시도하다 (si-do-ha-da, sidohada) · 노력하다 (no-ryeok-ha-da, noryeokhada)
'시도하다' focuses on the act of initiating a new attempt or challenge, while '노력하다' emphasizes continuous effort toward achieving a goal.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To try or attempt something new for the first time.
When to use
new challenge, first attempt, possible failure
The nuance
Use '시도하다' when initiating a new action or method for the first time. The focus is on the start or attempt itself, regardless of success or failure.
To make continuous effort or exertion toward achieving a goal.
When to use
continuous effort, goal achievement, long-term process
The nuance
Use '노력하다' in situations where continuous exertion is made toward a set goal or task, emphasizing the ongoing process to achieve results.
새로운 프로젝트를 시도했다.
sae-ro-un peu-ro-jek-teu-reul si-do-haess-da., sae ro un peu ro jek teu reul si do haess da.
Appropriate for the first time trying a new project.
새로운 프로젝트를 노력했다.
sae-ro-un peu-ro-jek-teu-reul no-ryeok-haess-da., sae ro un peu ro jek teu reul no ryeok haess da.
'노력하다' does not mean to attempt a project but to exert effort in its process, so it's inappropriate here.
시험에 합격하기 위해 열심히 노력했다.
si-heom-e hap-gyeok-ha-gi wi-hae yeol-sim-hi no-ryeok-haess-da., si heom e hap gyeok ha gi wi hae yeol sim hi no ryeok haess da.
Correct for continuous effort toward the goal of passing an exam.
시험에 합격하기 위해 시도했다.
si-heom-e hap-gyeok-ha-gi wi-hae si-do-haess-da., si heom e hap gyeok ha gi wi hae si do haess da.
Passing an exam is not something you 'try' but something you 'work hard' for; use '노력하다'.
한 번도 해본 적 없는 요리를 시도해 봤다.
han beon-do hae-bon jeok eop-neun yo-ri-reul si-do-hae bwass-da., han beon do hae bon jeok eop neun yo ri reul si do hae bwass da.
Natural because it refers to trying a new recipe for the first time.
한 번도 해본 적 없는 요리를 노력해 봤다.
han beon-do hae-bon jeok eop-neun yo-ri-reul no-ryeok-hae bwass-da., han beon do hae bon jeok eop neun yo ri reul no ryeok hae bwass da.
'노력하다' implies sustained effort, not the initial attempt, so it's inappropriate here.
운동을 꾸준히 노력하고 있다.
un-dong-eul kku-jun-hi no-ryeok-ha-go iss-da., un dong eul kku jun hi no ryeok ha go iss da.
'꾸준히 노력하다' is awkward; better to say '운동을 꾸준히 하고 있다' or '운동에 노력하고 있다'.
운동을 꾸준히 시도하고 있다.
un-dong-eul kku-jun-hi si-do-ha-go iss-da., un dong eul kku jun hi si do ha go iss da.
Exercise is a continuous activity, so '노력하다' fits better than '시도하다'.
Which word do you use when trying a new hobby for the first time?
Which word fits continuous effort toward a goal?
Fill in the blank: I ____ to pass the exam.
