One of the English words I found confusing when I started learning English in the U.S. was "hustle."

In Korea, when learning the word "hustle," many people think of being busy, pushing someone aside, or a 'hustler' who hides their skills in billiards to win money.

In fact, the image of a hustler is often associated with a con artist. I think of the movie 'The Color of Money,' where pool sharks pretend to be beginners and win money in the final round.

However, after living in the U.S. for a few years, I realized that this word has a completely different meaning.

When someone says, "He's got hustle," in America, it's almost a compliment.

It means that the person is diligent, persistent, knows how to create opportunities, and doesn't just sit around.

In short, it describes someone full of energy to succeed.

Even in baseball broadcasts, the phrase "Great hustle!" is often heard.

When a batter sprints hard to make it to first base on a routine ground ball, the commentator admires their effort.

In basketball, when a player dives for a loose ball, it's said, "That's hustle."

Even if a player is slightly less skilled, those who play with hustle are loved by fans.

The same goes for business.

In the U.S., the expression "He's hustling" is often used to introduce entrepreneurs.

They meet customers from early morning, do sales themselves, manage social media, and meet investors at night.

This doesn't just mean being busy; it means actively seeking out opportunities.

Lawyers also need hustle.

A good lawyer doesn't just wait for cases to come in by sitting in the office.

They attend seminars, network with doctors and other lawyers, and promote their expertise through YouTube and blogs. In America, all these proactive activities are referred to as hustle. In fact, many successful law firm leaders possess not only legal skills but also incredible sales ability and execution power.

The same applies to entertainers.

Singers don't just perform; they also handle appearances, interviews, social media management, and communication with fans.

Actors go to dozens of auditions and meet agents, constantly promoting themselves. In America, this is naturally described as "She's hustling."

Interestingly, American parents also tell their kids to "Hustle!"

During a soccer game, if a child is running slowly, the coach shouts, "Come on, hustle!" This means "Move faster!" or "Be more proactive!" It's not an insult but a form of encouragement.

In Korea, it's often accepted that "If you work hard and consistently, you will succeed."

However, the American concept of hustle is somewhat different from simply saying to work hard and wait.

It's more about the philosophy of creating opportunities rather than just waiting around.

Whether you're an employee, a business owner, an athlete, or a lawyer, the culture shows that those who take the initiative are the ones who seize opportunities.

So, if someone in America says, "You've got hustle," there's no need to feel offended.

Rather, it's one of the highest compliments, meaning "You are diligent, proactive, and likely to succeed."

When looking at successful people in America, it's surprising how many have transformed their lives with this 'hustle mentality' rather than just special talents.