How to Say “Thanks For Your Hard Work” in Korean: 수고하셨어요 (sugohasyeosseoyo)
“Sugohasyeosseoyo” means “thank you for your hard work” — said at the end of a task, shift, or workday to acknowledge someone’s effort.
“Sugohasyeosseoyo” means “thank you for your hard work” — said at the end of a task, shift, or workday to acknowledge someone’s effort.
수고하셨어요 (sugohasyeosseoyo) — thanks for your hard work
How it feels and when to use it
A cornerstone of Korean work culture. Use the past form “sugohasyeosseoyo” when something is finished; “sugohaseyo” (present) is said to someone still working as you leave.
Politeness levels
- 수고했어 (sugohaesseo) — Casual (반말): with close friends and people younger than you
- 수고하셨어요 (sugohasyeosseoyo) — Polite (해요체): the safe everyday level for most people
- 수고하셨습니다 (sugohasyeotseumnida) — Formal (합쇼체): in business, announcements, and to elders
Real examples from native Korean
Here’s how native speakers actually use 수고하셨어요 in real Korean:
- 수고했어 — Well done.
- 수고했어. — Great job.
- 수고하세요 — Good luck.
A common mistake to avoid
Avoid saying it down-up carelessly — Some workplaces consider “sugohasyeosseoyo” from a junior to a much senior boss slightly presumptuous. A safe alternative upward is “gosaenghasyeosseoyo” or a simple bow with thanks.
Related expressions
- 고생하셨어요 (gosaenghasyeosseoyo) — you’ve worked hard
- 잘했어 (jalhaesseo) — well done
Want to hear 수고하셨어요 spoken by real Koreans? Search it on Langle and watch it across dozens of real video clips.
Frequently asked questions
- What does “수고하셨어요” mean in Korean?
- “Sugohasyeosseoyo” means “thank you for your hard work” — said at the end of a task, shift, or workday to acknowledge someone’s effort. It’s romanized as “sugohasyeosseoyo.”
- Is “수고하셨어요” formal or casual?
- “수고했어” is casual (반말); “수고하셨어요” is polite (해요체); “수고하셨습니다” is formal (합쇼체). Match the level to who you’re talking to.
- How do you pronounce “수고하셨어요”?
- It’s pronounced “sugohasyeosseoyo.” Avoid saying it down-up carelessly: Some workplaces consider “sugohasyeosseoyo” from a junior to a much senior boss slightly presumptuous. A safe alternative upward is “gosaenghasyeosseoyo” or a simple bow with thanks.
- When should I use “수고하셨어요”?
- A cornerstone of Korean work culture. Use the past form “sugohasyeosseoyo” when something is finished; “sugohaseyo” (present) is said to someone still working as you leave.
- What can I say instead of “수고하셨어요”?
- Try “고생하셨어요” (you’ve worked hard) or “잘했어” (well done).