뜻
Someone who works very hard.
문화적 배경
Livestock are the 'Five Jewels' of Mongolia. Comparing a person to a 'work animal' is a high compliment of their utility and strength, reflecting the nomadic roots of the culture. In the capital, this phrase is often used with a bit of 'office humor' to bond over shared stress and long hours. In the countryside, the literal meaning is still very much alive. A herder might use it for a reliable ox, but when applied to a person, it emphasizes physical toughness. Mongolian business culture values 'endurance' (тэвчээр). Being called an 'ажлын мал' by a boss is often a sign that you are being considered for more responsibility.
Use it for praise
If a colleague helps you a lot, saying 'Чи ч жинхэнэ ажлын мал юм аа' with a smile is a great way to show gratitude.
Watch the 'Mal'
Always remember the 'Ajlyn'. Calling someone just 'Mal' will end your friendship immediately.
뜻
Someone who works very hard.
Use it for praise
If a colleague helps you a lot, saying 'Чи ч жинхэнэ ажлын мал юм аа' with a smile is a great way to show gratitude.
Watch the 'Mal'
Always remember the 'Ajlyn'. Calling someone just 'Mal' will end your friendship immediately.
Plural form
Use 'Ажлын малнууд' to praise a whole team. It builds great camaraderie.
Nomadic roots
Mentioning you know this phrase comes from nomadic culture will deeply impress native speakers.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Миний найз өдөр шөнөгүй ажилладаг, тэр бол жинхэнэ _________.
The correct idiom is 'ажлын мал' (workhorse).
Which sentence is a compliment?
Аль өгүүлбэр нь магтаал вэ?
Only 'ажлын мал' is a recognized idiom for a hard worker. The others are insults.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: Your colleague finished a 100-page report in two days.
This situation describes a tireless worker, which fits the idiom perfectly.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Бат хаана байна? B: Тэр оффис дээрээ л байна. A: Бат ч _________ шүү.
Staying late at the office implies he is a workhorse.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Compliment vs. Insult
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Миний найз өдөр шөнөгүй ажилладаг, тэр бол жинхэнэ _________.
The correct idiom is 'ажлын мал' (workhorse).
Аль өгүүлбэр нь магтаал вэ?
Only 'ажлын мал' is a recognized idiom for a hard worker. The others are insults.
Situation: Your colleague finished a 100-page report in two days.
This situation describes a tireless worker, which fits the idiom perfectly.
A: Бат хаана байна? B: Тэр оффис дээрээ л байна. A: Бат ч _________ шүү.
Staying late at the office implies he is a workhorse.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Generally no, it's a compliment for being hardworking. However, context matters—don't use it if someone is clearly exhausted and unhappy.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. You can call anyone an 'ажлын мал'.
The formal version is 'Хөдөлмөрч хүн' or 'Ажилсаг хүн'.
In Mongolian culture, livestock are respected for their endurance and vital role in survival.
No, it's too informal. Use 'Ажилдаа тууштай' (Consistent in work) instead.
Yes, it is understood across all Mongolian-speaking regions, including Inner Mongolia.
It's a bit like a 'th' and 'l' mixed together. Try blowing air out the sides of your tongue.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, stick to formal terms.
Close, but 'workaholic' implies an addiction, while 'ажлын мал' implies a strong capacity and stamina for work.
Yes, 'Ажлын мал шиг ашиглах' means 'to use someone like a workhorse' (exploitation).
관련 표현
Ажилсаг хүн
synonymHardworking person
Ажлын машин
similarWork machine
Залхуу хүн
contrastLazy person
Хар ажил
builds onHard/manual labor
Шоргоолж шиг
similarLike an ant
