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As you probably know, hieroglyphics were called "the words of God"
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"Sen, define quote origin."
"All people commit sins and make mistakes. God forgives them, and people are acting in a godlike (divine) way when they forgive. This saying is from “An Essay on Criticism,” by Alexander Pope.
Do you want me to highlight new vocabulary words Jonathan?"
"Search Alexander Pope Essay on Criticism."
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https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the-meaning-of/korean-word-e8b37e830ebfd0eef98e4923c1468de973f38856.html
疲れた Tsukareta has the sense of being 'worn out' or 'weary' having 'endured' or 'persevered' to reach this state. It only applies after exertion. If the person has exerted themselves in some way.
おつかれ (rōmaji otsukare) お疲れ: an expression of appreciation for a coworker's hard work
It was an after work ritual to say this to everyone after a shift at sushi zanmai. Even though it was an empty pleasantry like 'how do you do' - it still generated and fostered rapport. The idea of being a team.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%EC%88%98%EA%B3%A0%ED%95%98%EB%8B%A4
"But if you want to thank someone for their hard work “수고했어요” (sugohaesseoyo) is a better and more commonly used phrase. It means “thank you for your work/efforts”
A quick internet search for what the word 고생 means returns the following results: 'trouble.' 'pain' 'hard life' 'sorrow.' The 'Go' comes from 'Ku' 苦 (grade 3 “Kyōiku” kanji) pain, anguish, suffering, discomfort, hardship, worry (Buddhism) dukkha, suffering
I've been hearing it more recently since watching Produce 101, a show whose premise (reality survival popularity / talent contest where 101 young girls compete to form the ultimate celebrity girl group) belies the depth and scope of genuine, capital R real, unscripted human drama portrayed, specifically wrt what the girls go through and sacrifice in order to achieve their dreams.
When the trainer says '고생 많았다', there is a weight and gravity behind her words. One which manages to encapsulate that she comprehends the depth and weight of suffering that has been experienced - and also a note of approval, of being proud and showing compassion and pity all at the same time. Of consolation and congratulation. Of recognition.
Similar to Ganbare - they are collectively one of those semi-idiomatic phrases for which there is no sufficiently nuanced English equivalent. Also similar to Ganbare they place emphasis on the effort, on the will and intention behind the act rather than the result. It is to acknowledge the choice that the individual makes. It is that rare strain of comfort and consolation that comes of identifying with someone's suffering - of being understood and not alone in your anguish and pain. Not glorifying the trial but validating it. A kind of vindication that feels like redemption. That someone understands the fraction of the cost of the burden you bear. How four words can hold so much meaning, so convey so much kindness, can relieve so much pain.
And why don't we have these words in English
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"Human are animals that are very good at enduring pain. Most animals will respond by running away, by doing everything they can to escape the noxious stimulus, but not humans. Humans put themselves through tremendous hardships voluntarily. And so they train themselves not to think about it. To distract themselves. The moment of suffering passes and you laugh again. You act like it never happened. So you think it goes somewhere else. You believe that all the hardship you endured has brushed off you like rain on a raincoat. But sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it sinks down deep. It accumulates. It changes you. I am trying to tell you there is a way to let go of pain and suffering -- and the first step is to acknowledge it."
