Korean.

Errores comunes

Using '노력' for trying food. → 먹어 보다
노력 is for exertion, not for 'trying' a sample or experience.
Saying '좋은 노력' for 'Good job'. → 수고하셨습니다
In Korean, we acknowledge the labor (수고) rather than labeling the effort as 'good'.
Confusing 노력 with 능력. → 노력 (effort) / 능력 (ability)
They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Using 노력하다 for a one-time attempt. → 시도하다
노력하다 implies sustained work; 시도하다 is for a single attempt.
Using '노력' instead of '정성' for gifts. → 정성
Gifts and cooking involve 'heart/sincerity' (정성), not just 'work' (노력).

Consejos

Using -려고 with 노력하다

When you want to say 'I am trying to [do something],' use the pattern [Verb Stem] + 려고 노력하다. For example, '가려고 노력해요' (I am trying to go).

The Virtue of Effort

In Korea, showing that you are making an effort is often as important as actually succeeding. Sincerity (성실) and effort (노력) are highly respected traits.

Don't confuse with 능력

Remember: Noryeok (노력) starts with 'No' (like 'No pain, no gain'). Neungnyeok (능력) is your 'Ability'.

Formal Collocations

In formal writing, use '노력을 기울이다' (devote effort) or '노력을 경주하다' (exert effort) to sound more professional.

Encouraging Others

Instead of just saying 'Try harder,' which can be rude, say '조금만 더 힘내세요!' (Have a little more strength/Keep it up!) or '응원할게요!' (I'll cheer for you!).

Unreleased 'K'

The final 'k' in '노력' is not popped. Your tongue should hit the back of your throat and stay there, cutting off the sound abruptly.

Blood-sweating Effort

Use '피나는 노력' when you want to describe someone who worked incredibly hard against all odds. It's a very strong and common expression.

When to use 정성

If you are doing something out of love or care for someone else, '정성' is often a better word than '노력'.

God-saeng

The modern trend 'God-saeng' (God + Life) is all about '노력'—living a productive, diligent life every single day.

Effort and Betrayal

Memorize the phrase '노력은 배신하지 않는다.' It's a great conversation closer when talking about goals.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'No Luck.' If you have 'No Luck,' you need 'No-ryeok' (effort) to succeed. Effort is the cure for bad luck.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person pushing a huge boulder up a hill (like Sisyphus, but with a successful ending). The sweat on their brow is their '노력'.

Word Web

Success Study Sweat Persistence Goal Practice Diligence Willpower

Desafío

Try to use '노력하다' in three different sentences today: one about your Korean studies, one about a hobby, and one about a work task.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters 努力.

Significado original: 努 (Noh) means 'to exert' or 'to strive,' and 力 (Ryeok) means 'strength' or 'power.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using '노력' to someone who is clearly struggling with mental health or systemic poverty, as it can sound like you are trivializing their situation.

In English-speaking cultures, 'effort' is valued, but there is often an equal or greater emphasis on 'natural talent' or 'work-life balance,' which can contrast with the Korean 'all-in' approach to effort.

The song 'N.O' by BTS discusses the pressure of effort in the school system. The 'Hell Joseon' discourse often centers on the futility of effort for the youth. Korean sports legends like Park Ji-sung are often called 'icons of effort'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

School/Education

시험 공부 노력
성적 향상을 위한 노력
노력하는 학생
노력이 부족함

Workplace

업무에 노력을 기울이다
팀의 공동 노력
노고에 감사하다
성과를 위한 노력

Self-Improvement

자신을 바꾸려는 노력
매일 운동하는 노력
나쁜 습관을 고치려는 노력
끊임없는 자기 노력

Relationships

서로를 이해하려는 노력
관계를 유지하기 위한 노력
대화하려는 노력
상대를 위한 정성과 노력

Politics/Society

평화를 위한 노력
경제 회복 노력
복지 확대를 위한 노력
사회적 합의를 위한 노력

Inicios de conversación

"한국어를 배우기 위해 어떤 노력을 하고 계세요?"

"살면서 가장 큰 노력을 기울였던 일은 무엇인가요?"

"노력만 하면 무엇이든 이룰 수 있다고 생각하시나요?"

"최근에 누군가의 노력을 보고 감동받은 적이 있나요?"

"노력과 재능 중에서 무엇이 더 중요하다고 생각하세요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 내가 목표를 위해 한 노력 세 가지를 적어보세요.

'노력은 배신하지 않는다'라는 말에 대해 자신의 생각을 서술하세요.

과거에 노력을 했지만 결과가 좋지 않았던 경험과 그를 통해 배운 점을 쓰세요.

내가 앞으로 더 노력하고 싶은 분야는 무엇이며 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

사회 시스템과 개인의 노력 사이의 관계에 대해 논해보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, that sounds like a literal translation from English. Instead, say '수고하셨습니다' or '고생하셨습니다' to acknowledge someone's hard work. If you want to praise the quality of the effort, say '노력이 대단하시네요' (Your effort is impressive).

노력하다 is the standard, neutral word for making an effort. 애쓰다 implies a more painful struggle or a desperate attempt to overcome a difficult situation. For example, you '노력' to study, but you '애쓰다' to hold back tears.

You can say '그럴 만한 노력을 할 가치가 없어요' or more simply '그렇게까지 할 필요 없어요' (There's no need to go that far).

No. For trying or tasting something, use the '-어 보다' pattern, like '먹어 봐요'. 노력 is only for exertion toward a goal.

It is a sarcastic slang term used by young people. By elongating the 'o' sound, they mock the older generation's advice that 'you just need to work harder,' implying that no amount of effort can overcome current social problems.

Yes, by adding '하다' to it, it becomes '노력하다' (to make an effort/to try hard).

The noun '노력' itself is neutral and used in all registers. The formality depends on the verb ending you attach to it (e.g., 노력해 vs 노력합니다).

It refers to a person who achieves success through sheer hard work and persistence, often contrasted with a '천재' (genius) who has natural talent.

In a professional setting, '노고에 감사드립니다' is very formal and polite. In a general setting, '수고해 주셔서 감사합니다' is common.

Usually, '시도' (attempt) is better for a one-time try. '노력' implies a more sustained and serious investment of energy.

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