힘겹다 in 30 Seconds
- Describes extreme difficulty requiring great effort and endurance.
- Implies strain, struggle, and potential exhaustion.
- Used for physically or mentally taxing situations.
- More intense than 'difficult' (어렵다) or 'hard' (힘들다).
- Literal Meaning
- Literally, '힘' (him) means 'strength' or 'power', and '겹다' (gyeopda) can relate to overlapping or being piled on. So, it can be understood as 'strength being piled on' or 'requiring great strength'.
- Nuance
- It emphasizes the physical or mental strain and the sheer effort involved in enduring or completing a task, rather than just its complexity or abstract difficulty.
The climb up the mountain was incredibly 힘겹다.
Dealing with the long illness was a 힘겹다 experience.
- Usage Contexts
- It is frequently used to describe:
- Physical exertion: '무거운 짐을 나르느라 팔이 힘겹다' (My arms are tired from carrying the heavy load).
- Challenging journeys: '가파른 산길을 오르는 것이 힘겹다' (Climbing the steep mountain path is strenuous).
- Difficult periods of life: '경제적으로 힘겹다' (It's financially arduous).
- Exhausting work: '밤샘 작업을 하느라 몸이 힘겹다' (My body is exhausted from the all-night work). - Emotional Connotation
- It often carries a connotation of struggle, perseverance, and the toll that effort takes on a person. It's not usually used for simple inconveniences but for significant challenges.
Recovering from the surgery was a 힘겹다 process.
**Predicative Use (as a verb ending):** This is the most common way to use '힘겹다'. It attaches directly to the subject of the sentence.
Example:
- 오늘 날씨가 정말 힘겹다. (Today's weather is really tough/strenuous.)
- 이 산을 오르는 것은 생각보다 힘겹다. (Climbing this mountain is more strenuous than I thought.)
- 그의 표정에서 힘겹다는 것을 느낄 수 있었다. (I could feel from his expression that it was arduous.)
**Attributive Use (modifying a noun):** To use '힘겹다' to describe a noun, you typically use the '-ㄴ/-은' form, which is '힘겨운' (himgyeoun).
Example:
- 그는 힘겨운 발걸음을 옮겼다. (He took arduous steps.)
- 우리는 힘겨운 싸움을 이겨냈다. (We won a tough fight.)
- 힘겨운 여정 끝에 목적지에 도착했다. (After an arduous journey, we arrived at our destination.)
**In conjunction with other verbs/endings:** '힘겹다' can be combined with various grammatical endings to express different nuances.
Example:
- 힘겹게 숨을 쉬었다. (He breathed with difficulty.) (Using the adverbial form '힘겹게' - himgyeopge)
- 힘겹지만 포기하지 않을 것이다. (It's arduous, but I will not give up.) (Using the connective ending '-지만' - jiman)
- 힘겹다는 것을 알면서도 계속 도전했다. (Knowing that it was arduous, I continued to challenge myself.) (Using the nominalizing ending '-다는 것' - daneun geot)
**Expressing personal feelings:** It's often used to express one's own feelings about a situation.
Example:
- 이 일을 혼자서 다 끝내려니 힘겹다. (It's strenuous trying to finish this work alone.)
- 오랜만에 운동했더니 몸이 힘겹다. (My body feels strained after exercising for the first time in a while.)
**Describing external situations:** It can also describe the nature of a task or situation objectively.
Example:
- 건설 현장의 일은 매우 힘겹다. (The work at the construction site is very arduous.)
- 급격한 경제 성장으로 인해 사회 문제가 힘겹다. (Social problems are strenuous due to rapid economic growth.)
**Common sentence structures:**
1. Subject + (Adverb) + 힘겹다.
2. Subject + 힘겨운 + Noun.
3. Subject + Verb/Adjective + 힘겹게 + Verb.
4. Subject + 힘겹지만 + Clause.
When constructing sentences, consider what is being described as arduous. Is it a physical action, a mental state, a journey, or a general situation? The context will guide the most appropriate way to use '힘겹다' and its related forms.
**Everyday Conversations:**
- Friends might describe a difficult hike: "어제 등산 갔는데, 정상까지 가는 길이 정말 힘겹더라." (I went hiking yesterday, and the path to the summit was really strenuous.)
- Someone complaining about work: "이번 프로젝트 마감일이 너무 빠듯해서 요즘 너무 힘겹다." (The deadline for this project is too tight, so it's been very arduous lately.)
- Discussing personal challenges: "아이 둘을 키우면서 직장까지 다니려니 힘겹지." (It's tough raising two children while also working, isn't it?)
**Media and Entertainment:**
- **News Reports:** When reporting on natural disasters, economic hardship, or challenging rescue operations, reporters might use '힘겹다' to describe the situation or the efforts of those involved. For example, "구조대원들은 힘겨운 상황 속에서도 인명을 구조하기 위해 최선을 다했습니다." (The rescue team did their best to save lives even amidst the arduous situation.)
- **Dramas and Movies:** Characters in dramas or movies often use '힘겹다' to express their struggles, whether it's a physical challenge like a battle or a difficult climb, or an emotional one like overcoming a personal loss. A character might say, "이 모든 시련을 이겨내는 것이 얼마나 힘겨운지 몰라." (You don't know how arduous it is to overcome all these trials.)
- **Documentaries:** Documentaries focusing on human endurance, historical struggles, or difficult professions (e.g., deep-sea fishermen, miners) frequently employ '힘겹다' to convey the harsh realities.
**Literature and Writing:**
- **Novels and Essays:** Authors use '힘겹다' to paint vivid pictures of their characters' struggles and the demanding nature of their environments or circumstances. A passage might describe, "그의 얼굴에는 힘겨운 싸움의 흔적이 역력했다." (The traces of a strenuous fight were evident on his face.)
- **Motivational Content:** Articles or speeches aimed at encouraging perseverance might use '힘겹다' to acknowledge the difficulty of challenges before offering solutions or inspiration. "인생은 때로 힘겹지만, 그 안에서 우리는 더 강해진다." (Life is sometimes arduous, but within it, we become stronger.)
**Professional Contexts:**
- **Sports Commentary:** Describing an athlete pushing their limits during a competition. "선수가 힘겨운 레이스를 펼치고 있습니다." (The athlete is engaged in a strenuous race.)
- **Academic or Research Papers:** While less common in highly technical fields, it might appear in social science or humanities papers discussing difficult societal conditions or historical periods.
**Common Scenarios:**
- **Physical Labor:** Describing construction work, farming, or moving heavy objects.
- **Health Struggles:** Discussing recovery from illness or injury.
- **Financial Difficulties:** Talking about periods of economic hardship.
- **Emotional and Mental Strain:** Describing dealing with grief, stress, or overwhelming responsibilities.
Essentially, '힘겹다' is a versatile word used whenever a situation demands significant effort, endurance, and resilience, and often leaves one feeling drained. It's a word that acknowledges the weight of a challenge.
**1. Confusing '힘겹다' with '어렵다' (eoryeopda - to be difficult):**
While both words relate to difficulty, '어렵다' is more general and can refer to intellectual difficulty, complexity, or social awkwardness. '힘겹다' specifically emphasizes the physical or mental strain and the sheer effort required.
- **Mistake:** "이 수학 문제는 너무 힘겹다." (This math problem is too strenuous.)
- **Correction:** "이 수학 문제는 너무 어렵다." (This math problem is too difficult.)
- **Explanation:** Math problems are typically intellectually difficult, not physically strenuous. Use '어렵다' for intellectual challenges. If you were trying to solve a very complex math problem for hours without a break, you might say the process was '힘겹다'.
**2. Overusing '힘겹다' for minor inconveniences:**
'힘겹다' describes significant challenges. Using it for small problems can sound like an exaggeration.
- **Mistake:** "오늘 아침에 늦잠 자서 지하철 타는 게 힘겹다." (I overslept this morning, so it's arduous to take the subway.)
- **Correction:** "오늘 아침에 늦잠 자서 지하철 타는 게 불편하다 (uncomfortable/inconvenient) or 서두르느라 힘들다 (it's hard because I'm rushing)."
- **Explanation:** Missing the subway or being late is inconvenient, not typically '힘겹다'. '힘겹다' is for situations that truly test one's endurance.
**3. Incorrectly applying the grammatical form:**
Using '힘겹다' as an adverb or in an attributive form without proper conjugation.
- **Mistake:** "그는 힘겹다 걸었다." (He walked arduously.)
- **Correction:** "그는 힘겹게 걸었다." (He walked arduously.)
- **Explanation:** '힘겹게' (himgyeopge) is the adverbial form used to modify verbs. Similarly, for attributive use, use '힘겨운' (himgyeoun).
- **Mistake:** "그것은 힘겹다 임무였다." (It was an arduous mission.)
- **Correction:** "그것은 힘겨운 임무였다." (It was an arduous mission.)
**4. Confusing with '힘들다' (himdeulda - to be hard/difficult, often implying tiredness):**
'힘들다' is a very common word that can overlap with '힘겹다', but '힘겹다' carries a stronger sense of strain and a greater degree of arduousness. '힘들다' can be used more broadly for general hardship or tiredness.
- **Mistake (subtle):** Using '힘들다' when the situation is exceptionally taxing and requires immense effort.
- **Correction:** While '힘들다' is acceptable, '힘겹다' might be more precise for situations of extreme strain. For example, climbing Mount Everest is not just '힘들다', it's '힘겹다'.
- **Explanation:** '힘들다' can be used for anything that is difficult or tiring. '힘겹다' is specifically for challenges that feel overwhelmingly strenuous and demand significant resilience.
**5. Using '힘겹다' for abstract or emotional states without sufficient context:**
While '힘겹다' can describe mental strain, it usually implies a prolonged or intense struggle. Using it for mild emotional discomfort might be an overstatement.
- **Mistake:** "오늘 기분이 좀 힘겹다." (My mood is a bit arduous today.)
- **Correction:** "오늘 기분이 좀 가라앉는다 (I feel down) or 우울하다 (I feel depressed)."
- **Explanation:** '힘겹다' is better suited for describing the effort involved in enduring difficult circumstances or emotions, rather than just a general feeling of low mood. For instance, dealing with a prolonged period of grief could be described as '힘겹다'.
To avoid these mistakes, always consider the degree of effort, strain, and endurance required by the situation. '힘겹다' signifies a substantial challenge.
- 1. 어렵다 (eoryeopda) - To be difficult
- **Comparison:** This is the most general word for 'difficult'. It can refer to intellectual challenges, complex problems, social awkwardness, or anything that is not easy to understand or do. '힘겹다' is a specific type of difficulty that involves strain and great effort.
**Usage:**
- 수학 문제가 어렵다. (The math problem is difficult.)
- 이 책은 내용이 어렵다. (This book's content is difficult to understand.)
- 그는 말을 어렵게 한다. (He speaks in a difficult/complicated way.)
**When to use '힘겹다' instead:** When the difficulty involves significant physical or mental exertion and a feeling of strain.
- 가파른 산을 오르는 것은 힘겹다. (Climbing the steep mountain is arduous.) - 2. 힘들다 (himdeulda) - To be hard, tiring, or tough
- **Comparison:** '힘들다' is very common and versatile. It can mean 'hard', 'tough', 'tiring', or 'difficult'. It often implies a sense of weariness or struggle. '힘겹다' is a more specific and intense version of '힘들다', emphasizing the sheer strain and effort required to overcome a challenge. '힘들다' can be used for a wider range of less intense difficulties than '힘겹다'.
**Usage:**
- 오늘 하루 정말 힘들었다. (Today was really hard/tiring.)
- 무거운 짐을 들고 뛰는 것은 힘들다. (Running while carrying a heavy load is hard/tiring.)
- 그를 설득하는 것이 힘들었다. (It was hard to persuade him.)
**When to use '힘겹다' instead:** When the situation is exceptionally taxing and requires immense endurance and resilience, going beyond mere tiredness or general difficulty.
- 장시간의 수술 후 회복 과정은 매우 힘겹다. (The recovery process after a long surgery is very arduous.) - 3. 고되다 (godoe-da) - To be laborious, arduous, or wearying
- **Comparison:** '고되다' is very similar to '힘겹다' and often interchangeable, particularly when referring to physically demanding labor. It emphasizes the laborious and fatiguing nature of work or a task. It implies a deep sense of exhaustion from prolonged effort.
**Usage:**
- 농부의 삶은 고되다. (A farmer's life is laborious.)
- 오랜 시간의 훈련으로 몸이 고되다. (My body is weary from long hours of training.)
**When to use '힘겹다' instead:** While often interchangeable, '힘겹다' can sometimes carry a slightly broader sense, including mental strain or the struggle against overwhelming odds, whereas '고되다' leans more towards the physical toil and resulting weariness. However, in many contexts, they are synonymous.
- 험준한 산길을 오르는 고된 여정 (an arduous journey climbing a rugged mountain path) - here '힘겨운' would also fit. - 4. 버겁다 (beogeopda) - To be overwhelming, too much to handle
- **Comparison:** '버겁다' describes a situation where the burden or task is too much for one's current capacity, leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. It focuses on the scale of the task relative to one's ability. '힘겹다' focuses more on the effort and strain involved in dealing with a difficult situation, even if it's manageable with great effort.
**Usage:**
- 맡은 일이 너무 버겁다. (The task I've been assigned is too overwhelming.)
- 그의 기대에 부응하는 것이 버겁다. (It's overwhelming to meet his expectations.)
**When to use '힘겹다' instead:** When the difficulty is about the sheer effort and strain, rather than the task being too much to handle.
- 힘겹지만 이 일을 해낼 것이다. (It's arduous, but I will accomplish this task.) - Here, the focus is on the effort. If it were '버겁다', it would imply it's almost impossible to accomplish.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word can be seen as a descriptive metaphor: imagine trying to lift something that feels like multiple heavy objects piled on top of each other – that feeling of immense strain and effort is what '힘겹다' captures. It's a word that vividly conveys the physical and mental toll of overcoming significant challenges.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '힘' as '힘' (him) without the aspiration, making it sound like 'im'.
- Mispronouncing the 'eo' sound in '겹다' (gyeopda). It's not a simple 'o' or 'u' sound.
- Not clearly articulating the 'p' sound in '겹다', making it sound too soft.
Difficulty Rating
This word is common in B1 level texts, especially those describing personal struggles, adventures, or challenging situations. Readers at this level should be able to comprehend its meaning in context, though nuanced usage might require further explanation. Texts at higher levels (B2+) will use it more frequently and in more complex sentence structures.
Learners at B1 level can begin to incorporate '힘겹다' into their writing to describe difficult experiences, tasks, or emotions. They should focus on using it appropriately and distinguishing it from simpler terms like '어렵다' or '힘들다'. Consistent practice is needed to master its nuanced application.
At the B1 level, learners should be able to use '힘겹다' in spoken contexts to describe personal challenges or observations. They might initially rely on simpler phrases, but with practice, they can express more complex feelings and situations using this adjective. Pronunciation and correct grammatical endings are key.
Listeners at the B1 level should be able to recognize '힘겹다' in spoken Korean, especially in narratives, news reports, or personal anecdotes describing hardship. Understanding the context is crucial for grasping the full meaning and intensity conveyed by the word.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ + Noun
힘겹다 (adjective) -> 힘겨운 (adjective form) + 싸움 (noun) = 힘겨운 싸움 (arduous fight).
Adjective + -게
힘겹다 (adjective) -> 힘겹게 (adverb) + 숨쉬다 (verb) = 힘겹게 숨쉬다 (to breathe arduously).
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ/는/는 것
힘겹다 (adjective) -> 힘겹다는 것 (nominalized form) = It is arduous.
Adjective + -지만
힘겹다 (adjective) -> 힘겹지만 (connective) = Although it is arduous...
Adjective + -어/아 보이다
힘겹다 (adjective) -> 힘겨워 보이다 (to seem arduous) = He looked strained.
Examples by Level
이것은 힘겹다.
This is tough.
길이 힘겹다.
The road is arduous.
운동이 힘겹다.
Exercise is strenuous.
날씨가 힘겹다.
The weather is harsh.
일이 힘겹다.
The work is arduous.
숨쉬기가 힘겹다.
Breathing is difficult.
몸이 힘겹다.
My body is strained.
삶이 힘겹다.
Life is tough.
무거운 짐을 나르느라 팔이 힘겹다.
My arms are tired from carrying the heavy load.
가파른 언덕을 오르는 것이 정말 힘겹다.
Climbing the steep hill is really strenuous.
밤샘 작업을 하느라 몸이 힘겹다.
My body is exhausted from the all-night work.
오랜 여행이라서 발걸음이 힘겹다.
It's a long journey, so my steps are heavy.
이 과제를 혼자서 끝내는 것이 힘겹다.
It's arduous to finish this assignment alone.
그의 얼굴에는 힘겨운 표정이 역력했다.
A strained expression was evident on his face.
경제적으로 힘겨운 시기를 보내고 있다.
We are going through a financially arduous period.
이 산을 오르는 것은 정말 힘겨운 도전이었다.
Climbing this mountain was a truly arduous challenge.
장시간의 훈련으로 인해 그의 몸은 매우 힘겨웠다.
His body was very strained due to the long hours of training.
'-었-' past tense conjugation.
무거운 짐을 들고 계단을 오르는 것은 힘겨운 일이었다.
Carrying the heavy load up the stairs was an arduous task.
'-(으)ㄴ 일' nominalizes the preceding adjective.
그는 힘겨운 싸움 끝에 간신히 승리했다.
He barely won after a strenuous fight.
'-ㄴ 끝에' indicates success after a struggle.
경제적 어려움 때문에 많은 사람들이 힘겨운 삶을 살고 있다.
Due to economic difficulties, many people are living arduous lives.
'- 때문에' indicates cause.
새로운 사업을 시작하는 것은 생각보다 훨씬 힘겨운 과정이었다.
Starting a new business was a much more arduous process than I thought.
'-(으)ㄴ 과정' nominalizes the adjective.
그녀는 힘겨운 상황에서도 희망을 잃지 않았다.
She did not lose hope even in an arduous situation.
'-에서도' means 'even in'.
험준한 산길을 오르느라 우리의 발걸음은 매우 힘겨웠다.
Our steps were very heavy as we climbed the rugged mountain path.
'-느라' indicates the reason for the state.
이 복잡한 문제를 해결하는 것은 매우 힘겨운 일이었다.
Solving this complex problem was a very arduous task.
'-(으)ㄴ 일' nominalizes the adjective.
만성 질환으로 인한 통증은 일상생활을 매우 힘겹게 만들었다.
The pain from the chronic illness made daily life very arduous.
'-(게) 만들다' means 'to make something become...'
그는 수년간의 재활 훈련을 통해 힘겨운 과정을 극복했다.
He overcame the arduous process through years of rehabilitation training.
'-(으)ㄴ 과정' nominalizes the adjective.
극한의 환경에서 일하는 것은 정신적으로나 육체적으로나 매우 힘겹다.
Working in extreme environments is very arduous, both mentally and physically.
'-적으로나 ... -적으로나' indicates 'both ... and ...'
그의 연설은 청중들에게 깊은 감동을 주었지만, 그의 목소리는 힘겨워 보였다.
His speech deeply moved the audience, but his voice seemed strained.
'-어 보이다' means 'to seem/look...'
끊임없는 노력에도 불구하고, 목표 달성은 여전히 힘겨운 과제로 남아 있었다.
Despite continuous effort, achieving the goal still remained an arduous task.
'-(으)로 남아 있다' means 'to remain as...'
가족을 부양하기 위한 그의 노력은 때로는 너무나 힘겨웠다.
His efforts to support his family were sometimes overwhelmingly arduous.
'너무나' emphasizes the degree.
역경 속에서도 희망을 찾으려는 그의 태도는 매우 힘겨워 보였다.
His attitude of trying to find hope amidst adversity seemed very strenuous.
'-어 보이다' means 'to seem/look...'
끝없는 의심과 불안 속에서 결정을 내리는 것은 정신적으로 매우 힘겨운 일이었다.
Making a decision amidst endless doubt and anxiety was mentally very arduous.
'-(으)ㄴ 일' nominalizes the adjective.
그는 자신의 한계를 시험하는 듯한, 극한의 도전을 통해 자아를 발견하곤 했다.
He would often discover himself through extreme challenges that seemed to test his limits, making the journey arduous.
'-(으)ㄴ 듯한' means 'seeming like...'; '-곤 했다' indicates habitual past action.
역사의 격동기 속에서 개인의 삶은 종종 예측할 수 없는 시련으로 점철되어 그 모든 것을 감내하는 것이 매우 힘겨웠다.
During turbulent historical periods, individual lives were often marked by unpredictable trials, making it very arduous to endure it all.
'점철되다' means 'to be marked by/filled with'; '감내하다' means 'to endure/bear'.
인간의 정신력은 상상 이상으로 강인하지만, 때로는 그 강인함마저도 시험대에 올리는, 지극히 힘겨운 순간들이 존재한다.
Human mental fortitude is stronger than imagined, but there are extremely arduous moments that test even that strength.
'-(으)ㄹ지라도' (implied) means 'even though'; '지극히' means 'extremely'.
그 예술가의 창작 과정은 고통스러운 자기 성찰과 끊임없는 재해석의 연속이었으며, 그 결과물은 이러한 힘겨운 여정의 산물이었다.
The artist's creative process was a series of painful self-reflection and constant reinterpretation, and the resulting work was a product of this arduous journey.
'-(으)ㄴ/는 연속이었다' means 'was a series of...'; '산물' means 'product/outcome'.
사회적 불평등과 빈곤의 굴레 속에서 살아가는 이들에게 매일의 생존은 그 자체로 지독히 힘겨운 투쟁이었다.
For those living under the yoke of social inequality and poverty, daily survival was in itself a terribly arduous struggle.
'굴레' means 'yoke/shackles'; '지독히' means 'terribly/severely'.
새로운 기술의 도입은 때때로 기존의 방식에 익숙한 이들에게 상당한 저항과 함께 매우 힘겨운 변화를 요구한다.
The introduction of new technology sometimes demands very arduous changes with considerable resistance from those accustomed to existing methods.
'-(으)ㄴ 채로' (implied) means 'while remaining...'; '요구하다' means 'to demand'.
그의 내면 깊숙한 곳에서는 끊임없는 자기 회의와 싸워야 하는, 지극히 힘겨운 심리적 여정이 펼쳐지고 있었다.
Deep within him, an extremely arduous psychological journey of constantly battling self-doubt was unfolding.
'-어야 하는' means 'having to do...'; '펼쳐지다' means 'to unfold/be laid out'.
인류의 발전 과정은 종종 자연의 거대한 힘 앞에서 무력함을 느끼면서도, 이를 극복하려는 숭고하고도 힘겨운 노력의 연속이었다.
The process of human development was often a series of noble yet arduous efforts to overcome the immense power of nature, while feeling powerless before it.
'-(으)면서도' means 'even while...'; '숭고하다' means 'noble/sublime'.
절망적인 상황 속에서도 인간의 존엄성을 지키려는 필사적인 노력은, 그 자체로 숭고하면서도 가장 힘겨운 증명이었다.
The desperate effort to maintain human dignity even in a desperate situation was, in itself, a noble yet the most arduous testament.
'-(으)려고 하는' indicates an intention; '증명' means 'proof/testament'.
그의 회고록은 전쟁의 참상과 그 속에서 살아남기 위한 처절하고도 힘겨운 날들의 기록이었다.
His memoir was a record of the horrors of war and the desperate, arduous days of survival within it.
'-(으)며' connects clauses; '처절하다' means 'desperate/tragic'.
진리를 탐구하는 길은 때로 고독하고 험난하며, 지적 능력뿐만 아니라 정신력까지 극한으로 몰아붙이는 지극히 힘겨운 여정이다.
The path of seeking truth is sometimes solitary and arduous, an extremely arduous journey that pushes not only intellectual capacity but also mental fortitude to the extreme.
'-(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라' means 'not only... but also'; '몰아붙이다' means 'to push to the limit'.
역사의 수레바퀴 앞에서 개인의 삶은 미약할지라도, 그 찰나의 순간에 발휘되는 용기와 의지는 어떠한 역경도 이겨낼 수 있는 힘겨운 증거를 남긴다.
Though individual lives may be insignificant before the wheels of history, the courage and will displayed in those fleeting moments leave behind an arduous testament capable of overcoming any adversity.
'-(으)ㄹ지라도' means 'even though'; '발휘되다' means 'to be displayed/exhibited'.
무한한 가능성과 직면했을 때, 때로는 그 무한함 자체가 우리에게 감당하기 힘겨운 부담으로 다가올 수 있다.
When faced with infinite possibilities, sometimes that very infinity can approach us as an overwhelmingly arduous burden to bear.
'-(으)ㄹ 수 있다' indicates possibility; '감당하기' means 'to bear/handle'.
그는 자신의 예술을 통해 인간 존재의 근원적인 고독과 마주하며, 이를 표현하는 과정은 그에게 있어 가장 힘겨운 자기 탐구였다.
Through his art, he confronted the fundamental solitude of human existence, and the process of expressing it was the most arduous self-exploration for him.
'-(으)면서' indicates simultaneous action; '근원적인' means 'fundamental/root'.
인류가 보편적 가치를 추구하는 여정은 필연적으로 수많은 난관과 마주하며, 그 모든 것을 극복하려는 시도는 그 자체로 숭고하고도 지독히 힘겨운 헌신이다.
The journey of humanity in pursuing universal values inevitably encounters numerous obstacles, and the attempt to overcome all of them is in itself a noble and terribly arduous devotion.
'-(으)려는 시도' means 'an attempt to...'; '필연적으로' means 'inevitably'.
자신의 신념을 지키기 위해 사회적 압력과 싸우는 것은, 때로는 개인의 모든 에너지를 소진시키는, 그 무엇과도 비교할 수 없는 힘겨운 투쟁이 된다.
Fighting against social pressure to uphold one's beliefs sometimes becomes an incomparably arduous struggle that exhausts all of an individual's energy.
'-(으)ㄴ다' indicates present tense; '그 무엇과도 비교할 수 없는' means 'incomparable'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It is arduous/tough/strenuous.
오늘 날씨가 정말 힘겹다.
— A strenuous fight or struggle.
그는 힘겨운 싸움 끝에 마침내 승리했다.
— An arduous journey.
험준한 산길을 오르는 힘겨운 여정이었다.
— An arduous period or time.
경제적으로 힘겨운 시기를 보내고 있다.
— Heavy or difficult steps, indicating weariness or struggle.
그는 힘겨운 발걸음을 옮기며 집으로 향했다.
— A strenuous challenge.
이 산을 오르는 것은 정말 힘겨운 도전이었다.
— An arduous life.
전쟁으로 인해 많은 사람들이 힘겨운 삶을 살았다.
— Strenuous effort.
그는 힘겨운 노력 끝에 목표를 달성했다.
— To breathe with difficulty.
환자는 힘겹게 숨을 쉬고 있었다.
— A difficult decision requiring great effort.
그는 매우 힘겨운 결정을 내려야 했다.
Often Confused With
'힘들다' is a more general term for 'hard' or 'tiring'. '힘겹다' implies a greater degree of strain and arduousness, focusing on the sheer effort required.
'어렵다' means 'difficult' and often refers to intellectual or complex challenges. '힘겹다' emphasizes physical or mental strain and exertion.
Very similar to '힘겹다', especially for physical labor, but '힘겹다' can sometimes extend to mental or emotional strain more broadly.
Easily Confused
Both words describe difficulty and hardship, and they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation.
'힘들다' is a broader term for 'hard' or 'tiring' and can apply to a wider range of situations, from mild inconvenience to significant struggle. '힘겹다' specifically emphasizes the extreme strain, effort, and often exhaustion involved in overcoming a challenge. It implies a much greater degree of arduousness and resilience required.
오늘 하루가 정말 힘들었다. (Today was really hard.) vs. 이 산을 오르는 것은 정말 힘겹다. (Climbing this mountain is truly arduous.)
Both words indicate a lack of ease.
'어렵다' typically refers to intellectual difficulty, complexity, or social awkwardness. It's about something being hard to understand, solve, or navigate. '힘겹다' focuses on the physical or mental exertion and the strain it causes, often implying a battle against resistance or a heavy burden.
이 수학 문제는 어렵다. (This math problem is difficult.) vs. 이 무거운 짐을 나르는 것은 힘겹다. (Carrying this heavy load is strenuous.)
Both words describe tasks that are laborious and cause weariness.
'고되다' is very similar to '힘겹다' and is often used interchangeably, especially when referring to physically demanding labor. However, '힘겹다' can sometimes encompass a broader sense of mental or emotional strain, while '고되다' leans more towards the sheer physical toil and the resulting deep fatigue.
농부의 삶은 고되다. (A farmer's life is laborious.) vs. 극한의 훈련은 몸을 매우 힘겹게 한다. (Extreme training makes the body very strenuous.)
Both words describe situations that are challenging.
'버겁다' means 'overwhelming' or 'too much to handle,' focusing on the scale of the task relative to one's capabilities. It suggests the task might be beyond one's capacity. '힘겹다' emphasizes the *effort* and *strain* required to deal with a difficult situation, even if it is ultimately manageable with great effort.
이 프로젝트는 나에게 너무 버겁다. (This project is too overwhelming for me.) vs. 이 프로젝트는 매우 힘겹지만, 최선을 다할 것이다. (This project is very arduous, but I will do my best.)
This is an antonym, but learners might incorrectly use '쉽다' when they mean '힘들다' or vice-versa due to a misunderstanding of the degree of difficulty.
'쉽다' means 'easy' and implies a lack of effort or challenge. '힘겹다' means 'arduous' and implies significant effort and strain. They are direct opposites.
이것은 쉽다. (This is easy.) vs. 이것은 힘겹다. (This is arduous.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + (이)가 + <mark>힘겹다</mark>.
이 짐이 <mark>힘겹다</mark>.
<mark>힘겨운</mark> + Noun.
<mark>힘겨운</mark> 길.
Subject + (Verb stem) + <mark>힘겹게</mark> + Verb.
그는 <mark>힘겹게</mark> 일어섰다.
Subject + <mark>힘겹지만</mark> + Clause.
<mark>힘겹지만</mark> 계속 나아갔다.
Noun + (은/는) + <mark>힘겹다</mark>.
이 임무는 <mark>힘겹다</mark>.
Subject + <mark>힘겨운</mark> + Noun + (이/가) + Verb.
<mark>힘겨운</mark> 싸움이 계속되었다.
Subject + <mark>힘겨운</mark> + Noun + (을/를) + Verb.
그는 <mark>힘겨운</mark> 상황을 극복했다.
Subject + <mark>힘겨운</mark> + Noun + (으)로 + Verb.
그는 <mark>힘겨운</mark> 과정으로 목표를 달성했다.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High, especially in contexts describing struggle and effort.
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Using '힘겹다' for minor inconveniences.
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Use '힘들다' or '불편하다' for less severe difficulties.
'힘겹다' implies significant strain and effort. For example, '늦잠 자서 지하철 놓치는 게 힘들다' (It's hard to miss the subway because I overslept) is better than '힘겹다'.
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Confusing '힘겹다' with '어렵다' for intellectual tasks.
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Use '어렵다' for intellectual difficulty and '힘겹다' for physical/mental strain.
'이 수학 문제는 어렵다' (This math problem is difficult) is correct. '이 수학 문제는 힘겹다' would imply the problem itself is physically taxing, which is unusual.
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Incorrectly conjugating the adverbial form.
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Use '힘겹게' (himgyeopge) to modify verbs.
Incorrect: '그는 힘겹다 일어섰다.' Correct: '그는 힘겹게 일어섰다.' (He stood up with difficulty.)
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Using '힘겹다' when '힘들다' is sufficient.
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Use '힘들다' for general hardship and '힘겹다' for intense strain.
'오늘 하루 힘들었어요.' (Today was hard.) is common. '오늘 하루 힘들었어요.' when it was extremely taxing and exhausting.
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Overstating the arduousness.
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Reserve '힘겹다' for situations that truly demand great effort and resilience.
Not every difficult task is '힘겹다'. Use it when the strain is significant and noticeable.
Tips
Distinguish from '힘들다'
Remember that '힘겹다' implies a higher degree of strain and effort than the more general '힘들다'. Think of it as 'extremely hard' or 'taxing' rather than just 'hard'.
Adverbial Form
To describe how an action is performed with great effort, use the adverbial form '힘겹게' (himgyeopge). For example, '그는 힘겹게 숨을 쉬었다' (He breathed with difficulty).
Stress and Vowels
Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable (힘-). The 'eo' sound in '겹다' is important; it's not a simple 'o' or 'u'.
Visual Association
Imagine someone struggling to carry a massive, heavy object. The intense strain and effort involved is what '힘겹다' represents.
Writing Practice
Write short paragraphs describing challenging activities (e.g., a difficult hike, a demanding project) using '힘겹다', '힘겨운', and '힘겹게' appropriately.
Antonym Focus
Understanding the antonyms like '쉽다' (easy) and '편하다' (comfortable) helps solidify the meaning of '힘겹다' by highlighting what it is not.
Beyond 'Difficult'
Recognize that '힘겹다' conveys more than just 'difficult'. It implies a battle, a struggle, and the toll it takes on one's strength and endurance.
Cultural Value
In Korean culture, enduring arduous challenges is often admired. Understanding this context can help you appreciate why '힘겹다' is such a significant word.
Regular Review
Revisit the definition and examples of '힘겹다' regularly, especially after experiencing a challenging situation, to reinforce your understanding and usage.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a person named 'HIM' (힘) trying to lift a very heavy, 'GYEOp'-shaped (겹) object. It's so heavy and awkward that it's extremely 'DA'fficult (다 - part of the ending). So, HIM + GYEOp-shaped + DA = 힘겹다 (arduous).
Visual Association
Picture a climber struggling intensely to ascend a steep, rocky mountain. Their muscles are strained, their breathing is heavy, and the entire ascent looks incredibly tough. This image of intense physical struggle represents '힘겹다'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a recent challenging experience in your life using '힘겹다' and at least two other related words like '어렵다' or '힘들다'. Focus on what made it specifically '힘겹다'.
Word Origin
The word '힘겹다' is a native Korean word. It is formed by combining the noun '힘' (him), meaning 'strength' or 'power', with the verb '겹다' (gyeopda), which in this context implies something that is 'piled on' or 'layered', suggesting a situation where one's strength is heavily burdened or tested. The combination evokes the sense of having to exert great strength to overcome something that is 'layered' or 'piled up' against you.
Original meaning: To have one's strength heavily burdened or tested; to require great strength.
Koreanic languagesCultural Context
When using '힘겹다', be mindful of the context. While it describes significant challenges, avoid using it to trivialize minor inconveniences. It is a word that acknowledges genuine struggle and effort.
In English, equivalents like 'arduous', 'strenuous', 'tough', or 'taxing' capture the meaning well. Phrases like 'a tough climb', 'a strenuous workout', or 'an arduous journey' are common.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing physical exertion and labor.
- 무거운 짐을 나르느라 힘겹다.
- 가파른 산을 오르는 것이 힘겹다.
- 힘겨운 노동으로 몸이 지쳤다.
Discussing challenging journeys or processes.
- 그녀의 인생은 힘겨운 여정이었다.
- 새로운 사업을 시작하는 것은 힘겨운 과정이다.
- 목표 달성까지 남은 길은 힘겹게 느껴진다.
Talking about difficult life periods or situations.
- 경제적으로 힘겨운 시기를 보내고 있다.
- 그는 힘겨운 상황 속에서도 희망을 잃지 않았다.
- 이런 시련은 정말 힘겹다.
Expressing mental or emotional strain.
- 그의 말은 내게 정신적으로 힘겹게 다가왔다.
- 복잡한 문제로 인해 머리가 힘겹다.
- 매일 밤 잠 못 이루는 것은 힘겨운 일이다.
Describing a strenuous fight or competition.
- 그것은 정말 힘겨운 싸움이었다.
- 힘겨운 경기 끝에 승리했다.
- 마지막까지 힘겨운 노력을 기울였다.
Conversation Starters
"What's the most arduous task you've ever had to complete?"
"Can you describe a time when you felt your physical strength was truly tested?"
"How do you cope when a situation feels overwhelmingly strenuous?"
"What's a common challenge in your country that people describe as '힘겹다'?"
"Have you ever felt that a simple journey became unexpectedly arduous?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a recent challenge you faced and explain why you would use the word '힘겹다' to describe it.
Reflect on a time you had to endure a difficult period. What made it arduous, and how did you get through it?
Think about a physically demanding activity you've done. What were the sensations of strain and effort?
Consider a complex problem you've worked on. How did the mental exertion feel, and in what ways was it '힘겹다'?
Write about a character from a book or movie who faced an arduous struggle. What were the key elements that made their situation '힘겹다'?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'힘들다' is a general term for 'hard' or 'tiring' and can be used for a wide range of difficulties. '힘겹다' is more specific and intense, describing situations that are strenuous, require immense effort, and often cause significant strain or exhaustion. Think of '힘들다' as generally difficult, and '힘겹다' as extremely difficult and taxing.
Yes, '힘겹다' can be used for mental or emotional challenges that involve significant strain and effort to endure. For example, dealing with prolonged stress or grief can be described as '힘겹다' because it requires immense mental resilience and effort.
'힘겨운' is the attributive form of '힘겹다', meaning 'arduous' or 'strenuous'. While it relates to difficulty, it specifically implies a high degree of strain and effort, making it more intense than a general translation of 'difficult' like '어려운'.
Use '힘겹다' when the difficulty involves a significant amount of physical or mental exertion, strain, and a feeling of being taxed. Use '어렵다' for general intellectual or situational difficulty that doesn't necessarily involve this intense strain.
The word is pronounced 'HIM-gyeop-da', with the primary stress on the first syllable '힘'. Make sure to aspirate the 'h' sound and clearly pronounce the 'eo' sound in '겹다'.
Yes, '힘겹다' can be used to describe harsh weather conditions that require significant effort to endure, such as extreme heat, cold, or strong winds. For example, '폭염 때문에 걷기가 힘겹다' (It's strenuous to walk due to the heatwave).
Common collocations include '힘겨운 싸움' (arduous fight), '힘겨운 여정' (arduous journey), '힘겨운 시기' (arduous period), and '힘겨운 노력' (strenuous effort).
'힘겹다' itself is a standard adjective and can be used in both neutral and formal contexts. Its usage can be made more informal with casual endings, and more formal in written or spoken contexts requiring politeness.
The noun form is '힘겨움' (himgyeoum), which means 'arduousness', 'strain', or 'difficulty'.
Try describing challenging activities you've done, like hiking, moving furniture, or dealing with a stressful situation, using '힘겹다'. Compare your experiences to situations where '힘들다' or '어렵다' would be more appropriate.
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Summary
'힘겹다' signifies a profound level of difficulty that demands significant exertion, endurance, and resilience, often leading to a feeling of strain or exhaustion.
- Describes extreme difficulty requiring great effort and endurance.
- Implies strain, struggle, and potential exhaustion.
- Used for physically or mentally taxing situations.
- More intense than 'difficult' (어렵다) or 'hard' (힘들다).
Distinguish from '힘들다'
Remember that '힘겹다' implies a higher degree of strain and effort than the more general '힘들다'. Think of it as 'extremely hard' or 'taxing' rather than just 'hard'.
Adverbial Form
To describe how an action is performed with great effort, use the adverbial form '힘겹게' (himgyeopge). For example, '그는 힘겹게 숨을 쉬었다' (He breathed with difficulty).
Context is Key
Always consider the context. If a situation involves significant physical or mental exertion and a feeling of strain, '힘겹다' is likely the best choice. If it's just generally difficult or tiring, '힘들다' might suffice.
Stress and Vowels
Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable (힘-). The 'eo' sound in '겹다' is important; it's not a simple 'o' or 'u'.
Example
그 프로젝트는 예상보다 훨씬 힘겨웠다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More work words
주 5일제
A2A system where one works five days a week, typically Monday to Friday.
결근
A2Absence from work; not being present at work.
결근하다
A2To be absent from work.
추상적이다
A2To be abstract.
출입증
A2ID card, access card.
회계
B1The systematic recording and reporting of financial transactions.
경리
A2Accounting or bookkeeping, managing financial records.
업적
B1A notable achievement or accomplishment.
적극적이다
A2To be active, to be proactive.
적극적으로
B1In an active, proactive, or enthusiastic manner.
