Emotions are an integral part of human experience, and every language offers a unique perspective on how to express them. In the Korean language, an array of words and phrases exists to capture the nuances of various emotions. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey through the emotional landscape of Korean, exploring different categories of emotions and discovering words that encapsulate the depth of human feelings. From basic emotions to culturally influenced sentiments, we will delve into the rich tapestry of emotional vocabulary in Korean.
Common emotions and feelings
| Korean | Romanization | English |
| 감정 | Gam-jeong | Emotion |
| 기분 | Gi-bun | Mood |
| 느낌 | Neu-kkim | Feeling |
| 행복하다 | Haeng-bok-ha-da | To be happy |
| 슬프다 | Seul-peu-da | To be sad |
| 화나다 | Hwa-na-da | To be angry |
| 걱정하다 | Geok-jeong-ha-da | To be worried |
| 피곤하다 | Pi-geon-ha-da | To be tired |
| 질투나다 | Jil-tu-na-da | To be jealous |
| 무섭다 | Mu-seop-da | To be scared |
| 긴장 된다 | Gin-jang dwen-da | To be nervous |
| 설레다 | Seol-le-da | To be excited |
| 창피하다 | Chang-pi-ha-da | To be embarrassed |
| 바쁘다 | Ba-bbeu-da | To be busy |
| 심심하다 | Shim-shim-ha-da | To be bored |
| 지쳤다 | Ji-chyeott-da | To be exhausted |
| 실망하다 | Shil-mang-ha-da | To be dissapointed |
| 짜증나다 | Jja-jeung-na-da | To be annoyed |
| 우울하다 | U-ul-ha-da | To be depressed |
| 놀라다 | Nol-la-da | To be surprised |
| 즐기다 | Jeul-gi-da | To enjoy |
| 좋아하다 | Jo-a-ha-da | To like |
| 만족하다 | Man-jok-ha-da | To be satisfied |
| 웃기다 | Ut-gi-da | To be funny |
| 부럽다 | Bu-reop-da | To envy |
| 외롭다 | Ue-reob-da | To be lonely |
| 불행하다 | Bul-haeng-ha-da | To be unhappy |
| 불편하다 | Bul-peon-ha-da | To be uncomfortable |
| 포기하다 | Po-gi-ha-da | To give up |
| 억울하다 | Eo-gul-ha-da | To be unfair |
| 끔찍하다 | Kkeum-jjig-ha-da | To be horrible |
| 당황하다 | Dang-hwang-ha-da | To be taken aback |
| 밉다 | Mib-da | To hate |
| 괴롭다 | Gwe-rob-da | To be tormented |
| 속상하다 | Sok-sang-ha-da | To be upset |
| 불쾌하다 | Bul-gwe-ha-da | To be unpleasant |
| 불한하다 | Bul-han-ha-da | To be anxious |
| 헷갈리다 | Het-gal-li-da | To be confused |
| 상처받다 | Sang-cheo-bad-da | To get hurt |
| 후회하다 | Hu-we-ha-da | To regret |
Basic emotions
기쁨
기쁨 (gi-ppeum) represents a deep sense of happiness and joy. It encompasses feelings of delight, contentment, and satisfaction. Whether it’s experiencing a moment of pure bliss or finding joy in the simple things, 기쁨 encapsulates the positive energy of happiness that radiates from within.
기쁨 is a noun and 기쁘다 is a verb.
- 너무 기뻐요. – I am so glad.
- 다시 만나서 너무 기뻐요. – I am so glad we met again.
슬픔
슬픔 (seul-peum) expresses the profound feeling of sadness and sorrow. It conveys emotions associated with loss, grief, or melancholy. 슬픔 acknowledges the pain and allows for the expression of one’s sorrows and longing, creating space for healing and introspection.
슬픔 is a noun and 슬프다 is a verb.
- 오늘은 슬퍼요. – I am sad today.
- 같이 못 가서 슬퍼요. – I am sad I couldn’t go with you.
분노
분노 (bun-no) represents the powerful emotion of anger. It encompasses feelings of frustration, irritation, and outrage. 분노 can arise from various triggers and can range from mild irritation to intense rage. It serves as a signal of personal boundaries and can be a catalyst for change and assertiveness.
분노 is a noun and 분노하다 is a verb. However, when expressing anger, people more commonly use “화남” which also means anger and to get angry is “화나다”.
- 그 사람의 말에 화났어요. – I got angry at what that person said.
- 친구가 너무 늦어서 화났어요. – I got angry because my friend was so late.
- 화나지마요. – Don’t be angry.
- 화 풀어요. – Stop being angry. (lit Release your anger).
두려움
두려움 (du-ryeo-um) embodies the sensation of fear and anxiety. It captures the unease and apprehension associated with potential harm or threat. 두려움 can arise from various sources, such as uncertainty, danger, or the unknown. It is a natural response that heightens our awareness and prompts self-preservation.
두려움 is a noun and 두렵다 is a verb. However, more common in spoken language is the verb 무섭다.
- 귀신이 너무 무서워요. – Ghosts are really scary.
- 너무 어두워서 무서워요. – I am scared because it is so dark.
놀람
놀람 (nollam) conveys the feeling of surprise and astonishment. It captures the moment of unexpectedness and wonder. 놀람 can range from a gentle startle to an awe-inspiring revelation. It signifies the suspension of expectations and invites a sense of curiosity and fascination.
- 깜짝 놀랐어요. – I was surprised.
- 너무 놀랐어요. – I was really surprised.
Positive emotions
행복
행복 (haengbok) encapsulates the essence of happiness and fulfillment. It conveys a deep sense of joy and contentment, encompassing a state of overall well-being. Whether derived from small pleasures or major accomplishments, 행복 represents the positive energy that emanates from a heart filled with happiness.
- 행복하세요! – Be happy!
- 너무 행복해요. – I am very happy.
만족
만족 (manjok) embodies the feeling of contentment and fulfillment that arises from achieving a desired outcome or meeting expectations. It signifies a sense of accomplishment and a recognition of one’s needs or desires being fulfilled. 만족 allows individuals to appreciate and acknowledge their achievements, promoting a positive outlook and self-esteem.
- 만족했어요. – I was satisfied.
- 만족해요. – I am satisfied.
사랑
사랑 (sarang) is a profound and universal emotion that transcends cultural boundaries. It represents the deep affection, connection, and care one feels towards another person, an object, or even an idea. 사랑 embraces a wide spectrum of emotions, including romantic love, familial bonds, and friendships, fostering empathy and nurturing relationships.
- 사랑해요. – I love you.
즐거움
즐거움 (jeulgeoum) signifies the sense of pleasure and enjoyment derived from engaging in activities or experiences that bring delight and amusement. It encompasses moments of fun, laughter, and excitement, allowing individuals to savor the positive sensations and appreciate the lighter side of life.
즐거움 is a noun and 즐겁다 is a verb.
- 인생을 즐겁게 사세요. – Enjoy your life.
고마움
고마움 (gomawoom) represents the deep appreciation and gratitude one feels towards others or for the blessings in one’s life. It is an expression of thankfulness, acknowledging the kindness, support, or generosity received from others. 고마움 fosters a sense of humility, empathy, and interconnectedness, strengthening relationships and promoting a positive mindset.
고마움 is a noun and 고맙다 is a verb.
- 너무 고마워요. – I am very thankful.
평온
평온 (pyeong-on) embodies a state of tranquility, peace, and inner calm. It refers to a sense of equilibrium and harmony, free from disturbances or anxiety. 평온 allows individuals to find solace in moments of stillness and to cultivate a peaceful mindset, promoting overall well-being and a positive mental state.
Negative emotions
슬픔
슬픔 (seulpeum) encompasses the feeling of deep sorrow and sadness. It represents the emotional state of being mournful, experiencing grief, or feeling downcast. 슬픔 acknowledges the pain and allows for the expression of one’s sorrows, facilitating the healing process and providing a means of connection during challenging times.
슬픔 is a noun and 슬프다 is a verb.
- 슬펐어요. – I was sad.
후회
후회 (huhoi) encompasses the complex emotions of regret and remorse. It arises from a sense of disappointment or guilt over past actions, choices, or missed opportunities. 후회 acknowledges the weight of one’s decisions and encourages introspection, growth, and the pursuit of better paths in the future.
- 후회 많이 하고 있어요. – I am regretting it a lot.
불안
불안 (buran) represents the state of unease, worry, or apprehension. It encompasses a sense of restlessness and anticipation of future uncertainties. 불안 can manifest as physical symptoms and can impact mental well-being, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and seeking support.
- 너무 불한해요. – I am very anxious.
Cultural and Contextual Emotions
정 (Jeong) – A Deep Emotional Bond
At the heart of Korean emotional vocabulary lies the concept of ‘정’ (jeong). It refers to a deep emotional bond, often described as an unbreakable connection between individuals, places, or even objects. It encompasses a sense of affection, loyalty, and shared history. ‘Jeong’ can be experienced towards family members, friends, hometowns, or sentimental belongings. It signifies a profound attachment and the feeling of belonging.
한 (Han) – Resilience and Sorrow
Unique to Korean culture, ‘한’ (han) embodies a complex blend of deep sorrow, grief, and resilience. It reflects the collective experiences of struggle and hardship throughout Korean history. ‘Han’ is an emotion passed down through generations, representing the pain and longing for justice and healing. It can manifest in various forms, from a deep sigh to a silent tear, capturing the indomitable spirit of resilience despite adversity.
연민 (Yeonmin) – Empathy and Compassion
‘연민’ (yeonmin) describes the capacity to understand and share the emotions of others. It goes beyond sympathy and delves into genuine empathy and compassion. Koreans place great value on fostering interconnectedness and showing kindness towards others. ‘Yeonmin’ acknowledges the shared human experience and the importance of supporting one another through both joyous and challenging times.
모정 (Mojeong) – Resentment, Regret, and Longing
‘Mojeong’ encompasses a mix of emotions, including resentment, regret, and longing. It represents the profound sense of unfinished business or unfulfilled desires. ‘Mojeong’ often arises from missed opportunities, unexpressed feelings, or unresolved situations. It captures the bittersweet emotions associated with what could have been, reflecting a deep yearning for closure or a second chance.
공감 (Gonggam) – Emotional Understanding
‘공감’ (gonggam) refers to the ability to emotionally understand and relate to others. It involves actively listening and acknowledging someone else’s emotions, providing support and solidarity. ‘Gonggam’ fosters deeper connections and strengthens interpersonal relationships. Koreans value the art of ‘gonggam’ as a means of creating empathy, fostering harmonious interactions, and building trust.
Self-Reflective Emotions
자아 인식 (ja-a insik) – Self-Awareness
자아 인식 (ja-a insik) represents the process of self-awareness and understanding. It encompasses the ability to recognize and acknowledge one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 자아 인식 allows individuals to gain insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and values, paving the way for personal growth and self-improvement.
자부심 (jabusim) – Pride
자부심 (jabusim) embodies the feeling of pride in one’s accomplishments, abilities, or personal qualities. It reflects a sense of self-confidence and satisfaction derived from one’s achievements. 자부심 encourages individuals to recognize their own worth and celebrate their unique strengths and contributions.
자아 성찰 (ja-a seongchal) – Self-Reflection
자아 성찰 (ja-a seongchal) encompasses the process of introspection and self-reflection. It involves examining one’s thoughts, actions, and motivations, often with the aim of personal growth and improvement. 자아 성찰 allows individuals to gain clarity, learn from their experiences, and make conscious choices aligned with their values.
자신감 (jasingam) – Self-Confidence
자신감 (jasingam) represents the feeling of self-assurance and belief in one’s own abilities. It is the recognition and trust in one’s skills, talents, and worth. 자신감 empowers individuals to navigate challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with resilience and determination.
자존감 (jajongam) – Self-Esteem
자존감 (jajongam) embodies the sense of self-worth and self-respect. It reflects the overall evaluation and perception of one’s own value and capabilities. 자존감 nurtures a positive self-image, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the ability to maintain healthy boundaries in relationships.
자아수용 (ja-a suyong) – Self-Acceptance
자아수용 (ja-a suyong) represents the process of self-acceptance and embracing one’s true self. It involves recognizing and embracing one’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities without judgment or comparison. 자아수용 allows individuals to cultivate self-compassion, authenticity, and a sense of peace within themselves.
Activity 1
Identify the type of emotion or feeling in English.
- 행복
- 슬픔
- 감정
- 두려움
- 분노
Activity 2
Fill in the blanks.
- 오늘 _______이 어때요? – How are you feeling today?
- 많이 _________! – I was really worried!
- 어제 많이 __________. – I was very bored yesterday.
- 이제부터 __________. From now on, I will be happy.
- 어려워도 _________! Even if it’s difficult, don’t give up!
Activity 3
Find as many words as you can.
Activity 1 Answers
- 행복 – happiness
- 슬픔 – sadness
- 감정 – emotion
- 두려움 – fear
- 분노 – anger
Activity 2 Answers
- 오늘 기분이 어때요? – How are you feeling today?
- 많이 걱정했어요! – I was really worried!
- 어제 많이 심심했어요. – I was very bored yesterday.
- 이제부터 행복할 거예요. From now on, I will be happy.
- 어려워도 포기하지마요! Even if it’s difficult, don’t give up!
Activity 3 Answers
