Korean Dictionary
How to say "Thank you for your hard work" in Korean
“Thank you for your hard work” in Korean is 수고하셨어요 (pronounced "Sugohasyeosseoyo").
수고하셨어요
Sugohasyeosseoyo
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
A very common Korean expression acknowledging someone's effort and hard work. Widely used among coworkers at the end of the day or after completing a task. The casual form is 수고했어요 or 수고했어 for close peers.
Example Sentence
오늘도 수고하셨어요. 내일 또 화이팅!
Thank you for your hard work today. Let's do our best again tomorrow!
How to use 수고하셨어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Thank you for your hard work” is 수고하셨어요, romanized as Sugohasyeosseoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 수고하셨어요.
Pronunciation Guide
수 (su) sounds like 'soo' in 'soup'. 고 (go) is like 'go'. 하 (ha) is like 'ha' in 'haha'. 셨 (syeot) is a quick 'shyut' sound, rhyming with 'cut' but with a 'sh' and 'y' glide. 어 (eo) is like 'uh' in 'duh'. 요 (yo) is like 'yo' in 'yo-yo'. The stress is fairly even.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
수고하셨습니다
Sugohasyeotseumnida
A more formal and deferential way to say 'thank you for your hard work,' often used in very formal settings or when addressing superiors.
Casual (반말)
수고했어
Sugohaesseo
A casual form used among close friends, family, or subordinates.
More Example Sentences
Appreciating someone's effort after they've prepared for an event.
회의 준비하시느라 수고 많으셨어요.
Thank you for all your hard work preparing for the meeting.
Expressing gratitude to a service worker in a difficult situation.
비 오는데 배달 오시느라 수고하셨어요.
Thank you for your hard work delivering in the rain.
A common farewell among colleagues at the end of the workday.
먼저 퇴근할게요. 오늘도 수고하셨어요!
I'm leaving work first. Thank you for your hard work today!
Cultural Context
수고하셨어요 is not a literal thank-you; it acknowledges the effort someone has just made. It is common among colleagues after work or a shared task. Usage toward a direct supervisor varies by workplace and relationship, so a learner should follow the local norm; 감사합니다 or 오늘 많이 배웠습니다 can be safer when the goal is simply to thank a senior person.
Editorial note
We separate a literal thank-you from 수고하셨어요, which acknowledges effort. Workplace hierarchy varies, so this entry gives a conservative option for supervisors instead of presenting one universal etiquette rule.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
오늘도 수고하셨어요.
You worked hard today too.
수고 많으셨습니다.
You put in a lot of hard work. (More formal)
수고하세요!
Keep up the hard work! (Used when leaving someone who is still working, or to a service person who continues their work).
Related Expressions
고생하셨어요
Gosaenghasyeosseoyo
You've suffered/struggled a lot (similar to 수고하셨어요, but implies more hardship).
감사합니다
Gamsahamnida
Thank you (general formal thank you).
고맙습니다
Gomapseumnida
Thank you (general formal thank you, slightly softer than 감사합니다).
잘했어요
Jaraesseoyo
You did well (complimenting performance).
Frequently asked questions
What does "수고하셨어요" mean and how do you pronounce it correctly?+
"수고하셨어요" (Sugohasyeosseoyo) is a common Korean expression meaning "You've worked hard" or "Thank you for your effort." It's an acknowledgement of someone's labor. To pronounce it, focus on "su-go-ha-shyeo-sseo-yo." The 'ㅅ' (s) sounds like an English 's', 'ㄱ' (g) like a soft 'g', and 'ㅛ' (yo) like in "yoyo." The double 'ㅆ' (ss) is a tense 's' sound.
When is it appropriate to use "수고하셨어요" in a Korean workplace or daily life?+
수고하셨어요 is widely used to acknowledge effort after a task or at the end of a workday, especially among colleagues. Hierarchy and workplace culture matter. With a direct supervisor, follow how the team normally speaks and use 감사합니다 when you simply mean thank you.
What are the different formality levels of "수고하셨어요" and when should I use each?+
수고하셨어요 is polite and honorific. 수고했어 is casual and belongs with close friends or someone who already uses casual speech with you. 수고하셨습니다 is more formal, but formality alone does not erase hierarchy concerns; follow the workplace's normal closing phrase.
Are there other Korean phrases similar to "수고하셨어요" for acknowledging effort?+
Yes, several phrases convey similar sentiment. "고생하셨어요" (Gosaenghasyeosseoyo) is very close, meaning "You've gone through hardship," often used after a particularly difficult task or period. "감사합니다" (Gamsahamnida), meaning "Thank you," can also be used, especially if you're directly benefiting from their effort. "고맙습니다" (Gomapseumnida) is another polite way to say "thank you" and acknowledge their contribution.
What common mistakes should I avoid when using "수고하셨어요" and what's the etiquette?+
Avoid treating 수고하세요 as a universal goodbye, especially to a direct supervisor. Also avoid absolute rules: some teams do use 수고하셨습니다 upward, while others prefer 감사합니다 or 내일 뵙겠습니다. Listen to the established workplace pattern and choose the conservative option when unsure.
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