Meaning
To work oneself to exhaustion, indicating severe physical exertion.
Cultural Background
Reflects the 'pali-pali' culture where hard work is a social expectation. Shares the same idiom, reflecting similar agrarian roots and work ethics. Emphasizes the 'pain' of work, similar to the Korean focus on physical strain. Uses 'back-breaking' to describe labor, showing a universal human connection between spine and work.
Use with '지경이다'
Adding '지경이다' makes the phrase sound more natural and dramatic.
Don't use in formal emails
It is too informal for business correspondence.
Meaning
To work oneself to exhaustion, indicating severe physical exertion.
Use with '지경이다'
Adding '지경이다' makes the phrase sound more natural and dramatic.
Don't use in formal emails
It is too informal for business correspondence.
Use for empathy
Use it when a friend complains to show you understand their pain.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
시험 기간이라 요즘 ___________ 공부하고 있어요.
We need the adverbial form to modify the verb '공부하다'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
The idiom requires the '-게' suffix to function as an adverb.
Match the situation to the feeling.
You have been working for 12 hours straight.
This phrase best captures the feeling of being on the verge of collapse.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises시험 기간이라 요즘 ___________ 공부하고 있어요.
We need the adverbial form to modify the verb '공부하다'.
Choose the most natural sentence.
The idiom requires the '-게' suffix to function as an adverb.
You have been working for 12 hours straight.
This phrase best captures the feeling of being on the verge of collapse.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it is a metaphor for extreme exhaustion.
No, it is too informal. Use professional language instead.
No, it is used for studying, office work, and any intense task.
'뼈가 빠지다' is slightly more intense.
Related Phrases
뼈가 빠지게 일하다
synonymWorking until bones fall out.
눈코 뜰 새 없다
similarExtremely busy.
녹초가 되다
similarTo be completely drained.
눈이 빠지게 기다리다
similarTo wait very anxiously.
