민감하다 في 30 ثانية
- 민감하다 (min-gam-ha-da) is a B2-level Korean adjective meaning 'to be sensitive' or 'highly responsive' to external stimuli like skin triggers, market changes, or trends.
- It is primarily used with the particle '-에' to indicate the cause of sensitivity, such as '피부에 민감하다' or '가격에 민감하다'.
- While similar to '예민하다', it is more neutral and objective, whereas '예민하다' often implies being irritable, sharp, or picky in a negative way.
- Common contexts include K-beauty (sensitive skin), finance (market sensitivity), and social issues (sensitive topics) that require careful handling and precise awareness.
The Korean adjective 민감하다 (min-gam-ha-da) is a sophisticated and versatile term used to describe a high state of responsiveness or susceptibility to external stimuli. At its core, it combines the Hanja roots 敏 (민), meaning 'quick' or 'clever,' and 感 (감), meaning 'feeling' or 'sense.' Therefore, the literal translation suggests a 'quickness to feel.' In everyday Korean, this translates to being 'sensitive' in a variety of contexts, ranging from physical reactions to emotional awareness and even technical precision. Whether you are talking about someone's skin reacting to a new soap, the stock market reacting to political news, or a person's keen awareness of social trends, this word is the primary choice for expressing that something is easily affected or influenced by even the slightest change.
- Physical Sensitivity
- This is perhaps the most common usage in daily life. It refers to how the body or senses react to the environment. For instance, if your skin turns red easily when exposed to sunlight or certain chemicals, you would say your skin is '민감하다.' It is also used for senses like hearing or smell when they are particularly sharp or easily bothered by noise or scents.
- Economic and Social Context
- In professional settings, the word describes how markets, prices, or public opinions shift in response to external events. A 'price-sensitive' consumer is '가격에 민감한 소비자.' Similarly, a politician might be '민감하다' to public criticism, meaning they are very aware of and reactive to what people are saying.
요즘 사람들은 개인 정보 보호 문제에 매우 민감하다.
People these days are very sensitive to personal data protection issues.
Unlike its close synonym '예민하다' (ye-min-ha-da), which often carries a slightly negative nuance of being 'irritable' or 'picky,' 민감하다 is generally more neutral or even clinical. It focuses on the objective fact of a reaction occurring. For example, a high-tech sensor is '민감하다' because it is precise, not because it is 'grumpy.' Understanding this distinction is key for B2 level learners who wish to sound more natural and precise in their vocabulary choices. It is a word that bridges the gap between physical health, psychological states, and macro-economic trends, making it an essential tool for advanced communication in Korean society.
환절기에는 피부가 평소보다 더 민감해질 수 있습니다.
During the change of seasons, your skin can become more sensitive than usual.
- Technical Precision
- In engineering or science, a 'sensitive instrument' that can detect minute changes is described as '민감한 장치.' This highlights the word's association with accuracy and high-fidelity detection.
이 기계는 작은 진동에도 아주 민감하게 반응합니다.
This machine reacts very sensitively to even small vibrations.
Using '민감하다' correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a descriptive verb (adjective) and the typical particles that accompany it. In Korean, adjectives function like verbs in that they can end a sentence without needing a separate 'to be' verb. The most common structure you will encounter is '[Noun] + 에 민감하다,' where the noun represents the stimulus or factor that causes the sensitivity. This structure is incredibly flexible and can be applied to physical objects, abstract concepts, or environmental factors.
- The '-에' Particle Connection
- The particle '-에' acts as a marker for the target of the sensitivity. For example, '냄새에 민감하다' (sensitive to smells) or '소리에 민감하다' (sensitive to sounds). When you want to describe a person who is easily hurt by words, you can say '말에 민감하다.' This indicates the specific area where the sensitivity lies.
아이들은 부모님의 기분 변화에 매우 민감합니다.
Children are very sensitive to changes in their parents' moods.
Another important usage is in the adverbial form, '민감하게.' This is used to describe *how* something reacts or responds. When paired with verbs like '반응하다' (to react) or '대처하다' (to cope/deal with), it creates a powerful description of quick and precise action. For instance, a company that '민감하게 반응하다' to market changes is one that is agile and stays ahead of the competition. This form is often found in business reports and news articles discussing economic trends or political shifts.
시장은 금리 인상 소식에 민감하게 반응하고 있습니다.
The market is reacting sensitively to the news of interest rate hikes.
- Noun Modification
- To describe a noun directly, you change '민감하다' to '민감한.' This is standard for Korean adjectives. '민감한 피부' (sensitive skin), '민감한 문제' (a sensitive issue), or '민감한 시기' (a sensitive period). Using '민감한' before a noun often implies that the topic needs to be handled with care or that the period is one of high volatility.
지금은 국가 안보와 관련된 아주 민감한 사안을 논의 중입니다.
We are currently discussing a very sensitive matter related to national security.
Finally, when discussing internal feelings or personality traits, '민감하다' can be used to describe someone who has a high level of empathy or emotional intelligence. While '예민하다' might suggest they get easily annoyed, '민감하다' suggests they are perceptive. For example, '타인의 고통에 민감하다' means someone is sensitive to the pain of others, which is generally viewed as a positive, compassionate trait. Mastering these subtle shifts in meaning allows you to express complex human emotions and social dynamics effectively.
In the modern Korean landscape, '민감하다' is a word you will encounter daily, across various media and social interactions. Its usage has expanded alongside Korea's rapid technological and social developments. If you turn on a Korean television, browse a shopping site, or read a news portal, '민감하다' will appear in several distinct environments, each providing a window into Korean culture and priorities.
- Beauty and Skincare (K-Beauty)
- Korea's world-renowned skincare industry is perhaps the biggest user of this word. Advertisements for '민감성 피부' (sensitive skin type) products are everywhere. You will hear dermatologists on YouTube or TV talk shows discussing how environmental factors like '미세먼지' (fine dust) make the public's skin more '민감하다.' In this context, it is a technical term used to market gentle, hypoallergenic products.
이 화장품은 민감한 피부를 가진 분들도 안심하고 사용할 수 있습니다.
Even those with sensitive skin can use this cosmetic product with peace of mind.
- Economic News and Finance
- On news programs like KBS or MBC News, anchors frequently use '민감하다' when discussing the stock market (증시) or exchange rates (환율). Because the Korean economy is heavily dependent on exports, it is extremely 'sensitive' to global events like US Federal Reserve decisions or changes in oil prices. You'll hear phrases like '대외 변수에 민감하다' (sensitive to external variables).
반도체 주는 글로벌 경기 흐름에 매우 민감하게 움직입니다.
Semiconductor stocks move very sensitively to the global economic trend.
In social settings, particularly among younger generations (MZ generation), the word is often used regarding social justice, political correctness, and personal boundaries. Discussions about 'gender issues' (젠더 문제) or 'fairness' (공정성) are often described as '민감한 주제' (sensitive topics). This reflects a society that is becoming increasingly aware of diverse perspectives and the importance of careful communication. If a friend tells you, '그 이야기는 좀 민감해' (That story/topic is a bit sensitive), they are subtly signaling that you should proceed with caution or change the subject.
- Weather and Environment
- With the rise of environmental concerns, people often talk about being '민감하다' to air quality. Many Koreans check air quality apps daily and are '민감하게' aware of the '미세먼지 농도' (fine dust concentration) before heading outside.
기관지가 민감한 분들은 오늘 마스크를 꼭 착용하세요.
Those with sensitive bronchial tubes, please make sure to wear a mask today.
One of the most frequent challenges for English speakers learning Korean is distinguishing between '민감하다' (min-gam-ha-da) and '예민하다' (ye-min-ha-da). While both are translated as 'sensitive' in English, their usage and connotations in Korean are distinct and mixing them up can lead to misunderstandings about a person's character or a situation's nature.
- Confusing '민감하다' with '예민하다'
- '민감하다' is generally a neutral, objective observation of a reaction. '예민하다,' however, often implies a sharpness or a heightened state that can be negative. If you call someone '예민한 사람,' it might imply they are 'high-strung,' 'picky,' or 'easily irritated.' If you call them '민감한 사람,' it sounds more like they have a keen sense or are physically susceptible to things. Use '민감하다' for markets, sensors, and skin; use '예민하다' for personality traits or sharp senses (like a 'sharp' sense of smell).
❌ 그 친구는 성격이 너무 민감해서 같이 있기 힘들어요.
✅ 그 친구는 성격이 너무 예민해서 같이 있기 힘들어요.
Explanation: When describing someone as 'difficult' or 'irritable,' '예민하다' is the correct choice.
Another mistake is using the wrong particle. English speakers often want to use '-에 대해' (about) because we say 'sensitive about something.' However, in Korean, the most natural particle is almost always '-에.' Saying '가격에 대해 민감하다' is grammatically possible but sounds slightly clunky and long-winded compared to the standard '가격에 민감하다.'
- Overusing it for 'Emotional' situations
- While '민감하다' can describe being sensitive to others' feelings, it isn't used for being 'emotional' in the sense of 'crying easily' or 'having mood swings.' For those situations, words like '감수성이 풍부하다' (rich sensibility) or '감정적이다' (emotional) are more appropriate. '민감하다' is about the *reception* of a signal, not necessarily the *outpouring* of emotion.
❌ 저는 영화를 보면 잘 울어서 아주 민감해요.
✅ 저는 영화를 보면 잘 울어서 아주 감수성이 풍부해요.
Explanation: Crying at movies is a sign of high sensibility (감수성), not technical sensitivity.
Finally, learners sometimes confuse '민감하다' with '중요하다' (important) when discussing sensitive issues. While a sensitive issue is often important, the focus of '민감하다' is on the *risk* or the *delicate nature* of the topic. If you mean something is critical, stick with '중요하다.' If you mean it could cause a big reaction or controversy if handled wrong, use '민감하다.'
To truly master Korean at a B2 level and beyond, you need to know not just one word, but the family of words that surround it. '민감하다' exists in a spectrum of terms related to feeling, sensing, and reacting. Depending on whether you want to sound more professional, more sympathetic, or more descriptive, you might choose one of the following alternatives.
- 예민하다 (Ye-min-ha-da)
- As discussed, this is the most common alternative. It emphasizes sharpness. A cat's hearing is '예민하다.' A person who hasn't slept and is snapping at everyone is '예민하다.' Use this when the sensitivity is acute, sharp, or potentially bothersome.
- 섬세하다 (Seom-se-ha-da)
- This word translates to 'delicate,' 'fine,' or 'exquisite.' It is the positive version of sensitivity. An artist's touch or a person who notices small details to be kind to others is '섬세하다.' While '민감하다' is about reacting, '섬세하다' is about the beauty and detail of the perception itself.
그는 사람들의 감정을 읽는 섬세한 마음을 가졌습니다.
He has a delicate heart that reads people's emotions well.
- 취약하다 (Chwi-yak-ha-da)
- This means 'vulnerable' or 'weak to.' While '민감하다' means you react quickly, '취약하다' means you are easily damaged by something. A computer system '취약하다' to hacking, or an elderly person '취약하다' to the flu. It is a more clinical and serious word than '민감하다.'
우리 회사는 보안 시스템이 외부 공격에 취약합니다.
Our company's security system is vulnerable to external attacks.
In academic or technical writing, you might also see 반응성이 높다 (high reactivity). This is used specifically for chemical substances or technical systems. For example, '이 물질은 산소에 대한 반응성이 높다' (This substance has high reactivity to oxygen). This is a more formal, scientific way of saying it is '민감하다.' Choosing between these words shows that you understand the context and the specific type of 'sensitivity' you are describing.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
제 피부는 조금 민감해요.
My skin is a little sensitive.
민감해요 is the polite present tense of 민감하다.
저는 추위에 아주 민감해요.
I am very sensitive to the cold.
추위 (the cold) + 에 (to) indicates the cause of sensitivity.
이 비누는 민감한 피부에 좋아요.
This soap is good for sensitive skin.
민감한 is the adjective form modifying the noun 피부 (skin).
그는 소리에 민감해요.
He is sensitive to sound.
소리 (sound) + 에 (to).
민감한 아기 피부를 위해 샀어요.
I bought it for sensitive baby skin.
아기 피부 (baby skin) is the target of the modification.
날씨에 민감한 편이에요.
I tend to be sensitive to the weather.
-ㄴ 편이다 means 'tend to' or 'on the side of'.
눈이 빛에 민감합니다.
My eyes are sensitive to light.
합니다 is the formal polite ending.
냄새에 민감하세요?
Are you sensitive to smells?
-세요 is the honorific polite ending for questions.
커피를 마시면 잠이 안 올 정도로 카페인에 민감해요.
I'm sensitive to caffeine to the point where I can't sleep if I drink coffee.
-ㄹ 정도로 means 'to the extent/point that'.
우리 강아지는 낯선 사람의 목소리에 민감해요.
Our dog is sensitive to the voices of strangers.
낯선 사람 (stranger) + 의 (possessive) + 목소리 (voice).
먼지에 민감해서 청소를 자주 해요.
I'm sensitive to dust, so I clean often.
-아서/어서 expresses a reason or cause.
그녀는 패션 유행에 아주 민감한 사람이에요.
She is a person who is very sensitive to fashion trends.
유행에 민감한 사람 means 'a trend-conscious person'.
제 동생은 우유에 민감해서 두유를 마셔요.
My younger sibling is sensitive to milk, so they drink soy milk.
In this context, it implies a physical reaction or intolerance.
이 카메라는 빛의 변화에 민감하게 반응합니다.
This camera reacts sensitively to changes in light.
민감하게 is the adverbial form modifying 반응합니다.
음식 맛에 민감해서 요리를 잘해요.
He's sensitive to the taste of food, so he's good at cooking.
맛에 민감하다 suggests a keen sense of taste.
새로운 환경에 민감한 편이라 적응이 조금 느려요.
I'm sensitive to new environments, so I'm a bit slow to adapt.
-라 (because) is used with nouns or adjectives ending in -이다/하다.
그는 친구들의 농담에 민감하게 반응할 때가 있어요.
There are times when he reacts sensitively to his friends' jokes.
-ㄹ 때가 있다 means 'there are times when...'
가격에 민감한 소비자들을 위해 할인 행사를 준비했습니다.
We prepared a discount event for price-sensitive consumers.
가격에 민감한 소비자 is a common business term.
정치적인 주제는 사람들에게 아주 민감한 사안입니다.
Political topics are a very sensitive issue for people.
사안 refers to an 'issue' or 'matter'.
아이들은 부모님의 표정 하나하나에 민감하게 영향을 받아요.
Children are sensitively influenced by every single one of their parents' facial expressions.
하나하나 means 'each and every one'.
그 회사는 고객의 불만에 민감하게 대처하고 있습니다.
The company is responding sensitively to customer complaints.
대처하다 means to handle or deal with a situation.
이 영화는 사회의 민감한 부분을 잘 꼬집어냈어요.
This movie pointed out the sensitive parts of society well.
꼬집어내다 literally means 'to pinch out,' metaphorically 'to point out/critique'.
그녀는 다른 사람들의 기분에 아주 민감한 편이에요.
She tends to be very sensitive to other people's moods.
This implies empathy and high emotional intelligence.
주식 시장은 뉴스 하나에 민감하게 요동칩니다.
The stock market fluctuates sensitively to a single piece of news.
요동치다 means to fluctuate or surge violently.
개인 정보 유출 문제는 현대 사회에서 매우 민감한 이슈입니다.
The issue of personal data leaks is a very sensitive issue in modern society.
이슈 (issue) is frequently used in modern Korean.
외교적으로 민감한 시기이니 언행을 조심해야 합니다.
Since it is a diplomatically sensitive time, we must be careful with our words and actions.
언행 (words and actions) is a formal compound noun.
이 센서는 아주 미세한 온도 변화도 민감하게 감지합니다.
This sensor sensitively detects even very minute temperature changes.
미세한 (minute/fine) is a good B2 level adjective.
그 작가는 시대의 흐름을 민감하게 포착하여 작품에 담습니다.
The writer sensitively captures the flow of the times and puts it into their work.
포착하다 means to capture or seize (a moment/idea).
환경 변화에 민감한 생태계를 보호하기 위한 대책이 시급합니다.
Measures to protect ecosystems sensitive to environmental changes are urgent.
시급하다 means urgent or pressing.
그 질문은 그의 사생활과 관련된 민감한 부분이라 답변하기 곤란합니다.
That question is a sensitive part related to his private life, so it's difficult to answer.
곤란하다 means to be difficult, awkward, or troublesome.
환율 변동에 민감한 수출 기업들이 큰 타격을 입었습니다.
Export companies sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations took a big hit.
타격을 입다 is an idiom meaning 'to take a hit' or 'be damaged'.
청소년기는 자아 정체성이 형성되는 민감한 시기입니다.
Adolescence is a sensitive period when self-identity is formed.
자아 정체성 means 'self-identity'.
철학자는 존재의 본질에 대해 누구보다 민감하게 사유해야 한다.
A philosopher must contemplate the essence of existence more sensitively than anyone else.
사유하다 is a formal word for 'to think' or 'to contemplate'.
이 논문은 젠더 갈등이라는 민감한 층위를 다각도로 분석하고 있다.
This thesis analyzes the sensitive layer of gender conflict from various angles.
층위 means 'layer' or 'stratum' in an analytical context.
예술가는 대중의 요구와 자신의 예술적 신념 사이에서 민감한 균형을 잡아야 합니다.
An artist must maintain a sensitive balance between the public's demands and their own artistic beliefs.
균형을 잡다 means 'to maintain a balance'.
정부는 시장의 민감도를 고려하여 새로운 부동산 정책을 발표했습니다.
The government announced a new real estate policy, considering the market's sensitivity.
민감도 (sensitivity degree) is a technical noun form.
번역가는 원문의 미묘한 뉘앙스 차이에 민감하게 반응할 줄 알아야 합니다.
A translator must know how to react sensitively to the subtle differences in nuance of the original text.
미묘한 (subtle) is a common partner for sensitivity.
그의 발언은 종교적 신념이라는 민감한 영역을 건드려 큰 파장을 일으켰다.
His remarks touched upon the sensitive area of religious beliefs, causing a huge ripple effect.
파장을 일으키다 is an idiom for 'to cause a stir' or 'ripple effect'.
현대인은 타인의 시선에 민감하게 반응하는 '전시적 자아'를 가지고 살아간다.
Modern people live with an 'exhibitionist self' that reacts sensitively to the gaze of others.
전시적 자아 is a sociological term for the 'exhibitionist self'.
역사적 트라우마는 국가 간의 관계에서 여전히 민감한 변수로 작용합니다.
Historical trauma still acts as a sensitive variable in relations between nations.
변수로 작용하다 means 'to act as a variable'.
포스트모더니즘 담론은 언어의 민감한 권력 관계를 해체하는 데 주력한다.
Postmodernist discourse focuses on deconstructing the sensitive power relations of language.
해체하다 (to deconstruct) and 담론 (discourse) are high-level academic terms.
거시 경제 지표는 미시적인 심리 변화에도 민감하게 조응하며 변화한다.
Macroeconomic indicators change in sensitive correspondence to even micro-psychological shifts.
조응하다 means 'to correspond' or 'to react in accordance'.
인간의 뇌는 사회적 배제에 대해 신체적 통증만큼이나 민감하게 반응하도록 진화했다.
The human brain has evolved to react to social exclusion as sensitively as it does to physical pain.
사회적 배제 means 'social exclusion'.
외교적 수사(rhetoric)에서 단어 하나를 선택하는 것은 민감한 균형을 유지하는 고도의 전략이다.
Choosing a single word in diplomatic rhetoric is a high-level strategy to maintain a sensitive balance.
수사 (rhetoric) and 고도의 (high-level/sophisticated).
이 작품은 인간 소외라는 민감한 주제를 극도로 절제된 언어로 형상화했다.
This work embodies the sensitive theme of human alienation in extremely restrained language.
형상화하다 means 'to give shape to' or 'to embody'.
정보의 비대칭성은 시장 참여자들의 민감한 반응을 유도하여 가격 왜곡을 초래한다.
Information asymmetry induces sensitive reactions from market participants, leading to price distortions.
비대칭성 (asymmetry) and 초래하다 (to bring about/cause - usually something bad).
신경 생물학적 관점에서 민감함은 생존을 위한 일종의 적응 기제로 해석될 수 있다.
From a neurobiological perspective, sensitivity can be interpreted as a type of adaptive mechanism for survival.
적응 기제 means 'adaptive mechanism'.
문화적 전유(appropriation) 논란은 정체성 정치의 가장 민감한 접점에 위치해 있다.
The controversy over cultural appropriation is located at the most sensitive interface of identity politics.
접점 means 'contact point' or 'interface'.
Summary
The word '민감하다' is your go-to adjective for describing any system or person that reacts quickly to small changes. Whether you're talking about '민감한 피부' (sensitive skin) or '민감한 경제 상황' (a sensitive economic situation), it conveys a sense of high responsiveness. Example: '그는 유행에 아주 민감하다' (He is very sensitive/attuned to trends).
- 민감하다 (min-gam-ha-da) is a B2-level Korean adjective meaning 'to be sensitive' or 'highly responsive' to external stimuli like skin triggers, market changes, or trends.
- It is primarily used with the particle '-에' to indicate the cause of sensitivity, such as '피부에 민감하다' or '가격에 민감하다'.
- While similar to '예민하다', it is more neutral and objective, whereas '예민하다' often implies being irritable, sharp, or picky in a negative way.
- Common contexts include K-beauty (sensitive skin), finance (market sensitivity), and social issues (sensitive topics) that require careful handling and precise awareness.
مثال
피부가 햇빛에 매우 민감하다.
