Korean Grammar Point
~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda] (Put effort into)

~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda] (Put effort into)

Short explanation:

Used to describe the action of putting effort into or trying hard to do something.

Formation:

Noun + 에 힘쓰다

Examples:

나는 한국어 학습에 힘쓰고 있어요, 아직 부족하지만 나아질 것이에요.
Naneun Hangug-eo hagsueb-e himsseugo iss-eoyo, ajig bujog hajiman na-ajil geos-ieyo.
I'm putting effort into learning Korean, it's still lacking but it will improve.
그녀는 공부에 힘쓰기 시작했고, 결과는 항상 좋았어요.
Geunyeoneun gongbue himsseugi sijakhaessgo, gyeolgwaneun hangsang joasseoyo.
She began to put effort into studying, and the results were always good.
우리 팀은 이 프로젝트에 최선을 다하려고 힘쓰고 있어요.
Uli tim-eun i peulojegteu-e choiseoneul dahaneun himsseugo iss-eoyo.
Our team is striving to do our best in this project.
친구들이 몸건강 챙기기에 힘쓰는 것을 보니 매우 자랑스러워요.
Chingudeul-i momgeongang chaeng-gigie himsseuneun geoseul boni maeu jarangseureowayo.
Seeing my friends putting effort into taking care of their health makes me feel very proud.

Long explanation:

The Korean phrase '~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda]' is an expression commonly used to indicate the action of putting a significant amount of effort into something or striving hard to accomplish a particular task or goal. This can be translated into English as 'to put effort into', 'to strive for' or 'to work hard for'. This phrase is typically followed by a verb to describe the action or goal that the effort is being directed towards.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda] (Put effort into)

Korean Grammar Point: ~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda] (Put effort into)

Korean Grammar Point: ~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda]

1. Introduction

The expression ~에 힘쓰다 translates to "to put effort into" or "to strive for" in English. This grammar point is used to convey the idea of dedicating oneself to a task, activity, or goal.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: The phrase 힘쓰다 means "to make an effort" or "to strive," and when combined with , it specifies the direction or focus of that effort.
  • Structure:
    • Subject + ~에 힘쓰다 + (object/goal)
    • The subject is the person or entity making the effort, ~에 indicates what they are focusing their efforts on.

Formation Diagram

[Subject] + [에] + [힘쓰다] 
(putting effort into)

Example:

  • 그는 공부에 힘쓰고 있다.
    • Translation: "He is putting effort into his studies."

3. Comparative Analysis

  • Similar Expressions:
    • ~에 노력하다 [e noryeokhada]: Also means "to make an effort," but 노력하다 is often used in a broader context and emphasizes the effort itself rather than the focused action.
    • ~을/를 위해 노력하다 [eul/reul wihae noryeokhada]: Means "to make an effort for," slightly more formal and indicates a purpose.

Differences:

  • 힘쓰다 emphasizes concentrated effort while 노력하다 is more general. 힘쓰다 often conveys a sense of diligence and persistence.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

  1. 그녀는 운동에 힘쓰고 있다.
    Translation: "She is putting effort into exercising."
  2. 우리는 환경 보호에 힘써야 한다.
    Translation: "We must put effort into protecting the environment."
  3. 이 회사는 고객 만족에 힘쓰고 있습니다. (Formal)
    Translation: "This company is putting effort into customer satisfaction."
  4. 나는 시험 준비에 힘쓰고 있어. (Informal)
    Translation: "I'm putting in effort for exam preparation."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, effort is highly valued, and putting effort into tasks is often seen as a virtue. Using 힘쓰다 reflects personal commitment and diligence, both of which are respected traits.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Depending on your choice of subject and context, you might adjust your formality:

  • Formal: 힘쓰고 있습니다
  • Informal: 힘쓰고 있어

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 힘쓰다 is often used in contexts like “일에 힘쓰다” (put effort into work) or “가정을 위해 힘쓰다” (put effort into the family).

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Misuse of Object: Learners might confuse the object of effort. Ensure that the noun following is a direct target of effort.
    • Incorrect: 그는 친구에 힘쓰다. (He puts effort into his friend.)
    • Correct: 그는 친구를 위해 힘쓰다. (He puts effort into helping his friend.)

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonics: Think of 힘쓰다 as "힘" (strength) + "쓰다" (to use), which can remind you that you are using your strength to make an effort.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~에 힘쓰다 means "to put effort into" something.
  • It specifies the focus of the effort and is often considered more personal and diligent than similar expressions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~에 힘쓰다 mean?
  2. Can you use ~에 힘쓰다 in a sentence about studying?
  3. How would you politely say: "I am putting effort into my job"?

Feel free to reach out for further clarifications or additional examples!

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