수고했어
Koreans say 수고했어 at the end of a workday, after an exam, even after a failed project. Learners translate it as “Good job”, but it thanks the effort, not the result.
What does it mean?
수고했어 (sugohaesseo) means “You worked hard” or “Thanks for your hard work.” 수고 means effort or trouble taken, so the phrase recognizes what someone went through.
Levels of politeness
Pick the ending by who you’re talking to, and whether the work is finished or still going.
When do Koreans use it?
- End of the day. Coworkers say 수고하셨습니다 to each other when leaving.
- After effort. To a friend after an exam, a move or a long shift.
- Leaving a store. Customers often say 수고하세요 to staff: “Keep up the good work.”
- Team wrap-up. Leaders close a meeting or project with 다들 수고하셨습니다.
How it sounds: examples
오늘 수고했어!
Oneul sugohaesseo!
“Good work today!”
다들 수고하셨습니다.
Dadeul sugohasyeotseumnida.
“Thank you all for your hard work.”
감사합니다, 수고하세요!
Gamsahamnida, sugohaseyo!
“Thank you: have a good one!” (leaving a shop)
Pronunciation tip
수고했어 sounds like [수고해써], “su-go-hae-sseo.” ㅆ is a tense “ss” with no breath, and the final 어 is short.
In 수고하셨습니다, the ending is “sseum-ni-da,” like other -습니다 words.
The nuance
Because it thanks effort, it fits even when things went badly: it says “I saw how hard you tried.” That makes it one of the most comforting everyday phrases in Korean.
Be careful
Some Koreans feel 수고하세요 sounds slightly odd toward a boss, since it tells a senior to “keep toiling.” With superiors, many people prefer 수고하셨습니다 at the end of work, or simply 먼저 들어가 보겠습니다 (“I’ll head out first”).
Similar words: what’s the difference?
Quick check: Your team worked for months, but the project failed. Can you still say 수고했어?
Yes. It thanks the effort. 잘했어 (well done) would praise the result instead.