Meaning
A formal and determined promise to put forth maximum effort.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often accompanied by a 90-degree bow in very formal settings, emphasizing the speaker's humility and commitment. Saying this phrase is considered a 'social contract'. If you say it and then show lack of effort, it is seen as a character flaw, not just a work failure. Idols use this phrase to build a bond with fans, showing that they don't take their success for granted and will keep working hard. Parents often tell their children '최선만 다해라' (Just do your best), which is meant to relieve pressure while still demanding full effort.
The Eye Contact Rule
When saying this in an interview, maintain steady eye contact. Looking away makes the promise seem weak.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every tiny task, people will think you are being dramatic or insincere.
Meaning
A formal and determined promise to put forth maximum effort.
The Eye Contact Rule
When saying this in an interview, maintain steady eye contact. Looking away makes the promise seem weak.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every tiny task, people will think you are being dramatic or insincere.
The 'Humble' Prefix
Adding '부족하지만' (Although I am lacking) before the phrase makes you sound more traditionally polite and Korean.
Tone Matters
Say it with a descending tone at the end to sound firm and reliable.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb to complete the formal promise.
면접관님, 이 회사에서 제 (____)을 다하겠습니다.
The standard phrase is '최선을 다하다'.
Which ending is most appropriate for a job interview?
최선을...
The '~겠습니다' ending is the standard for formal vows and interviews.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
부장님: '이번 프로젝트, 잘 부탁하네.' 사원: '네, 부장님! (_________________)'
When a boss entrusts you with a task, promising your best effort is the expected response.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say '최선을 다하겠습니다'?
It is used for high-stakes situations requiring effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Effort Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises면접관님, 이 회사에서 제 (____)을 다하겠습니다.
The standard phrase is '최선을 다하다'.
최선을...
The '~겠습니다' ending is the standard for formal vows and interviews.
부장님: '이번 프로젝트, 잘 부탁하네.' 사원: '네, 부장님! (_________________)'
When a boss entrusts you with a task, promising your best effort is the expected response.
When would you say '최선을 다하겠습니다'?
It is used for high-stakes situations requiring effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's usually too formal. Use '최선을 다할게' or just '열심히 할게' instead.
'Yeolsimhi' is 'working hard', while 'Choiseon' is 'doing the absolute best'. 'Choiseon' is slightly more formal and intense.
Both are okay, but '최선을' (with the marker) is better for formal writing and speeches.
Yes, if you are in a professional setting (like a junior doctor to a senior nurse), but usually, the lower rank says it to the higher rank.
No, it guarantees effort. In Korea, promising effort is often more respected than promising a result you can't control.
Use the past tense: '최선을 다했습니다' (Choiseoneul dahaessseumnida).
Yes, '빡세게 할게요' (I'll do it intensely/hard), but never use this in an interview!
'Dahada' implies finishing or exhausting a resource, which adds the 'all-in' nuance.
Yes, it is a perfect way to end a professional email when accepting a task.
As long as people saw you trying hard, they will usually forgive the failure because you 'did your best'.
Related Phrases
열심히 하겠습니다
similarI will work hard.
온 힘을 다하다
similarTo use all one's strength.
진심을 다하다
builds onTo put one's whole heart into it.
수고하셨습니다
contrastYou worked hard / Good job.
끝까지 가다
similarTo go until the end.
전력을 다하다
specialized formTo use full power.
