Processing keyword: ~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda] (Put effort into)
Korean Grammar Point: ~에 힘쓰다 [e himsseuda] (Put effort into)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~에 힘쓰다 (e himsseuda), which means "to put effort into" or "to strive for". This expression is commonly used to describe dedicating effort or working diligently towards a particular goal or activity.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The expression ~에 힘쓰다 is used to convey that someone is exerting effort or striving towards something. It emphasizes dedication and continuous effort in pursuing a goal or activity.
에: A particle indicating the target or focus of the action.힘쓰다: A verb meaning "to exert oneself," "to make efforts," or "to strive."
Structure
The structure involves attaching 에 힘쓰다 to a noun that represents the goal or activity you are putting effort into.
Formation Diagram
[Noun] + 에 힘쓰다
Breakdown
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Noun | The goal or activity (e.g., 공부, 환경 보호) |
| 에 | Particle indicating the target of effort |
| 힘쓰다 | Verb meaning "to put effort," "to strive" |
Conjugation of 힘쓰다
힘쓰다 is a regular verb and can be conjugated according to tense and politeness level.
Present Tense
| Politeness Level | Conjugation | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Informal Low | 힘써 | 나는 공부에 힘써. |
| Informal High | 힘써요 | 저는 공부에 힘써요. |
| Formal High | 힘씁니다 | 저는 공부에 힘씁니다. |
Past Tense
| Politeness Level | Conjugation | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Informal Low | 힘썼어 | 나는 공부에 힘썼어. |
| Informal High | 힘썼어요 | 저는 공부에 힘썼어요. |
| Formal High | 힘썼습니다 | 저는 공부에 힘썼습니다. |
Future Tense
| Politeness Level | Conjugation | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Informal Low | 힘쓸 거야 | 나는 공부에 힘쓸 거야. |
| Informal High | 힘쓸 거예요 | 저는 공부에 힘쓸 거예요. |
| Formal High | 힘쓸 것입니다 | 저는 공부에 힘쓸 것입니다. |
3. Comparative Analysis
Let's compare ~에 힘쓰다 with similar expressions to understand their nuances.
~에 노력하다 (Put effort into)
- Meaning: To make an effort in something.
- Usage: More general; focuses on trying hard. Difference:
~에 힘쓰다emphasizes sustained or dedicated effort, often involving ongoing commitment.~에 노력하다can refer to effort in a specific instance or overall attempts.
~를 위해 노력하다 (Make efforts for)
- Meaning: To make efforts for someone or something.
- Usage: Emphasizes the beneficiary of the effort.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Example 1
환경 보호에 힘쓰고 있습니다.
- I'm putting effort into environmental protection.
Example 2
학생들은 학업에 힘써야 합니다.
- Students should put effort into their studies.
Example 3
그는 지역 사회 발전에 힘썼어요.
- He put effort into the development of the local community.
Example 4
회사는 고객 만족에 힘쓰고 있어요.
- The company is striving for customer satisfaction.
Example 5
저는 건강 관리에 힘쓸 예정입니다.
- I intend to put effort into managing my health.
Context Variations
Formal Situations
정부는 국민 안전에 힘쓰고 있습니다.
- The government is putting effort into public safety.
Informal Situations
요즘 영어 공부에 힘쓰고 있어.
- I'm putting effort into studying English these days.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, diligence and dedication are highly valued traits. Using expressions like ~에 힘쓰다 reflects a positive attitude towards hard work and commitment, aligning with societal expectations for perseverance in personal and professional endeavors.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
Understanding and using the appropriate level of politeness is crucial in Korean.
- Formal Polite: 힘씁니다
- Informal Polite: 힘써요
- Casual: 힘써 Ensure you adjust the verb ending to match the social context and relationship.
Idiomatic Expressions
온 힘을 다하다
- Meaning: To do one's utmost; to exert all of one's strength.
- Usage: Similar in meaning to
~에 힘쓰다, but emphasizes using all available strength.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Mistake 1: Incorrect Particle Usage
- Incorrect: 환경 보호*를 힘쓰고 있습니다.*
- Correct: 환경 보호*에 힘쓰고 있습니다.*
Explanation: The particle
에should be used to indicate the target of the effort.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 노력하다
- Using
노력하다when힘쓰다is more appropriate for sustained efforts. Tip: Use힘쓰다when emphasizing continuous or dedicated effort towards a goal.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Remember that
힘means "strength," and쓰다means "to use." So,힘쓰다literally means "to use strength," i.e., "to put effort into." - Practice: Create sentences about your own efforts in daily life to become comfortable with the structure.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
~에 힘쓰다is used to express putting effort into a specific goal or activity.- Attach
에 힘쓰다to a noun representing the focus of your effort. - Use the correct particle
에to indicate the target. - Conjugate
힘쓰다according to tense and politeness level.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: 저는 한국어 공부___ 힘쓰고 있어요.
Answer
에 - Translate to Korean: They are putting effort into improving customer service.
Answer
그들은 고객 서비스 개선에 힘쓰고 있어요. - True or False:
~에 힘쓰다implies a sustained and dedicated effort towards a goal.Answer
True
Additional Practice
Try using ~에 힘쓰다 in sentences about your personal goals or activities you're dedicated to.
- Example: 저는 취업 준비에 힘쓰고 있습니다. (I am putting effort into job preparation.) Feel free to share your sentences for feedback!