Meaning and Usage
The verb '힘쓰다' means to exert effort or try hard, often implying a conscious and determined effort to achieve something. It is commonly used in contexts where someone puts physical or mental energy into a task.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '힘쓰다' in situations related to studying, working, or overcoming difficulties. It can describe both physical exertion and mental effort.
Collocations and Patterns
- 힘쓰다 + verb (e.g., 힘쓰다 공부하다): to put effort into doing something
- 힘쓰다 + noun (e.g., 건강에 힘쓰다): to devote effort to something
- 힘쓰다 + 고 있다: indicates ongoing effort
Register and Politeness
'힘쓰다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate in written and spoken Korean.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '힘쓰다' with '노력하다' (to make an effort). While similar, '힘쓰다' often emphasizes the exertion of strength or energy, whereas '노력하다' is more general effort. Use '힘쓰다' when you want to highlight the active exertion of power or energy.