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A2 adverb #4,500 most common 13 min read

애써

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 애써 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 애써 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 애써 might seem a bit complex, but you can think of it as a special way to say 'very hard.' Imagine you are trying to do something that is not easy for you. For example, if you are learning to write Korean characters and it takes you a long time because you want them to be perfect, you are working 애써. It is different from '열심히' (diligently) because 애써 shows that there is a little bit of a problem or a struggle you are overcoming.

You can use it in simple sentences like '애써 공부해요' (I am studying with effort). This tells people that the studying is a bit hard for you, but you are still trying your best. It is a very polite and honest word to use. When you use it, people will understand that you are putting your heart into what you are doing. Remember, it usually goes right before the action word (verb). Even at this basic level, using 애써 shows that you understand how to express the 'feeling' of hard work, not just the action itself.

At the A2 level, you should start to notice the 'struggle' aspect of 애써. It is an adverb that means 'painstakingly' or 'with much effort.' You will often see it when someone is trying to do something difficult, like hiding their feelings or saving money over a long time. For example, '애써 웃어요' means 'I am forcing a smile' or 'I am trying hard to smile.' This is useful when you want to describe a situation where things aren't perfect, but you are still making an effort.

One common way to use it is with the verb '참다' (to endure or hold back). '애써 참다' means you are trying very hard to hold something back, like tears or anger. This word helps you describe your emotions more clearly to your Korean friends. Instead of just saying you are 'trying,' you are saying you are 'struggling but succeeding.' It is a great word to use when you want to show that you are being strong in a difficult situation. Try to use it when talking about your hobbies or your Korean studies to show your dedication.

As a B1 learner, you can use 애써 to add emotional depth to your sentences. This word is perfect for describing the 'intentional effort' someone puts into a social situation. For instance, '애써 태연한 척하다' (to painstakingly pretend to be calm) is a very common phrase. It describes someone who is actually nervous or upset but is working hard to appear normal. This nuanced use of 'pretending' is very common in Korean culture, where maintaining social harmony (Chem-myeon) is important.

You should also recognize 애써 in the context of 'hard-earned' outcomes. '애써 마련한 돈' (money prepared with great effort) or '애써 가꾼 정원' (a garden cultivated with great care) are phrases that emphasize the history of labor behind an object. When you use 애써 in this way, you are showing respect for the work that was done. It is more than just 'hard work'; it is work that required sacrifice. Practice using it in your journals when describing things you have achieved or challenges you have faced.

At the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish 애써 from its synonyms like '억지로' and '힘겹게.' While '억지로' implies being forced or doing something against your will, 애써 implies a self-directed, though difficult, exertion. It carries a sense of nobility or tragic determination. For example, in a news report about a disaster, you might hear that rescue workers are '애써 수색을 계속하고 있다' (painstakingly continuing the search). This highlights their dedication despite the exhaustion and danger.

You will also see 애써 used in more abstract or literary ways. It can describe the effort to ignore a painful truth ('애써 외면하다') or the effort to maintain a relationship that is falling apart. At this level, you should notice how 애써 functions as a 'mood setter' in a sentence. It prepares the reader for a narrative of struggle. When writing essays or stories in Korean, use 애써 to highlight the internal conflicts of your characters or the gravity of a situation. It is a key word for achieving a more sophisticated, native-like tone.

For C1 learners, 애써 is a tool for expressing complex psychological states and subtle social nuances. In literary analysis or high-level discussions, you might explore the '애써' of a character as a form of stoicism or repressed desire. The word captures the tension between an individual's internal reality and their external actions. For example, '애써 침착함을 유지하다' (painstakingly maintaining composure) suggests a high level of self-control in a chaotic environment. It is the language of resilience.

Furthermore, you should be aware of the pragmatic use of 애써 in formal correspondence and speeches. Using it to acknowledge the efforts of others—'여러분이 애써 주신 덕분에' (thanks to the painstaking efforts you all made)—is a sophisticated way to show gratitude. It validates the specific hardships the audience may have faced. In academic writing, 애써 can be used to describe the rigorous process of research or the difficult implementation of a theory. It adds a human element to otherwise dry descriptions of labor and process.

At the C2 level, you should master the philosophical implications of 애써. It relates to the concept of 'Han' or the Korean experience of suffering and perseverance. The word encapsulates the 'will to act' in the face of existential or systemic difficulty. In high-level literature, 애써 might be used to describe a character's struggle against fate itself. It is the adverb of the 'Sisyphean' task—the effort that is made even when the outcome is uncertain or the burden is overwhelming.

You should also be able to use 애써 with perfect precision in various registers, from the most formal honorifics to poetic, archaic styles. It can be used to critique social phenomena, such as '사회가 애써 외면하는 진실' (the truths that society painstakingly ignores). Here, the word implies a collective, intentional effort to remain ignorant, which is a powerful rhetorical device. At this level, 애써 is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual lens through which you can analyze and describe the complexities of human effort and the Korean worldview.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

애써 in 30 Seconds

Means 'with effort' but implies a struggle or forcing oneself.
Commonly used when hiding emotions like sadness or anger.
Used for 'hard-earned' achievements like saved money or a garden.
Different from '열심히' (diligent) because it focuses on the difficulty.
Often paired with verbs like '외면하다' (ignore) or '참다' (endure).

The Korean adverb 애써 is a deeply expressive term that goes far beyond the simple English translation of 'with effort' or 'hard.' To truly understand this word, one must look at its roots and the emotional weight it carries in everyday Korean conversation and literature. At its core, 애써 describes an action performed with significant psychological or physical exertion, often in the face of difficulty, reluctance, or internal struggle. It implies that the person is pushing themselves to achieve a result that does not come naturally or easily. Unlike '열심히' (yeolsimhi), which suggests a positive, diligent enthusiasm, 애써 often suggests a sense of 'straining' or 'laboring' against a certain tide. For example, if you are '애써' smiling, it means you are likely sad inside but are forcing that smile onto your face through sheer willpower. This nuance of 'intentional struggle' is what makes the word so vital for reaching an intermediate and advanced level of Korean proficiency.

Core Nuance: The term implies a conscious decision to exert energy despite obstacles. It is the 'labor' of the heart and mind just as much as the body.
Contextual Usage: Commonly used when trying to ignore someone (외면하다), trying to smile through pain (웃다), or trying to complete a difficult task (수행하다).

그녀는 눈물을 애써 참으며 고개를 끄덕였다.

Translation: She nodded, painstakingly holding back her tears.

In social contexts, 애써 is used to acknowledge the invisible effort someone puts into a situation. If a friend makes a joke to lighten the mood after a tragedy, you might say they are '애써' being cheerful. It shows an empathetic understanding of their internal state. Furthermore, it is frequently used in the context of 'hard-earned' results. When someone refers to '애써 모은 돈' (money gathered with great effort), they aren't just saying they saved money; they are emphasizing the sacrifices and the difficulty involved in accumulating that specific sum. This adds a layer of value and sentimentality to the object being described. It is a word that recognizes the human condition of struggling toward a goal, whether that goal is a physical object or an emotional state.

우리는 애써 가꾼 정원을 태풍에 잃었다.

Translation: We lost the garden we had painstakingly cultivated to the typhoon.

From a grammatical perspective, 애써 functions as an adverb, typically preceding the verb it modifies. It does not change its form based on politeness levels, making it a versatile tool in your vocabulary. However, because of its heavy nuance, it is rarely used for trivial or easy tasks. You wouldn't say you '애써' ate a delicious cake unless you were on a strict diet and were forcing yourself to eat it for some specific reason. The presence of 'resistance' is the key indicator for when to use this word. Whether it is resisting the urge to cry, resisting the urge to give up, or resisting the natural difficulty of a complex project, 애써 is your go-to word to describe that friction between will and reality. Understanding this word allows you to perceive the 'hidden labor' in Korean narratives, whether in a novel, a movie, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend.

Emotional Resonance: It conveys a sense of poignancy. It tells the listener that the action wasn't just done, but was fought for.

그는 과거의 아픈 기억을 애써 지우려고 노력했다.

Translation: He tried painstakingly to erase the painful memories of the past.

Using 애써 correctly requires an understanding of its placement and the types of verbs it most naturally complements. As an adverb, its primary role is to modify verbs, and it almost always sits directly before the verb or the verbal phrase. The most common patterns involve verbs of emotion, perception, and labor. When you use 애써, you are adding a layer of 'struggle' to the action. For instance, '웃다' (to smile) becomes '애써 웃다' (to force a smile/smile with effort). This simple addition changes the entire meaning of the sentence from a simple physical act to a complex psychological one. It tells the reader that the person smiling is likely not happy, but is choosing to smile for the sake of others or to maintain composure.

Verb Pairing: Emotional Suppression: Pair with '참다' (endure/hold back), '숨기다' (hide), or '외면하다' (ignore/look away). This highlights the effort of keeping feelings inside.
Verb Pairing: Diligent Achievement: Pair with '모으다' (save/collect), '만들다' (make), or '찾다' (find). This emphasizes the hard work and sacrifice involved in the outcome.

그는 애써 태연한 척했지만 손이 떨리고 있었다.

Translation: He painstakingly pretended to be calm, but his hands were shaking.

One of the most powerful uses of 애써 is in the construction '애써 ~하는 것' (the act of painstakingly doing something). This turns the effortful action into a noun phrase that can serve as the subject or object of a sentence. For example, '애써 공부하는 것' (the act of studying with great effort) emphasizes the struggle of the student rather than just the fact that they are studying. In literary contexts, you will often see 애써 used to describe the internal battles of characters. It is a word that builds empathy. When a character '애써' ignores a truth, the reader understands the pain that truth causes them. Without this adverb, the sentence 'He ignored the truth' (그는 진실을 외면했다) sounds like a simple statement of fact. With it (그는 진실을 애써 외면했다), it becomes a tragic struggle.

우리는 애써 마련한 기회를 놓치고 싶지 않다.

Translation: We don't want to miss the opportunity we painstakingly prepared.

In spoken Korean, 애써 often appears in polite refusals or when acknowledging someone's hard work. If someone brings you a gift they clearly spent a lot of time on, you might say, '애써 준비해 주셔서 감사합니다' (Thank you for painstakingly preparing this). This is more formal and respectful than a simple 'thank you' because it specifically recognizes the '애' (effort/guts) they put into the task. It's a way of saying, 'I see how hard you worked for me.' Conversely, in a negative sense, '애써 그럴 필요 없어요' means 'You don't need to go through all that trouble/effort.' It is a polite way to tell someone not to overexert themselves on your behalf. Mastering these subtle shifts in usage will make your Korean sound much more natural and emotionally intelligent.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Object] + [애써] + [Verb]. Example: 나는 (I) 감정을 (emotions) 애써 (painstakingly) 숨겼다 (hid).

애써 찾아온 손님을 그냥 돌려보낼 수는 없다.

Translation: We cannot just send back a guest who has come all this way with such effort.

You will encounter 애써 in a wide variety of settings, ranging from high-tension television dramas to serious news broadcasts and intimate personal conversations. In K-Dramas, it is a staple word for scripts involving melodrama or unrequited love. When a lead character sees their ex-lover with someone else, the script might describe them as '애써 외면하는 모습' (the sight of them painstakingly looking away). Here, the word highlights the internal agony of the character. It's not that they just didn't see the person; they are actively fighting the urge to look. If you listen closely to the dialogue in emotional scenes, you'll hear actors use this word to emphasize the 'forced' nature of their character's actions, such as '애써 웃지 마' (Don't force a smile).

Media & Entertainment: Used to describe characters suppressing emotions or working through trauma. It adds depth to the narrative by signaling internal conflict.
News & Journalism: Used when reporting on people who have overcome immense hardships or when the government 'struggles' to implement a difficult policy.

그는 드라마에서 애써 담담한 척 연기했다.

Translation: In the drama, he acted as if he were painstakingly calm.

In professional environments, 애써 is often used to describe the collective effort of a team or the hard work put into a specific project. A manager might say, '우리가 애써 만든 프로젝트가 성공했습니다' (The project we painstakingly created was a success). In this context, it isn't just about 'working hard' (열심히); it's about the obstacles the team had to overcome. It acknowledges the late nights, the stress, and the technical difficulties. Using this word in a business setting shows a high level of respect for the process and the people involved. It is a word of validation. If you hear this from a Korean colleague, they are giving you a very high compliment, acknowledging that your work wasn't easy but you persevered anyway.

정부는 이번 위기를 애써 해결하려 노력하고 있다.

Translation: The government is painstakingly trying to resolve this crisis.

Finally, in daily life, you'll hear 애써 when people talk about their personal growth or struggles. A parent might talk about '애써 키운 자식' (children raised with great effort), emphasizing the sacrifices made during the child-rearing process. Or a student might talk about an '애써 얻은 점수' (a score obtained with great effort), highlighting that the grade wasn't easy to get. It is also common in songs (K-Pop lyrics often use it to describe the pain of a breakup). When you hear it in a song like '애써 태연한 척해봐도' (Even if I try painstakingly to act calm), it creates a vivid image of someone struggling to keep their composure while their heart is breaking. This word is a bridge between the physical action and the emotional reality behind it.

Common Real-life Phrase: '애써 주셔서 감사합니다' (Thank you for your hard work/effort). Used when someone has gone above and beyond to help you.

어머니는 애써 마련한 음식을 우리에게 주셨다.

Translation: My mother gave us the food she had painstakingly prepared.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 애써 is confusing it with '열심히' (yeolsimhi). While both words relate to effort, they are used in very different emotional contexts. '열심히' is generally positive and enthusiastic. You '열심히' study because you want to succeed; it feels proactive and energetic. However, 애써 implies a struggle or a forced nature. If you say you are '애써 공부하고 있어요,' it sounds like you are forcing yourself to study even though you are exhausted, sick, or hate the subject. Using 애써 for a joyful, easy task makes the sentence sound awkward or unintentionally tragic. For example, saying 'I painstakingly ate the delicious pizza' (나는 맛있는 피자를 애써 먹었다) would imply that eating the pizza was a difficult, perhaps painful chore for you.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '열심히': Don't use '애써' for simple, positive diligence. Use '열심히' for that. Use '애써' when there is a hurdle or internal resistance.
Mistake 2: Using with Passive Verbs: '애써' implies an active exertion of will. It rarely pairs well with purely passive verbs where no effort can be applied. You can't '애써' be tall, but you can '애써' stand tall.

Incorrect: 나는 애써 게임을 했다. (I painstakingly played the game - sounds like the game was a burden.)
Correct: 나는 열심히 게임을 했다. (I played the game hard/diligently.)

Another common error is using 애써 in situations that require '억지로' (eokjiro). '억지로' means 'against one's will' or 'by force,' often implying that someone else is making you do it or you are doing it with zero desire. 애써, on the other hand, usually implies that *you* are the one choosing to put in the effort, even if it's hard. For example, if your boss makes you stay late, you are working '억지로.' If you stay late because you want to finish a project perfectly despite being tired, you are working '애써.' The difference lies in the source of the motivation: '억지로' is often external or purely reluctant, while 애써 is an internal exertion of willpower.

Reluctant: 그는 억지로 사과했다. (He apologized against his will/forcedly.)
Effortful: 그는 애써 사과했다. (He painstakingly apologized - implying it was hard for him to swallow his pride, but he did it intentionally.)

Lastly, learners often forget that 애써 can be used to modify adjectives when they are turned into verbs (like '태연하다' becoming '태연한 척하다'). A common mistake is using it with a simple adjective without the '척하다' (pretend) or '하려고 하다' (try to) structure. You wouldn't say '애써 기쁘다' (painstakingly happy); you would say '애써 기쁜 척했다' (painstakingly pretended to be happy). Because 애써 is about the *action* of exerting effort, it needs a verb that can accommodate that effort. If you keep these distinctions in mind—internal vs. external motivation, and effort vs. simple diligence—you will avoid the most common pitfalls and use 애써 like a native speaker.

Summary of Difference: 열심히 = Diligent/Enthusiastic. 억지로 = Forced/Reluctant. 애써 = Painstaking/Struggling but intentional.

우리는 애써 얻은 평화를 지켜야 한다.

Translation: We must protect the peace we have painstakingly obtained.

While 애써 is a unique and powerful word, there are several synonyms and related terms that you can use depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives will help you refine your expression and avoid repetition in your writing. The most direct synonym is the phrase '애를 써서' (ae-reul sseoseo), which is the expanded grammatical form (noun + verb + connector). It means the same thing but can feel slightly more emphasize the 'noun' aspect of the effort. Another close relative is '힘겹게' (himgyeopge), which translates to 'with difficulty' or 'strenuously.' While 애써 often has a psychological component, '힘겹게' is frequently used for physical difficulty, like carrying a heavy box up the stairs.

Synonym: 힘겹게 (Himgyeopge): Focuses on the 'heaviness' or 'burden' of the task. Use this when the physical or situational difficulty is the main point.
Synonym: 간신히 (Gansinhi): Means 'barely' or 'narrowly.' It emphasizes that the effort was just enough to succeed, often implying a close call.

그는 힘겹게 산 정상에 올랐다.

Translation: He strenuously reached the top of the mountain.

For situations where the effort is extreme and involves a sense of desperation, '기를 쓰고' (gi-reul sseugo) is a fantastic alternative. It literally means 'using one's energy/spirit' and implies doing something with all one's might, often to the point of exhaustion or obsession. It is much stronger than 애써. On the other hand, if you want to emphasize the 'care' and 'sincerity' put into an effort, '정성껏' (jeongseongkkeot) is the better choice. While 애써 focuses on the struggle, '정성껏' focuses on the heart and devotion. You '애써' prepare a meal if you are exhausted but must do it; you '정성껏' prepare a meal if you are doing it with love and care for a guest.

어머니는 정성껏 편지를 쓰셨다.

Translation: My mother wrote the letter with all her heart/sincerity.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see '노심초사하며' (nosimchosahamyeo), which means 'worrying anxiously' or 'laboring with great concern.' This is a four-character idiom (Sajaseong-eo) that takes the idea of '애써' and adds a heavy dose of anxiety and mental strain. Finally, if the effort is about 'forcing' a situation that isn't natural, '무릴 해서' (muri-reul haeseo) or '무리하게' (murihage) can be used. These mean 'overdoing it' or 'unreasonably.' While 애써 can be seen as a noble struggle, '무리하게' often carries a warning that the effort might be too much and could cause harm. By choosing between these words, you can specify exactly what kind of 'hard work' you are talking about.

Comparison Table: 애써: Painstaking/Struggling. 힘겹게: Physically difficult. 정성껏: Devotedly/Carefully. 기를 쓰고: Desperately/With all might.

그는 기를 쓰고 1등을 하려고 했다.

Translation: He tried with all his might (desperately) to get first place.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because '애' means guts, phrases like '애를 쓰다' literally mean you are using up your internal organs to get something done. This shows how deep the concept of effort goes in Korean!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛ.s͈ʌ/

US /ɛ.s͈ʌ/

The stress is relatively even, but the second syllable '써' is slightly more emphatic due to the tensed consonant.

Rhymes With

벌써 (beolsseo - already) 애써 (aesseo - with effort) 어쨌어 (eojjesseo - what did you do)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '써' as a soft 'seo' (서) instead of the tensed 'sseo' (써).
Making the '애' sound too much like 'i' or 'ay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the root '애쓰다' is known.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of nuance to use instead of '열심히.'

Speaking 4/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly dramatic if used incorrectly.

Listening 2/5

Common in dramas and emotional conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

애쓰다 (verb) 노력하다 (to try) 참다 (to endure) 웃다 (to smile) 열심히 (diligently)

Learn Next

간신히 (barely) 무리하다 (to overdo) 정성껏 (devotedly) 외면하다 (to ignore) 태연하다 (to be calm)

Advanced

노심초사 (anxious concern) 심혈을 기울이다 (to put heart and soul) 부심하다 (to take great pains)

Grammar to Know

Adverb placement

애써(Adverb) + 공부하다(Verb)

-려(고) 노력하다 (Try to...)

애써 잊으려 노력했다.

-ㄴ 척하다 (Pretend to...)

애써 태연한 척했다.

-아/어 주시다 (Do something for someone)

애써 준비해 주셔서 감사합니다.

Relative clauses with adverbs

애써(Adverb) + 모은(Modifier) + 돈(Noun)

Examples by Level

저는 애써 한국어를 공부해요.

I study Korean with effort.

'애써' is an adverb placed before the verb '공부해요'.

그는 애써 웃어요.

He tries hard to smile.

'애써' modifies the verb '웃어요' to show it's not a natural smile.

애써 일해요.

I work with effort.

Simple adverb-verb structure.

우리는 애써 걸어요.

We walk with effort.

Shows physical effort in walking.

애써 노래를 불러요.

I sing with effort.

Modifies the action of singing.

그녀는 애써 요리해요.

She cooks with effort.

Implies the cooking is difficult or requires great care.

애써 책을 읽어요.

I read the book with effort.

Suggests the reading material is challenging.

애써 기다려요.

I wait with effort.

Implies that waiting is difficult or requires patience.

그는 슬픔을 애써 참았어요.

He painstakingly held back his sadness.

'애써' modifies '참았어요' (held back/endured).

우리는 애써 돈을 모았어요.

We painstakingly saved money.

Emphasizes the difficulty of saving the money.

애써 만든 음식이 맛있어요.

The food I painstakingly made is delicious.

'애써 만든' is an adjective phrase modifying '음식'.

그녀는 애써 태연한 척했어요.

She painstakingly pretended to be calm.

'애써' modifies '태연한 척했어요' (pretended to be calm).

애써 찾아온 기회를 놓치지 마세요.

Don't miss the opportunity you painstakingly found.

'애써 찾아온' describes the effort to find the opportunity.

그는 애써 내 이름을 기억해냈어요.

He painstakingly remembered my name.

Shows the mental effort of remembering.

애써 쓴 편지를 보냈어요.

I sent the letter I painstakingly wrote.

Emphasizes the care put into writing the letter.

어머니는 애써 우리를 키우셨어요.

My mother painstakingly raised us.

A common expression of gratitude for a parent's sacrifice.

그는 아픈 기억을 애써 잊으려 노력했다.

He tried painstakingly to forget the painful memories.

'애써' works with '노력했다' to emphasize the struggle.

그녀는 떨리는 목소리를 애써 가다듬었다.

She painstakingly steadied her trembling voice.

'가다듬다' means to compose or steady oneself.

우리는 애써 가꾼 정원을 태풍에 잃었다.

We lost the garden we had painstakingly cultivated to the typhoon.

'애써 가꾼' highlights the emotional loss of the labor.

그는 친구의 부탁을 애써 거절했다.

He painstakingly refused his friend's request.

Implies the refusal was emotionally difficult for him.

애써 모은 적금을 드디어 탔다.

I finally received the installment savings I painstakingly gathered.

'적금을 타다' means to receive the payout from a savings plan.

그녀는 애써 담담한 표정을 지었다.

She wore a painstakingly composed expression.

'담담하다' means calm or composed.

애써 마련한 자리에 아무도 오지 않았다.

No one came to the event I had painstakingly prepared.

Emphasizes the disappointment after great effort.

그는 애써 외면하며 길을 지나갔다.

He painstakingly looked away and passed by.

'외면하다' is a very common verb used with '애써'.

정부는 이번 사태를 애써 해결하려 하고 있다.

The government is painstakingly trying to resolve this situation.

Used in a formal/news context to show diligent effort.

그는 애써 자신의 잘못을 인정하지 않으려 했다.

He painstakingly tried not to admit his own fault.

Shows a struggle against the truth.

애써 얻은 평화가 깨질까 봐 두렵다.

I am afraid that the painstakingly obtained peace might be broken.

'애써 얻은' adds value to the concept of 'peace'.

그녀는 애써 웃음 섞인 목소리로 대답했다.

She answered with a painstakingly cheerful voice (mixed with laughter).

Describes a complex emotional performance.

우리는 애써 준비한 발표를 무사히 마쳤다.

We successfully finished the presentation we painstakingly prepared.

'무사히' (safely/successfully) pairs well with the result of '애써'.

그는 애써 모른 척하며 대화를 이어갔다.

He painstakingly pretended not to know and continued the conversation.

'모른 척하다' means to pretend not to know.

애써 가꾼 농작물이 가뭄으로 말라 죽었다.

The crops painstakingly cultivated died due to the drought.

Highlights the tragedy of wasted effort.

그녀는 애써 쓴 논문이 반려되자 실망했다.

She was disappointed when the paper she painstakingly wrote was rejected.

'반려되다' is a formal term for being rejected or returned.

그는 과거의 트라우마를 애써 극복하며 살아가고 있다.

He is living his life while painstakingly overcoming his past trauma.

'극복하다' (overcome) is a strong verb for '애써'.

우리는 사회적 편견을 애써 무시하며 꿈을 쫓았다.

We painstakingly ignored social prejudices and pursued our dreams.

Describes a struggle against external pressure.

그녀는 애써 감추어 둔 비밀을 털어놓기로 결심했다.

She decided to reveal the secret she had painstakingly kept hidden.

'털어놓다' means to confess or reveal.

애써 가꾸어 온 전통이 사라지는 것이 안타깝다.

It is a pity that the painstakingly maintained traditions are disappearing.

'안타깝다' expresses regret or pity.

그는 애써 차분함을 유지하며 반박했다.

He painstakingly maintained his calm and refuted the argument.

'반박하다' means to refute or counter-argue.

애써 마련한 대책이 실효를 거두지 못했다.

The painstakingly prepared measures did not yield actual results.

'실효를 거두다' means to be effective.

그녀는 애써 지켜온 자존심을 버리고 도움을 청했다.

She threw away the pride she had painstakingly protected and asked for help.

'자존심을 지키다' means to protect one's pride.

애써 찾아낸 증거가 법정에서 인정받았다.

The painstakingly found evidence was accepted in court.

'인정받다' means to be recognized or accepted.

역사의 진실을 애써 왜곡하려는 시도가 계속되고 있다.

Attempts to painstakingly distort the truth of history are continuing.

'왜곡하다' (distort) used here to show a malicious, intentional effort.

그는 삶의 허무함을 애써 잊기 위해 일에 몰두했다.

He immersed himself in work to painstakingly forget the emptiness of life.

'몰두하다' means to be engrossed or immersed.

애써 구축한 시스템이 한순간의 실수로 붕괴되었다.

The painstakingly built system collapsed due to a momentary mistake.

'구축하다' is a formal term for building or establishing.

그녀는 애써 억눌렀던 감정이 폭발하듯 쏟아져 나왔다.

The emotions she had painstakingly suppressed poured out as if exploding.

'억누르다' means to suppress or push down.

사회적 약자들의 목소리를 애써 외면하는 권력자들을 비판했다.

He criticized the powerful who painstakingly ignore the voices of the socially vulnerable.

'사회적 약자' means the socially vulnerable/disadvantaged.

애써 가다듬은 문장들이 독자의 마음을 울렸다.

The painstakingly refined sentences touched the readers' hearts.

'마음을 울리다' means to touch or move someone's heart.

그는 자신의 정체성을 애써 부정하며 타인의 삶을 살았다.

He lived another's life, painstakingly denying his own identity.

'부정하다' means to deny.

애써 일구어 놓은 터전을 떠나야 하는 슬픔은 말로 다 할 수 없다.

The sadness of having to leave the home one has painstakingly built is beyond words.

'일구다' means to cultivate or build up from nothing.

Common Collocations

애써 외면하다

애써 웃다

애써 참다

애써 모으다

애써 가꾸다

애써 마련하다

애써 태연하다

애써 잊다

애써 부정하다

애써 찾다

Common Phrases

애써 주셔서 감사합니다

— Thank you for your hard work/effort. A polite way to show deep gratitude.

이번 행사를 위해 애써 주셔서 감사합니다.

애써 그럴 필요 없어요

— You don't need to go to such trouble. A polite way to decline help.

멀리까지 애써 오실 필요 없어요.

애써 얻은 것

— Something obtained with great effort. Emphasizes value.

애써 얻은 것은 쉽게 버리지 못한다.

애써 만든 보람

— The worth of having made something with effort.

애써 만든 보람이 느껴진다.

애써 외면하는 진실

— A truth that one is painstakingly trying to ignore.

그것은 우리가 애써 외면하는 진실이다.

애써 참아온 눈물

— Tears that have been painstakingly held back for a long time.

그녀는 애써 참아온 눈물을 터뜨렸다.

애써 담담한 척

— Painstakingly pretending to be calm/unfazed.

그는 애써 담담한 척하며 이별을 고했다.

애써 지워버리다

— To painstakingly erase or forget something.

그는 그녀의 번호를 애써 지워버렸다.

애써 노력하다

— To try painstakingly (redundant but used for emphasis).

우리는 애써 노력하고 있습니다.

애써 기른 자식

— Children raised with great effort and sacrifice.

애써 기른 자식이 성공해서 기쁘다.

Often Confused With

애써 vs 열심히

'열심히' is positive diligence; '애써' is struggling effort.

애써 vs 억지로

'억지로' is forced/reluctant; '애써' is intentional struggle.

애써 vs 힘겹게

'힘겹게' is often physical difficulty; '애써' is more psychological.

Idioms & Expressions

"애를 쓰다"

— To exert oneself or make a great effort.

문제를 풀려고 애를 썼다.

General

"애가 타다"

— To be very anxious or worried (literally: one's guts are burning).

아이가 안 들어와서 애가 탄다.

Informal

"애를 먹다"

— To have a hard time or struggle with something.

기계를 고치느라 애를 먹었다.

Informal

"애지중지하다"

— To treasure something very much (related to the 'ae' of effort/love).

그는 그 카메라를 애지중지한다.

General

"심혈을 기울이다"

— To put one's heart and soul into something (stronger than 애써).

그는 작품에 심혈을 기울였다.

Formal

"피땀 흘리다"

— To work with blood and sweat (extreme effort).

피땀 흘려 번 돈이다.

General

"온 힘을 다하다"

— To do one's best with all one's strength.

온 힘을 다해 뛰었다.

General

"발버둥 치다"

— To struggle or squirm (often in a desperate situation).

가난에서 벗어나려 발버둥 쳤다.

Informal

"뼈를 깎는 노력"

— Bone-chilling effort (extremely painful and difficult effort).

뼈를 깎는 노력 끝에 성공했다.

Formal

"사력을 다하다"

— To use all of one's life force/strength.

사력을 다해 싸웠다.

Formal

Easily Confused

애써 vs 열심히

Both mean working hard.

'열심히' is energetic and proactive. '애써' is struggling and often forced against a difficulty.

열심히 공부해요 (Studies hard/happily). 애써 공부해요 (Studies hard despite being tired/sick).

애써 vs 억지로

Both involve doing something that isn't easy.

'억지로' implies no desire or external force. '애써' implies the person is trying hard of their own will, even if it's painful.

억지로 웃었다 (Forced to smile by someone else). 애써 웃었다 (Tried hard to smile to be polite).

애써 vs 간신히

Both involve difficulty.

'간신히' focuses on the 'barely' aspect of the result. '애써' focuses on the 'painstaking' nature of the process.

간신히 도착했다 (Barely arrived). 애써 도착했다 (Arrived after a lot of effort).

애써 vs 정성껏

Both involve putting energy into something.

'정성껏' is about heart, care, and love. '애써' is about struggle and labor.

정성껏 만든 선물 (A gift made with love). 애써 만든 선물 (A gift made despite having no time).

애써 vs 무리하게

Both involve high effort.

'무리하게' means overdoing it in an unreasonable way. '애써' is more about the noble or necessary struggle.

무리하게 일하다 (To overwork oneself dangerously). 애써 일하다 (To work hard to finish a task).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 애써 참다

눈물을 애써 참았다.

애써 [Verb]-ㄴ/은 [Noun]

애써 만든 음식.

애써 [Adjective]-ㄴ 척하다

애써 태연한 척했다.

애써 [Verb]-려고 노력하다

애써 잊으려고 노력했다.

애써 [Verb]-아/어 주셔서 감사합니다

애써 준비해 주셔서 감사합니다.

애써 [Verb]-ㄴ/은 보람이 있다

애써 공부한 보람이 있다.

애써 [Verb]-ㄴ/은 진실

애써 외면한 진실.

애써 [Verb]-아/어 왔던 [Noun]

애써 지켜 왔던 전통.

Word Family

Nouns

애 (effort/anxiety)

애씀 (the act of exerting effort)

Verbs

애쓰다 (to exert oneself/strive)

애타다 (to be anxious)

애걸하다 (to entreat/beg)

애틋하다 (to be heart-rending)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature, emotional speech, and formal gratitude.

Common Mistakes

Using '애써' for fun activities. → 열심히
'애써' implies a struggle. You don't '애써' play a fun video game unless it's a chore.
Confusing '애써' with '에서'. → 애써
'에서' is a location particle (at/in). '애써' is an adverb (with effort). They sound similar but are very different.
Using '애써' without a verb. → 애써 [Verb]
'애써' is an adverb and needs a verb to modify. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Using '애써' for purely forced actions by others. → 억지로
If someone else forces you, use '억지로.' If you force yourself, use '애써.'
Mispronouncing '써' as '서'. → 애써 (sseo)
The double 'ss' is crucial. '애서' is not a word, and '에서' is a particle.

Tips

Choose '애써' for Emotional Depth

When writing a story, use '애써' to show that a character is fighting their own feelings. It's much more evocative than just saying they are sad.

Use in Gratitude

If someone does something difficult for you, saying '애써 주셔서 감사합니다' shows that you recognize their struggle, which is highly valued in Korean culture.

Placement Matters

Always place '애써' directly before the verb it modifies. This ensures the 'effort' is linked to the action.

Learn with '외면하다'

'애써 외면하다' (painstakingly ignore) is one of the most common collocations. Learn them together as a single phrase.

Contrast with '열심히'

Always ask yourself: Is this action happy and diligent (열심히) or difficult and forced (애써)? This will help you choose the right word.

Tone of Voice

When using '애써' to describe a struggle, use a slightly more serious or heavy tone to match the word's meaning.

Listen for the 'SS'

In listening tests, the sharp 'ss' sound in '애써' is a key identifier. Don't confuse it with '에서' (at/in).

Use in Essays

In formal essays, '애써' can be used to describe the rigorous effort required to solve social or scientific problems.

Understanding Stoicism

'애써' is a key word for understanding the Korean value of perseverance and stoicism in the face of hardship.

The 'Guts' Connection

Remember that the root '애' means guts. You are literally using your guts to do the action!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'ae' as 'ACHE.' When you do something '애써' (aesseo), your heart or guts 'ACHE' because you are trying so hard!

Visual Association

Imagine someone trying to push a huge boulder up a hill with a forced smile on their face. That struggle and that smile are '애써'.

Word Web

애쓰다 (Verb) 애 (Guts/Effort) 참다 (Endure) 외면하다 (Ignore) 웃다 (Smile) 노력 (Effort) 힘겹게 (With difficulty) 억지로 (Forced)

Challenge

Try to use '애써' in a sentence about something you are learning that is difficult but you are still doing anyway.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Korean word '애' (ae), which originally referred to 'intestines' or 'guts.' In traditional Korean thought, the internal organs were the seat of emotions and energy.

Original meaning: To use one's guts or internal energy.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '애써' when someone is doing something they clearly enjoy, as it might imply they are actually struggling or unhappy.

In English, we might say 'to make a conscious effort' or 'to force oneself,' but '애써' is more common and carries more emotional weight in daily Korean.

Many K-Drama OSTs feature the word '애써' to describe the pain of a character hiding their love or sadness. In Kim So-wol's famous poem 'Azaleas,' the narrator struggles to let go of a lover, an emotion often described with the nuance of '애써'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hiding feelings in a difficult situation.

애써 웃다 (force a smile)
애써 참다 (hold back)
애써 태연한 척하다 (pretend to be calm)
애써 담담하다 (be painstakingly composed)

Talking about hard-earned money or property.

애써 모은 돈 (hard-earned money)
애써 마련한 집 (painstakingly prepared house)
애써 가꾼 땅 (painstakingly cultivated land)
애써 번 돈 (money earned with effort)

Ignoring something painful or awkward.

애써 외면하다 (painstakingly ignore)
애써 모른 척하다 (pretend not to know)
애써 잊으려 하다 (try to forget)
애써 부정하다 (painstakingly deny)

Acknowledging someone else's work.

애써 주셔서 감사합니다 (thank you for your effort)
애써 오셨는데 (since you came all this way with effort)
애써 만든 음식 (food made with effort)
애써 준비한 선물 (gift prepared with effort)

Overcoming a challenge.

애써 극복하다 (painstakingly overcome)
애써 해결하다 (painstakingly resolve)
애써 찾아내다 (painstakingly find out)
애써 지키다 (painstakingly protect)

Conversation Starters

"힘든 상황에서도 애써 웃는 사람을 보면 어떤 생각이 드세요? (What do you think when you see someone forcing a smile in a hard situation?)"

"본인이 애써 모은 것 중에 가장 소중한 것은 무엇인가요? (What is the most precious thing you have painstakingly gathered?)"

"남의 노력을 애써 외면한 적이 있나요? (Have you ever painstakingly ignored someone else's effort?)"

"애써 준비한 일이 실패했을 때 어떻게 극복하시나요? (How do you overcome it when something you painstakingly prepared fails?)"

"누군가 나를 위해 애써 주었을 때 가장 감동적이었던 순간은 언제인가요? (When was the most touching moment when someone painstakingly did something for you?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 애써 참은 감정은 무엇인가요? (What emotion did I painstakingly hold back today?)

내가 애써 한국어를 공부하는 이유는 무엇인가요? (What is the reason I am painstakingly studying Korean?)

최근에 애써 모은 돈으로 무엇을 샀나요? (What did you buy recently with money you painstakingly saved?)

누군가에게 애써 웃어주었던 경험에 대해 써보세요. (Write about an experience where you forced a smile for someone.)

애써 마련한 기회를 놓쳤던 기억이 있나요? (Do you have a memory of missing an opportunity you painstakingly prepared?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it can be used for positive achievements like '애써 모은 돈' (hard-earned money), but it always emphasizes that the process was difficult. It's not for things that were easy and fun.

It is neutral and can be used in any register. However, in formal settings, it is very common for expressing deep gratitude (애써 주셔서 감사합니다).

'애쓰다' is the verb (to exert oneself), and '애써' is the adverbial form (painstakingly). You use '애써' to describe *how* you do another action.

Not directly. You wouldn't say '애써 좋다.' You would say '애써 좋은 척하다' (painstakingly pretend to be good/okay).

Very common. It's often used in lyrics about breakups to describe the effort of trying to forget someone or trying to act like you aren't hurt.

No, it doesn't imply failure, but it does imply that success was not guaranteed or easy. It highlights the struggle regardless of the outcome.

In some contexts like '애써 외면하다' (purposely/painstakingly ignore), it does imply a strong intention, but 'painstakingly' is usually a better fit.

It sounds a bit strange. '열심히 공부하세요' is better. '애써' is usually used to describe one's own struggle or to acknowledge someone else's already-completed struggle.

It's a tensed sound. Tighten your tongue and release the air sharply. It's like the 'ss' in 'hiss' but much tighter.

Yes, but '힘겹게' or '고생하며' are also common. '애써' adds a sense of 'intentional dedication' to that labor.