Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '수고' refers to the effort, toil, or hard work someone puts into a task. It is often used to acknowledge or appreciate someone's labor or effort.
Common Contexts
'수고' is frequently used in polite expressions to thank or encourage others after they have worked hard, such as '수고하셨습니다' (Thank you for your hard work) or '수고 많으셨어요' (You worked hard).
Collocations and Patterns
- 수고하다: to work hard or make an effort
- 수고 많다/많으시다: to have done a lot of work
- 수고하셨습니다: polite phrase to thank someone for their effort
Register and Politeness
'수고' is generally polite and respectful when used in expressions like '수고하셨습니다'. It is appropriate in formal and informal settings when acknowledging effort.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '수고' with just '노력' (effort) or '일' (work). '수고' emphasizes the hardship or toil aspect and is often used in social expressions to appreciate someone's effort rather than just describing the work itself.