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
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 a deeply ingrained expression of mutual respect and acknowledgment of effort in Korean culture. It's not a direct 'thank you' but rather an acknowledgment of the 'hard work' (수고) someone has put in. Often used when leaving work, after completing a task, or even to service workers. It's generally not used *to* superiors by subordinates in a direct sense, as it can imply the superior *finished* their work, which might be seen as presumptuous. Superiors, however, often say it *to* subordinates. It's a common phrase in K-dramas when characters finish a long day or a difficult task.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 수고하셨어요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 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" (Sugohasyeosseoyo) is widely used in Korea to acknowledge someone's effort after they've completed a task or finished work for the day. It's common among colleagues, between a manager and a subordinate (though a manager might use "수고 많았어요" to a subordinate), or even to service staff. It's best used when someone has demonstrably put in effort, often at the end of an activity.
What are the different formality levels of "수고하셨어요" and when should I use each?+
"수고하셨어요" (Sugohasyeosseoyo) is a polite, honorific form. For closer peers or subordinates, you can use the more casual "수고했어요" (Sugohaesseoyo) or the informal "수고했어" (Sugohaesseo). The most formal version, "수고하셨습니다" (Sugohasyeotseumnida), is suitable for very formal settings or addressing superiors in a highly respectful manner. Choose based on your relationship and the situation's formality.
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?+
A common mistake for foreigners is using "수고하세요" (Sugohaseyo) to superiors, as it implies commanding them to work hard, which can be rude. "수고하셨어요" (Sugohasyeosseoyo) should generally not be used *to* your direct superior by *you*, as it implies you're acknowledging *their* effort from a position of equal or higher status. It's best used to peers, subordinates, or people outside your direct reporting line, like a delivery person.
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