사서고생

1. 본문

"사서 고생" is a Korean phrase that literally translates to "buying hardship" or "paying the price to go through hardships." It's used to describe a situation where someone willingly takes on unnecessary challenges or difficulties, often when there's an easier alternative available. It implies that someone is going out of their way to experience hardship.

Here are some nuances and related concepts:

• Meaning: The phrase highlights the act of choosing a harder path, even when a simpler one exists. For example, someone might say "사서 고생" if a person chooses to live in a shared house when they have a perfectly good home.
• "Young people even pay for hardship.": An old Korean saying states that "People even pay for a hardship in their younger age". It states that hardships when you are young are valuable.
• Usage: "사서 고생(을) 하다" is the full expression. It's used to describe the act of inviting avoidable trouble and enduring hardships.
• Similar expressions: It can also mean doing something that make oneself suffer when there is no need to do so.
• Webtoon: There is a webtoon called *사서고생!* which depicts the struggles in the workplace.
• Book: A book titled *사서, 고생* was released in 2023, and it is about the life of librarians.

In summary, "사서 고생" describes the act of voluntarily choosing a difficult path, even when an easier option is available, emphasizing the idea of bringing hardship upon oneself.