The Untranslatable 'Sugohasyeotseumnida': Why English Has No Perfect Match

 

The Untranslatable 'Sugohasyeotseumnida': Why English Has No Perfect Match

For anyone who has worked in South Korea, the phrase "수고하셨습니다" (sugohasyeotseumnida) is as common as "hello" or "goodbye." It’s the phrase that echoes through the office as people pack up their bags, the words a cashier says to a colleague finishing their shift, and the acknowledgment after a grueling meeting. Yet, for such a common expression, it remains famously untranslatable, with no single English phrase that truly captures its essence.

Attempting to translate it reveals a fascinating gap between Korean and Western work cultures. While you might use "Good work," "Thank you for your hard work," or "Well done," each of these falls short. Here’s why.

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It’s About the Hardship, Not Just the Result

The root of the phrase is 'sugo' (수고), which translates to effort, trouble, or hardship. So, a literal translation is something like, "You have done a hardship" or "You have suffered." This immediately highlights the core difference.

English phrases like "Good work" or "Well done" are results-oriented. They are a comment on the quality of the outcome. You wouldn't say "Good work" to someone if their project failed, even if they tried very hard. But you can, and absolutely would, say "수고하셨습니다" because the phrase acknowledges the process and the effort itself, regardless of the result. It’s a recognition of the labor you endured.

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It’s a Shared, Collective Acknowledgment

"수고하셨습니다" is also deeply communal. When colleagues say it to each other at 6 p.m., they are participating in a collective ritual. It’s a mutual acknowledgment of the day's shared struggles. It's a way of saying, "We all went through this day together, and I see your effort, just as you see mine."

The English phrase "Thank you for your hard work" comes close, but it’s different. "Thank you" creates a clear dynamic between a giver and a receiver of gratitude. It's often said by a superior to a subordinate. While a boss in Korea would say "수고했어요" (the less formal version) to their team, colleagues of the same rank say "수고하셨습니다" to each other. It’s a reciprocal acknowledgment, not a one-way expression of thanks.

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So, What Should You Say?

There is no magic bullet, and the best English equivalent depends entirely on the context:

• Leaving work: A simple "Great work today, everyone" or "See you tomorrow!" works.

• After a presentation: "Well done" or "Great job" is appropriate.

• To a service worker: A heartfelt "Thank you so much" is the best fit.

The fact that we need three different phrases to cover the situations where one Korean phrase suffices shows why "수고하셨습니다" is so unique. It’s a cultural concept packed into a phrase: a blend of acknowledgment, empathy, and shared experience that recognizes the inherent difficulty of labor. It’s a way of seeing the person, not just the work they’ve done.

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