수고
수고 30秒了解
- 수고 (Sugo) means effort or hard work, derived from Hanja meaning 'bitter hands.'
- It is a vital social greeting used to acknowledge and appreciate someone's labor.
- Usage is strictly hierarchical; avoid saying it to superiors as an evaluation.
- Common forms include '수고하세요' (keep working) and '수고하셨습니다' (you worked hard).
The Korean noun 수고 (Sugo) is a cornerstone of Korean social etiquette and linguistic culture. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'effort,' 'trouble,' 'hard work,' or 'labor.' However, a simple dictionary definition fails to capture the profound social weight this word carries. It originates from the Hanja characters 手 (수 - hand) and 苦 (고 - bitter/suffering), literally suggesting the 'bitterness of the hands' or the physical pain associated with manual labor. In modern usage, it has evolved into a versatile term used to acknowledge, appreciate, or sympathize with the energy someone has expended on a task.
- Core Semantic Domains
- Physical Labor: Actual manual work that requires sweat and physical exertion.
- Mental Effort: The cognitive strain of solving problems, studying, or managing complex situations.
- Social Obligation: The 'trouble' someone takes to help another person, often used in polite apologies.
"오늘 정말 수고 많으셨습니다. 덕분에 일이 잘 끝났어요." (You really put in a lot of effort today. Thanks to you, the work finished well.)
Understanding 수고 requires understanding the Korean concept of communal effort. When you acknowledge someone's 수고, you are not just stating a fact; you are validating their contribution to the group. It is a linguistic 'pat on the back.' In a society that historically valued collective agricultural labor, recognizing the 'bitterness' of another's hands was essential for maintaining social harmony and mutual respect.
"먼 길 오시느라 수고하셨습니다." (Thank you for taking the trouble to come such a long way.)
- Common Verb Pairings
- 수고하다: To work hard (The most common verbal form).
- 수고를 끼치다: To cause someone trouble or to burden them.
- 수고를 덜다: To lessen someone's burden or effort.
In summary, 수고 is more than just work; it is the human element of exertion. It is the sweat on the brow and the time taken out of one's day. When a Korean person says this word, they are looking at the person, not just the result of the work. It is a deeply humanistic term that bridges the gap between professional tasks and personal relationships.
Using 수고 correctly is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of Korean pragmatics for learners because it is heavily governed by social hierarchy. While the word itself is positive, the way you phrase it can either be a warm compliment or a social faux pas. The most common form is the verb 수고하다, but its usage changes drastically depending on who you are talking to and the timing of the action.
- The Three Golden Rules
- 1. The Hierarchy Rule: Never say "수고하세요" or "수고하셨습니다" to someone significantly older or in a much higher position (like a CEO or a professor) if you are the one leaving first or if they are working. It can sound like you are 'evaluating' their work, which is the prerogative of a superior.
- 2. The Greeting Rule: "수고하세요" (Please keep working hard) is used when you are leaving and the other person is staying to work. "수고하셨습니다" (You worked hard) is used when the work is finished or when both parties are finishing.
- 3. The Acknowledgment Rule: Use "수고가 많으십니다" to acknowledge someone currently in the middle of a difficult task.
Scenario: Leaving a convenience store
"수고하세요!" (Keep up the good work! / Goodbye!)
Note: This is acceptable to a clerk, but to a teacher, you should say "안녕히 계세요."
When used as a noun, 수고 often appears with the verb 많다 (to be many/much). "수고가 많으시네요" is a very polite way to say "You are going through a lot of trouble." This is particularly useful when you see a delivery person in the rain or a colleague working late on a Friday night. It shows that you notice their hardship.
In writing, 수고 is used in formal reports or emails to acknowledge the efforts of a team. For example, "팀원들의 수고 덕분에 프로젝트를 성공적으로 마쳤습니다" (Thanks to the hard work of the team members, we successfully finished the project). Here, it functions as a formal noun representing the collective energy spent.
Formal Email Closing
"항상 저희 회사를 위해 수고해 주셔서 감사합니다." (Thank you for always working hard for our company.)
To master 수고, you must master the art of nunchi (social sensing). Observe how coworkers interact. You will notice that the person leaving the office first almost always says "수고하세요" to those remaining, and the remaining staff respond with "수고하셨습니다" or "조심히 가세요." It is the rhythmic pulse of the Korean workplace.
The word 수고 is ubiquitous in South Korea, echoing through office hallways, apartment complexes, and television screens. It is perhaps the most frequently heard 'social lubricant' in the Korean language. If you spend a day in Seoul, you will likely hear it dozens of times in various contexts.
- 1. The Workplace (The Primary Domain)
- At 6:00 PM, the office becomes a symphony of "수고하셨습니다!" As employees pack their bags, they acknowledge the day's toil. You'll also hear it during meetings when a presenter finishes: "발표하시느라 수고하셨습니다."
- 2. Service Industry Interactions
- When a delivery driver drops off a package, or a taxi driver reaches the destination, the customer often says, "수고하세요" as they leave. It's a way of saying 'Thank you for your service/labor.'
- 3. Television and Media
- On variety shows like 'Running Man' or 'Infinite Challenge,' the hosts often end the filming by bowing to the camera and the crew, shouting "수고하셨습니다!" This acknowledges the hours of filming that the viewers don't see.
Drama Scene: A detective returning to the station
"반장님, 잠도 못 주무시고 정말 수고가 많으십니다." (Chief, you're really going through a lot of trouble without even sleeping.)
You will also hear it in domestic settings. A husband might say to his wife after she prepares a large holiday meal, "오늘 수고 정말 많았어" (You really worked hard today). In this context, it carries a deep sense of intimacy and gratitude, recognizing the invisible labor of housework.
Interestingly, you also hear it in sports. After a grueling practice or a match, teammates will circle up and say it to each other. It serves as a verbal recognition of shared physical suffering and collective effort. It transforms individual pain into a shared social experience.
In a Gym/Sports Club
"오늘 훈련 다들 수고했다!" (Everyone worked hard at training today!)
Ultimately, 수고 is the sound of Korean society functioning. It is the verbal acknowledgment of the gears turning, the people working, and the mutual respect that keeps the community moving forward. Whether it's a whisper to a tired friend or a shout to a departing colleague, it is everywhere.
The word 수고 is a minefield for learners because its 'politeness' is not just about the ending (~요/~습니다) but about the direction of the greeting. Even if you use the most formal grammar, using 수고 in the wrong direction can be seen as condescending or rude.
- Mistake 1: The 'Superior' Trap
- The biggest mistake is saying "수고하셨습니다" to a teacher, a boss, or an elder when they have finished a task. In Korean culture, acknowledging someone's 'hard work' is seen as a form of evaluation. A subordinate 'evaluating' a superior is a major breach of etiquette.
Better: "감사합니다" (Thank you) or "고생 많으셨습니다" (You went through much hardship). - Mistake 2: The 'Leaving' Confusion
- Learners often mix up "수고하세요" and "수고하셨습니다."
수고하세요 (Present/Future) = "Keep working hard" (Said by the person leaving).
수고하셨습니다 (Past) = "You worked hard" (Said when the job is done).
If you say "수고하세요" to someone who just finished their shift, it sounds like you're telling them to go back to work!
❌ Incorrect Usage
(To a Professor after class): "교수님, 오늘 수고하셨습니다!"
Why: It sounds like you are a supervisor checking the professor's performance.
✅ Correct Usage
(To a Professor): "교수님, 오늘 수업 감사합니다!" (Professor, thank you for today's class!)
Another mistake is using 수고 in situations where no real effort was involved. If someone just handed you a pen, saying "수고하셨습니다" is overkill and awkward. Use it only when there is a tangible expenditure of energy or time.
- Mistake 3: Over-formality with Friends
- With very close friends, "수고하셨습니다" sounds incredibly stiff and sarcastic. Use the casual "수고했어" or just "고마워."
Finally, avoid using 수고 when you are the one who caused the trouble, without also apologizing. If you made a mistake and someone had to fix it, don't just say "수고하셨습니다." Say "죄송합니다. 고생 많으셨죠?" (I'm sorry. You went through a lot of trouble, didn't you?). This combines acknowledgment with accountability.
To truly understand 수고, we must compare it to its linguistic neighbors. Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'work' and 'effort,' each with a distinct emotional and social flavor. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the result, the pain, or the intent.
- 1. 고생 (Gosaeng) vs. 수고 (Sugo)
- 고생: Means 'hardship' or 'suffering.' It is much 'heavier' than 수고. You use 고생 when someone went through something genuinely difficult, like working in extreme heat or dealing with a personal crisis.
수고 is for standard, expected effort; 고생 is for extraordinary or painful effort. - 2. 노력 (Noryeok) vs. 수고 (Sugo)
- 노력: Means 'effort' or 'endeavor.' It is more about the willpower and the process of trying hard to achieve a goal. You 'put in' 노력 to learn a language. 수고 is the actual physical/mental 'toil' that results from that effort.
- 3. 애 (Ae) vs. 수고 (Sugo)
- 애: An indigenous Korean word for 'anxiety' or 'stomach-turning effort.' Often used in the phrase "애쓰다." It implies a sense of struggling or 'trying one's best' against odds. It's more emotional than the somewhat more 'functional' 수고.
수고 (Sugo)
Focus: Social acknowledgment of work done.
고생 (Gosaeng)
Focus: Sympathy for the pain/difficulty endured.
There is also 공 (Gong), which refers to 'merit' or 'credit' for work. While 수고 is about the doing, 공 is about the achievement. If a project succeeds, you might say "이건 다 당신의 공입니다" (This is all your credit), but you would say "그동안 수고 많으셨습니다" to acknowledge the months of work that led to it.
Lastly, 노고 (Nogo) is a very formal, literary version of 수고. You will see this in official speeches or plaques of appreciation. "여러분의 노고에 깊은 감사를 표합니다" (I express deep gratitude for your hard work/toil). It is not used in daily conversation.
Comparison Summary
- 수고: Daily work, social greeting.
- 고생: Hardship, empathy for pain.
- 노력: Intentional effort, studying.
- 노고: Formal/Official 'toil'.
By distinguishing these words, you move from a basic learner to a nuanced speaker who understands the emotional landscape of Korean labor and appreciation.
How Formal Is It?
难度评级
需要掌握的语法
-느라 (Because of doing...)
-으시- (Honorific)
-느라고 (Reason for effort)
-아/어 주다 (Doing for someone)
-죠 (Right?)
按水平分级的例句
수고하세요!
Keep up the good work! (Leaving a shop)
Present tense honorific imperative.
수고하셨습니다.
You worked hard. (After a task)
Past tense honorific.
오늘 수고했어.
Good job today. (To a friend)
Casual/Informal past tense.
수고 많아요.
You're working hard.
Noun + adjective 'many'.
모두 수고하세요.
Everyone, keep up the good work.
Plural subject implied.
수고 많으셨어요.
You worked very hard. (Polite)
Polite honorific past tense.
정말 수고했어요.
You really did a good job.
Adverb '정말' for emphasis.
수고하십니다!
You're working hard! (Greeting someone working)
Formal present tense.
수고가 많으시네요.
You are going through a lot of trouble.
Honorific '시' added to '많다'.
먼 길 오시느라 수고하셨습니다.
Thank you for the trouble of coming a long way.
-느라 (reason for effort).
도와주셔서 수고를 덜었어요.
Thanks to your help, my burden was lightened.
Object '수고' + verb '덜다' (to lessen).
준비하시느라 수고 많으셨죠?
You worked hard preparing, didn't you?
Question form with '-죠'.
제 수고를 알아주셔서 감사해요.
Thank you for recognizing my effort.
Noun '수고' as an object.
이 일은 수고가 좀 필요해요.
This job requires some effort.
Subject '수고' + '필요하다'.
수고한 보람이 있네요.
It was worth the effort.
Determiner form '수고한' + '보람' (worth).
부모님의 수고를 잊지 마세요.
Don't forget your parents' hard work.
Possessive form.
수고를 끼쳐 드려 정말 죄송합니다.
I am truly sorry for causing you trouble.
Formal humble expression '끼쳐 드리다'.
그는 수고를 아끼지 않고 우리를 도왔다.
He helped us without sparing any effort.
Negative construction '아끼지 않고'.
적은 수고로 큰 효과를 냈어요.
We achieved a great effect with little effort.
Instrumental particle '로'.
누구의 수고인지 금방 알 수 있네요.
I can tell immediately whose hard work this is.
Indirect question '-인지'.
수고스럽겠지만 이것 좀 부탁드려요.
It might be troublesome, but please do this for me.
Adjective '수고스럽다' (to be troublesome).
그동안의 수고가 헛되지 않았어요.
The effort so far has not been in vain.
Noun '수고' + '헛되다' (to be in vain).
남의 수고를 가로채면 안 됩니다.
You shouldn't take credit for someone else's hard work.
Verb '가로채다' (to snatch/steal).
수고한 만큼 결과가 나올 거예요.
The results will be as good as the effort you put in.
Dependent noun '만큼' (as much as).
팀원들의 노고와 수고에 감사드립니다.
I am grateful for the toil and effort of the team members.
Formal noun '노고' paired with '수고'.
수고를 마다하지 않고 끝까지 해주셨어요.
They didn't mind the trouble and did it until the end.
Verb '마다하지 않다' (to not refuse/mind).
이번 프로젝트는 당신의 수고가 컸습니다.
Your effort was great in this project.
Adjective '크다' used to describe effort.
불필요한 수고를 줄이는 것이 중요합니다.
It is important to reduce unnecessary effort.
Adjective '불필요한' (unnecessary).
그의 수고는 보이지 않는 곳에서 빛났다.
His effort shone in places that are not seen.
Metaphorical use of '빛나다' (to shine).
수고비는 따로 챙겨 드릴게요.
I will make sure to give you a separate fee for your trouble.
Compound noun '수고비' (fee for effort/tip).
이런 수고를 감수할 가치가 있습니다.
It is worth enduring this kind of trouble.
Verb '감수하다' (to endure/bear).
그녀의 수고 덕분에 행사가 무사히 끝났다.
Thanks to her effort, the event ended safely.
Noun '덕분에' (thanks to).
그의 수고는 단순한 노동 이상의 가치를 지닌다.
His effort holds a value beyond simple labor.
Formal '지니다' (to possess/hold).
수고를 자처하는 그의 모습이 인상적이었다.
The way he volunteered for the trouble was impressive.
Verb '자처하다' (to volunteer/take upon oneself).
우리의 수고가 역사의 한 페이지를 장식할 것이다.
Our effort will decorate a page of history.
Literary expression '장식하다'.
수고의 결실을 맺는 날이 드디어 왔습니다.
The day to bear the fruit of our effort has finally come.
Metaphor '결실을 맺다' (to bear fruit).
그는 남모르는 수고를 아끼지 않았다.
He did not spare effort that others didn't know about.
Idiomatic '남모르는' (hidden/secret).
수고를 들이지 않고 얻는 것은 쉽게 사라진다.
Things obtained without putting in effort disappear easily.
Verb '들이다' (to put in/invest).
부모님의 헌신적인 수고에 보답하고 싶다.
I want to repay my parents' devoted effort.
Adjective '헌신적인' (devoted).
수고를 마다치 않는 정신이 필요합니다.
A spirit that does not mind trouble is necessary.
Contraction '마다치' for '마다하지'.
장인의 수고가 깃든 작품은 시공을 초월한다.
A work imbued with a master's effort transcends time and space.
Verb '깃들다' (to be imbued/permeated).
수고의 미학을 이해하는 자만이 진정한 성취를 맛본다.
Only those who understand the aesthetics of effort taste true achievement.
Noun '미학' (aesthetics).
그녀는 자신의 수고를 결코 생색내지 않았다.
She never tried to take credit or show off her effort.
Idiom '생색내다' (to take credit/boast).
수고와 고뇌의 산물인 이 책을 세상에 내놓는다.
I release this book, the product of effort and anguish, to the world.
Noun '산물' (product/result).
수고를 폄하하는 사회 분위기가 우려스럽다.
The social atmosphere of belittling effort is worrying.
Verb '폄하하다' (to belittle/disparage).
그의 수고는 공동체의 안녕을 지탱하는 버팀목이다.
His effort is the pillar that supports the well-being of the community.
Metaphor '버팀목' (support/pillar).
수고를 아는 마음이 곧 예의의 시작이다.
A heart that recognizes effort is the beginning of etiquette.
Philosophical sentence structure.
무수한 수고의 편린들이 모여 기적을 일구었다.
Countless fragments of effort gathered to create a miracle.
Noun '편린' (fragment/sliver).
常见搭配
常用短语
容易混淆的词
Gosaeng is for real suffering/hardship; Sugo is for standard effort.
Noryeok is the internal drive; Sugo is the external toil.
Il is the task itself; Sugo is the energy spent on the task.
习语与表达
容易混淆
句型
如何使用
Superior to Subordinate: OK. Peer to Peer: OK. Subordinate to Superior: Use caution/alternatives.
- Saying '수고하세요' to a professor after class.
- Using '수고하셨습니다' when someone didn't actually do any work.
- Mixing up the past and present tense forms when leaving an office.
- Forgetting to use honorifics (~시~) when talking about an elder's effort.
- Using '수고' as a way to praise yourself (it's for others).
小贴士
The Pat on the Back
Think of '수고' as a verbal pat on the back. It builds rapport in the office.
Past vs. Present
Use ~하세요 when you leave them working. Use ~하셨습니다 when the work is done.
Hierarchy Matters
When in doubt with a boss, just say 'Thank you' (감사합니다) instead of 'Sugo'.
Hanja Roots
Remember 'Bitter Hands' (手苦) to recall the meaning of physical effort.
The Bow
Always combine the phrase with a slight head nod or bow for maximum politeness.
Empathy First
Use '수고가 많으십니다' to show you care about someone's hard conditions.
Email Closings
Acknowledging a client's '수고' in an email is a great way to build a relationship.
Office Noise
Listen for this word at 6 PM in any Korean office; it's the signal that the day is over.
Casual Sugo
To a close friend, a quick '수고!' as you part ways is very natural.
The Gosaeng Shift
Switch to '고생 많으셨습니다' for a more heartfelt and safe acknowledgement of a superior.
记住它
词源
Sino-Korean
文化背景
Used between spouses to acknowledge the 'unseen' work of managing a household.
Used to show respect to blue-collar workers, which is a key part of modern Korean politeness.
Essential for office harmony. Saying it shows you are part of the team.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"오늘 정말 수고 많으셨죠?"
"제가 수고를 좀 덜어드릴까요?"
"준비하시느라 수고가 많으셨겠어요."
"누가 이렇게 수고를 해주셨나요?"
"수고한 보람이 있는 하루네요."
日记主题
오늘 내가 가장 수고한 일은 무엇인가요?
누구의 수고 덕분에 오늘 하루가 편안했나요?
수고를 아끼지 않고 하고 싶은 일이 있나요?
수고했다는 말을 들었을 때 어떤 기분이 드나요?
부모님의 수고에 대해 생각해 보세요.
常见问题
10 个问题No, it's better to say '감사합니다' or '안녕히 계세요'. Saying '수고하세요' to a teacher can sound like you are evaluating their teaching.
Sugo is for general effort. Gosaeng implies a higher level of difficulty or actual suffering. Use Gosaeng for more empathy.
Only if said to someone older or higher rank. To friends or younger people, it's a warm and common phrase.
Use it when giving a small extra amount of money to someone who did a favor or a difficult delivery.
It means 'to cause someone trouble.' It's a very polite way to apologize when asking for help.
Yes, but '노고' (Nogo) is often preferred for a more dignified and formal tone.
Yes, it is very common and polite as you are exiting the taxi.
No, it can be mental effort, like studying for an exam or planning an event.
There isn't a direct opposite noun, but '나태' (sloth) or '안일' (complacency) represent the lack of effort.
You can say '네, 수고하셨습니다' back, or '감사합니다', or '조심히 가세요' if they are leaving.
自我测试 180 个问题
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
수고 is the linguistic heart of Korean work culture. It transforms the act of working into a social exchange of mutual respect, but it must be used carefully according to social rank to avoid sounding condescending.
- 수고 (Sugo) means effort or hard work, derived from Hanja meaning 'bitter hands.'
- It is a vital social greeting used to acknowledge and appreciate someone's labor.
- Usage is strictly hierarchical; avoid saying it to superiors as an evaluation.
- Common forms include '수고하세요' (keep working) and '수고하셨습니다' (you worked hard).
The Pat on the Back
Think of '수고' as a verbal pat on the back. It builds rapport in the office.
Past vs. Present
Use ~하세요 when you leave them working. Use ~하셨습니다 when the work is done.
Hierarchy Matters
When in doubt with a boss, just say 'Thank you' (감사합니다) instead of 'Sugo'.
Hanja Roots
Remember 'Bitter Hands' (手苦) to recall the meaning of physical effort.
相关内容
更多work词汇
주 5일제
A2“周五日制”(ju o-il je)是韩国的标准工作制度,人们每周工作五天,通常是周一至周五,周末(周六和周日)休息。
결근
A2缺勤;不在工作岗位上。‘결근’一词的意思是缺勤。当员工不出勤时使用。
결근하다
A2缺勤。例如:“他因为感冒今天缺勤了。”
추상적이다
A2抽象的。指不具体、非实体的概念或表现。
출입증
A2身份证,门禁卡。允许进入特定场所的身份证或门禁卡。这是一张特殊的卡片,就像身份证一样,您需要出示才能进出建筑物或区域。
회계
B1会计是指对企业、团体等经济活动进行记录、计算和报告的系统过程。
경리
A2管理和记录公司的财务信息,如收入和支出。该术语指会计或簿记。
업적
B1功绩,业绩。指在事业、研究等方面所取得的显著成就,常用于历史人物或专业领域的杰出贡献。
적극적이다
A2积极的。指主动采取行动,热情地参与其中。
적극적으로
B1以积极、主动或热情的态度。例如:“他积极地参加了活动。”