Korean Dictionary
How to say "No Pain No Gain" in Korean
“No Pain No Gain” in Korean is 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 (pronounced "Gosaeng Kkeute Nagi Onda").
고생 끝에 낙이 온다
Gosaeng Kkeute Nagi Onda
Usage & Context
This Korean proverb literally means that happiness comes at the end of hardship. It expresses the idea that suffering leads to eventual reward.
Example Sentence
지금 힘들어도 고생 끝에 낙이 온다고 했잖아요.
Even if it is hard now, they say no pain no gain.
How to use 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “No Pain No Gain” is 고생 끝에 낙이 온다, romanized as Gosaeng Kkeute Nagi Onda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 고생 끝에 낙이 온다.
Pronunciation Guide
"Go-saeng" sounds like "go-sang," with "go" as in "go" and "sang" as in "song." "Kkeute" is "kuh-teh," with 'kuh' like "cut" and 'teh' like "tea." "Nagi" is "nah-gee," with 'nah' as in "nanny" and 'gee' as in "geese." "Onda" is "ohn-dah," with 'ohn' as in "own" and 'dah' as in "daddy."
More Example Sentences
Encouraging someone who is currently facing difficulties.
지금은 힘들겠지만, 고생 끝에 낙이 온다고 생각하고 힘내세요!
It might be tough now, but cheer up thinking that happiness comes at the end of hardship!
Reflecting on a past effort that led to a positive outcome.
밤새워 시험공부를 했더니 피곤했지만, 좋은 성적을 받아서 고생 끝에 낙이 왔어요.
I was tired after studying all night for the exam, but I got good grades, so happiness came after hardship.
Talking about the long-term benefits of consistent effort in physical activity.
운동은 힘들어도 꾸준히 하면 고생 끝에 낙이 온다는 걸 알아요.
I know that even if exercise is hard, if you do it consistently, happiness will come after hardship.
Cultural Context
This proverb, literally 'happiness comes at the end of hardship,' is a deeply ingrained motivational saying in Korean culture. It embodies the value of perseverance and resilience, often used to encourage students studying for exams, employees working hard, or anyone facing a challenging situation. It's a common phrase heard from parents, teachers, and mentors, reflecting the belief that hard work and endurance will eventually lead to reward and joy.
Editorial note
We review entries like 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
고생 끝에 낙이 온대요
They say happiness comes after hardship (polite, indirect)
고생 끝에 낙이 오지
Happiness comes after hardship, right? (casual, rhetorical)
고생 끝에 낙이 올 거야
Happiness will come after hardship (encouraging)
Related Expressions
노력은 배신하지 않는다
Noryeogeun baesinhaji anneunda
Effort does not betray (Effort pays off)
인내는 쓰지만 열매는 달다
Innaeneun sseujiman yeolmaeneun dalda
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet
땀 흘린 만큼 얻는다
Ttam heullin mankeum eonneunda
You gain as much as you sweat (You reap what you sow)
결자해지
Gyeoljaheji
He who tied the knot must untie it (You must finish what you started)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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