근심
근심 في 30 ثانية
- 근심 is a formal Korean noun meaning deep worry, anxiety, or distress, often used for serious life issues rather than minor daily inconveniences.
- It is more literary and emotionally heavy than the common word '걱정' (geokjeong) and frequently appears in news, literature, and formal speech.
- Commonly paired with verbs like '가득하다' (to be full), '덜다' (to relieve), and '끼치다' (to cause/inflict worry on someone).
- Understanding 근심 is key to grasping the nuances of Korean emotional expression, particularly in formal or tragic contexts.
The Korean word 근심 (geunsim) refers to a state of being worried, anxious, or deeply concerned about something. While it is often translated simply as 'worry,' it carries a specific nuance of internal distress or a heavy heart that weighs on one's mind over a period of time. In the landscape of Korean emotions, 근심 is a more formal and literary sibling to the ubiquitous word 걱정 (geokjeong). While you might use 걱정 for everyday trivialities like being late for a bus, 근심 is frequently reserved for more significant life burdens, such as a parent's long-term concern for a child's future or a leader's anxiety over the welfare of their people.
- Emotional Depth
- Unlike fleeting nervousness, this word describes a cloud that hangs over the psyche, often manifesting in one's facial expression or physical demeanor.
그녀의 얼굴에는 근심이 가득했다. (Her face was full of worry.)
In contemporary Korean society, you will encounter this word in news reports discussing national 'anxieties' regarding the economy, in classical literature describing a protagonist's internal struggle, or in formal letters and speeches. It is a word that demands respect because it acknowledges the seriousness of the subject matter. When someone says they have 근심, they are not just 'bothered'; they are genuinely troubled. It is often paired with verbs like 쌓이다 (to pile up) or 덜다 (to lessen/relieve), painting a picture of worry as a physical weight or a tangible object that can be accumulated or removed.
- Social Context
- In family dynamics, elders often use this word to describe their lifelong dedication and the 'worries' they carry for the younger generations.
자식 걱정은 부모의 평생 근심이다. (Worrying about children is a parent's lifelong distress.)
Furthermore, the word is deeply embedded in the Korean concept of 'Han' or collective sorrow. It isn't just an individual feeling; it can be a shared state of a community facing hardship. When a natural disaster strikes or the economy falters, the media might speak of the 'national 근심'. This collective aspect makes it a powerful word for expressing empathy. By acknowledging someone's 근심, you are validating the depth of their struggle rather than dismissing it as a simple problem to be solved quickly.
그는 나라의 앞날을 근심하며 밤을 지새웠다. (He stayed up all night worrying about the country's future.)
- Visual Imagery
- Think of a shadow crossing someone's face; that shadow is '근심'. It is a word that describes the visible effect of internal pain.
그의 미소 뒤에는 깊은 근심이 숨어 있었다. (A deep worry was hidden behind his smile.)
In summary, 근심 is a sophisticated term for anxiety that highlights the gravity and duration of the worry. It is a key vocabulary item for anyone wishing to understand Korean literature, formal communication, and the deeper emotional nuances of the Korean people.
Using 근심 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. Most commonly, you will see it as the subject of a sentence using the particle -이/가 followed by adjectives like 가득하다 (to be full) or 깊다 (to be deep). This emphasizes the intensity of the worry. For example, '근심이 깊어지다' means 'worries are deepening,' suggesting a situation that is getting progressively worse. This structure is very common in news headlines or dramatic narratives.
- Verb Pairing: 덜다
- '근심을 덜다' literally means to subtract or reduce worry. It is used when a problem is partially solved or when someone offers comfort.
친구의 격려가 나의 근심을 덜어 주었다. (My friend's encouragement relieved my worries.)
Another frequent usage is the construction 근심에 싸이다 (to be wrapped in worry) or 근심에 잠기다 (to be submerged in worry). These metaphorical expressions illustrate how overwhelming anxiety can be, suggesting that the person is completely surrounded or drowned by their concerns. Such phrases are highly evocative and are favored in creative writing and high-level discourse to convey a sense of helplessness or profound sadness.
- Verb Pairing: 끼치다
- '근심을 끼치다' is a very important polite expression meaning 'to cause someone worry.' It is often used when apologizing to elders or superiors.
부모님께 근심을 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다. (I am sorry for causing my parents worry.)
In a more positive or proactive sense, you might hear 근심을 해소하다 (to resolve/clear worries). This is used in professional or analytical contexts, such as '정부는 시민들의 근심을 해소하기 위해 대책을 세웠다' (The government established measures to resolve the citizens' worries). Here, 근심 represents a problem that requires a strategic solution. Using the word in this way shows a high level of linguistic competence, as it bridges the gap between emotional state and practical action.
시험 결과가 나오자 모든 근심이 사라졌다. (Once the test results came out, all worries disappeared.)
You should also be aware of the adjective form 근심스럽다 (to be worrisome or to look worried). This is used to describe a person's appearance or a situation that provokes anxiety. For instance, '근심스러운 목소리' (a worried voice) or '근심스러운 눈초리' (a worried look). This allows you to describe the quality of an interaction. If you see someone looking down, you might ask, '왜 그렇게 근심스러운 얼굴을 하고 있어요?' (Why do you have such a worried face?).
- Idiomatic Use: 근심지사
- Though slightly archaic, '근심지사' (worrisome matter) is sometimes used in formal writing to categorize a specific issue.
먹고사는 문제가 가장 큰 근심거리이다. (The problem of making a living is the biggest source of worry.)
Mastering these patterns allows you to move beyond basic Korean and express complex emotional states with precision. Whether you are apologizing for a mistake, describing a character in a story, or discussing societal issues, 근심 provides the necessary weight and formality to your sentences.
While 근심 might not be the first word a teenager uses when they lose their phone, it is a staple of adult life in Korea. You will hear it most frequently in environments where serious matters are discussed. For example, in television dramas (K-Dramas), especially historical ones (Sageuk) or family melodramas, 근심 is a key thematic element. Characters often sit in contemplation, their faces etched with 근심 as they navigate political intrigue or family crises. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the character's internal nobility or the gravity of their situation.
- News and Media
- News anchors often use this word when reporting on economic downturns, security threats, or social issues that affect the public's peace of mind.
취업난으로 인한 청년들의 근심이 커지고 있습니다. (Young people's worries due to the job shortage are growing.)
In religious settings, such as Buddhist temples or Christian churches in Korea, 근심 is a frequent topic of sermons. It is often discussed as a human condition that needs to be overcome through faith, meditation, or wisdom. Phrases like '근심을 내려놓다' (to lay down one's worries) are common in spiritual teachings, encouraging followers to find inner peace. This gives the word a slightly philosophical or existential overtone that '걱정' lacks.
- Literature and Poetry
- Korean poets frequently use '근심' to describe the bittersweet nature of life, often comparing it to the mist or the changing seasons.
가을바람에 낙엽이 지듯 나의 근심도 깊어간다. (As the leaves fall in the autumn wind, my worries also deepen.)
In the workplace, a manager might use 근심 when addressing a serious project failure or a looming deadline. Using this word instead of '걱정' signals to the team that the situation is not to be taken lightly. It sets a professional and serious tone. Similarly, in traditional Korean music (Gugak) or folk songs (Pansori), the lyrics often revolve around the 근심 of separation from a loved one or the hardships of life, reflecting the historical struggles of the people.
부장님은 프로젝트의 지연을 크게 근심하고 계신다. (The manager is greatly worried about the project's delay.)
Finally, you will find this word in many proverbs and set expressions. For example, '근심이 반찬이다' (Worry is the side dish) is a cynical way of saying that some people live with worry so constantly that it's like a daily meal. Understanding where 근심 appears helps you gauge the 'temperature' of a conversation—if this word is being used, it's time to be serious and attentive.
- Everyday Formalities
- When visiting someone in the hospital, it is common to say you were '근심했다' to show the depth of your concern for their health.
갑작스러운 사고 소식에 모두가 큰 근심에 빠졌습니다. (Everyone fell into great distress at the news of the sudden accident.)
By paying attention to these contexts, you can see how 근심 functions as a bridge between personal emotion and social/cultural expression in Korea.
One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Korean is using 근심 in situations that are too casual. Because English uses 'worry' for everything from 'I'm worried I'll be late' to 'I'm worried about the future of humanity,' learners often default to 근심 whenever they want to sound 'correct.' However, saying '지하철이 늦을까 봐 근심이에요' (I am in deep distress because the subway might be late) sounds unnaturally dramatic and strange. In everyday casual situations, always prefer 걱정.
- Mistake 1: Casual Overuse
- Using '근심' for minor, temporary inconveniences. It makes you sound like a character in a 19th-century novel.
❌ 점심 메뉴가 근심이에요. (Incorrect/Strange: The lunch menu is a deep distress.)
Another error involves confusing 근심 with 관심 (gwansim), which means 'interest.' Because they sound somewhat similar to a beginner's ear, students sometimes say they have a '근심' in Korean culture when they mean they have an 'interest' in it. This can lead to hilarious or confusing interactions where a Korean person thinks you are deeply troubled by their culture! Always remember: 관심 is 'interest/attention' (positive or neutral), and 근심 is 'worry/distress' (negative).
- Mistake 2: Particle Confusion
- Mixing up '-이/가' and '-을/를' with '근심'. Remember: '근심이 있다' (Worry exists) but '근심을 하다' (To do/perform worrying).
✅ 나는 미래가 근심이다. (I am worried about the future - literally: The future is a worry.)
A subtle mistake is using 근심 when you actually mean 고민 (gomin). 고민 refers to the process of agonizing over a choice or a decision (e.g., 'Should I buy this or that?'). 근심 is the emotional state of anxiety itself. If you are struggling to choose a major, that is 고민. If you are worried that you won't get a job after graduating, that is 근심. Distinguishing between 'decision-making agony' and 'existential worry' will make your Korean sound much more natural.
❌ 무엇을 먹을지 근심이에요. (Incorrect: I am in deep distress about what to eat.)
Finally, watch out for the collocation 근심을 사다. Some learners think this means 'to buy worries,' which makes no sense. Actually, the correct phrase is '근심을 사서 하다,' an idiom meaning 'to worry unnecessarily' or 'to go out of your way to find things to worry about.' If you forget the '사서 하다' part and just say '근심을 사다,' it won't be understood. Precision with idiomatic structures is key at the intermediate level.
- Mistake 3: Misusing Adjective Forms
- Confusing '근심하다' (verb) with '근심스럽다' (adjective). Use the latter to describe things that *look* or *feel* worrisome.
✅ 근심스러운 표정 (A worried-looking expression.)
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will be able to use 근심 with the appropriate weight and context, showing that you understand not just the word, but the culture behind it.
To truly master 근심, you must understand its relationship with other words in the 'worry' family. The most important comparison is with 걱정 (geokjeong). 걱정 is the general, everyday term. It is used for both small and large things and is the default word in conversation. 근심, as discussed, is more formal, heavier, and often implies a longer-lasting state of distress. If 걱정 is a raindrop, 근심 is a lingering fog.
- 근심 vs. 걱정
- 걱정 is conversational and versatile. 근심 is literary, formal, and emphasizes a deep emotional burden.
그는 가족의 건강을 근심했다. vs 그는 비가 올까 봐 걱정했다.
Another similar word is 염려 (yeomryeo). This is a Sino-Korean word (念慮) that is very common in formal settings, polite requests, and business emails. It is often used when you are worried about someone else's well-being. For example, '염려해 주셔서 감사합니다' (Thank you for your concern/worrying for me). 염려 is slightly more 'polite' than 근심, which focuses more on the raw emotion of distress. If you want to show respect while expressing worry, 염려 is often the best choice.
- 근심 vs. 우려
- 우려 (uryeo) is almost exclusively used in news, politics, and official reports to mean 'apprehension' or 'concern' about a future negative outcome.
환경 오염에 대한 목소리가 우려를 낳고 있다. (Voices about environmental pollution are giving rise to concern.)
Then there is 불안 (buran), which translates to 'anxiety' or 'instability.' While 근심 is usually about a specific cause (like health or money), 불안 can be a more general, jittery feeling of unease. You might feel 불안 before an exam, but you feel 근심 about how you will pay for tuition. 불안 is often more physiological (racing heart, shaking), whereas 근심 is more cognitive and emotional (heavy heart, constant thinking).
미래에 대한 불안감 때문에 잠을 설쳤다. (I couldn't sleep well due to a sense of anxiety about the future.)
Lastly, 시름 (sireum) is a very poetic, native Korean word for deep, long-standing sorrow or worry. You find it mostly in traditional songs, poetry, and old stories. It is even more literary than 근심. When a hero in a legend is pining for their lost home, they are often described as being in 시름. Using this word in modern speech would be very rare, but knowing it helps you appreciate the richness of the Korean emotional vocabulary.
- Comparison Summary
- - 걱정: Everyday worry (General)
- 근심: Deep, heavy distress (Formal/Literary)
- 염려: Polite concern (Social/Formal)
- 우려: Apprehension (News/Official)
- 고민: Decision-making agony (Internal)
- 불안: Jittery anxiety (Psychological/Physical)
By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the exact word that fits your situation, allowing you to express your thoughts with the nuance of a native speaker.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
Because it is a native word, it often feels more 'organic' and emotionally resonant to Koreans than Sino-Korean synonyms like '염려' (yeomryeo). Native words are often used to describe deep, visceral human emotions.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing '근' as 'gun' (like a weapon). It should be 'geun' with flat lips.
- Pronouncing '심' as 'sim' with a sharp 's'. In Korean, 's' before 'i' becomes a 'sh' sound (shi).
- Using a long 'ee' in 'sim'. It should be a short, crisp 'i'.
- Adding a heavy stress on the second syllable.
- Vocalizing the 'n' in 'geun' too heavily like 'geun-uh'.
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to recognize in texts, but requires context to distinguish from '걱정'.
Requires knowledge of specific collocations like '끼치다' or '덜다'.
Learners must be careful not to use it in overly casual situations.
Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with '관심' (interest).
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Noun + -이/가 가득하다
얼굴에 근심이 가득하다.
Noun + -을/를 끼치다
부모님께 근심을 끼치다.
Noun + -에 빠지다
깊은 근심에 빠지다.
Verb stem + -지 마세요 (Prohibitive)
너무 근심하지 마세요.
Noun + - 때문에 (Because of)
근심 때문에 힘들어요.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
근심이 있어요.
I have a worry.
Noun + particle -이 + verb 있다.
근심하지 마세요.
Don't worry.
근심하다 (verb) + -지 마세요 (prohibitive).
엄마는 근심이 많아요.
Mom has many worries.
많다 is an adjective describing the quantity of 근심.
그녀의 얼굴이 근심스러워요.
Her face looks worried.
근심스럽다 is the adjective form.
근심이 다 사라졌어요.
All worries have disappeared.
사라지다 (to disappear) in past tense.
무슨 근심이 있어요?
What worry do you have?
무슨 (what kind of) modifies the noun 근심.
근심 때문에 잠이 안 와요.
I can't sleep because of worry.
때문에 indicates the reason.
작은 근심이 생겼어요.
A small worry has arisen.
생기다 means to appear or arise.
부모님께 근심을 끼쳐 드렸어요.
I caused my parents worry.
끼치다 is often used with 근심 to mean 'to cause/inflict'.
근심을 덜어주는 친구가 있어요.
I have a friend who relieves my worries.
덜다 means to subtract or lessen.
그 소식은 큰 근심이 되었어요.
That news became a big worry.
되다 (to become) indicates a change in state.
근심이 가득한 표정이에요.
It's a face full of worry.
가득하다 (to be full) is a common collocation.
내일 시험이 정말 근심이에요.
Tomorrow's exam is a real worry.
Noun + -이/가 + 근심이다 (to be a worry).
근심을 잊으려고 운동을 해요.
I exercise to forget my worries.
-려고 indicates purpose (to/in order to).
돈 문제는 항상 근심이에요.
Money problems are always a worry.
항상 (always) describes frequency.
근심 없는 사람이 어디 있어요?
Where is a person without worries?
근심 없는 is an adjective phrase modifying 사람.
아이의 건강이 부모의 가장 큰 근심입니다.
A child's health is a parent's biggest worry.
Formal ending -입니다.
그는 근심에 싸여 며칠 동안 말이 없었다.
He was wrapped in worry and didn't speak for days.
싸이다 (to be wrapped/surrounded) is metaphorical.
근심을 해소할 방법을 찾아야 해요.
We need to find a way to resolve the worries.
해소하다 (to resolve/dissolve) is a formal verb.
그의 목소리에는 근심이 서려 있었다.
His voice was tinged with worry.
서리다 (to be tinged/steeped) adds literary flavor.
너무 근심하지 말고 푹 쉬세요.
Don't worry too much and get some good rest.
-고 (and) connects two imperatives.
근심이 깊어질수록 얼굴이 어두워졌다.
As the worries deepened, his face grew darker.
-을수록 (the more... the more...).
선생님은 학생들의 장래를 근심하셨다.
The teacher worried about the students' future.
Honorific -시- used for the teacher.
근심을 털어놓으니 마음이 한결 가볍다.
Since I shared my worries, my heart feels much lighter.
털어놓다 (to pour out/confess).
경제 위기로 인해 국민들의 근심이 가중되고 있다.
Due to the economic crisis, the public's worries are intensifying.
가중되다 (to be weighted/intensified) is a formal term.
근심을 사서 하는 것도 병이다.
Worrying unnecessarily is also an illness.
Idiomatic expression '근심을 사서 하다'.
그는 모든 근심을 뒤로하고 여행을 떠났다.
He left all his worries behind and went on a trip.
뒤로하고 (leaving behind/putting aside).
가족들의 근심 어린 시선이 느껴졌다.
I felt the worry-filled gazes of my family.
근심 어린 (filled with worry) modifies 시선.
근심이 꼬리에 꼬리를 물고 이어졌다.
One worry followed another in an endless chain.
Idiom '꼬리에 꼬리를 물다' (one after another).
그의 표정에서 근심의 빛을 읽을 수 있었다.
I could read the light of worry in his expression.
근심의 빛 (the look/light of worry).
정부는 시민들의 근심을 불식시키기 위해 노력했다.
The government worked to dispel the citizens' worries.
불식시키다 (to dispel/wipe away) is very formal.
근심은 영혼을 갉아먹는 벌레와 같다.
Worry is like a worm that eats away at the soul.
Simile using -와 같다.
노인은 나라의 장래를 근심하며 긴 한숨을 내쉬었다.
The old man, worrying about the country's future, let out a long sigh.
내쉬다 (to breathe out/sigh).
근심지사는 인생의 피할 수 없는 동반자이다.
Worrisome matters are an unavoidable companion of life.
근심지사 (worrisome matter) is a literary term.
그의 시에는 삶의 근심과 애환이 고스란히 담겨 있다.
His poems contain the worries and joys/sorrows of life exactly as they are.
고스란히 (entirely/just as it is).
근심이 뼈를 말린다는 옛말이 틀린 게 없다.
The old saying that worry dries the bones is not wrong.
Metaphorical expression for health decline due to stress.
그는 근심의 늪에서 헤어 나오지 못하고 있었다.
He was unable to escape from the swamp of worry.
늪 (swamp/quagmire) as a metaphor for a difficult state.
근심을 다스리는 지혜가 필요한 시점이다.
It is a time when the wisdom to manage worry is needed.
다스리다 (to govern/manage/control).
그녀는 근심을 감추기 위해 억지로 미소를 지었다.
She forced a smile to hide her worries.
억지로 (by force/unwillingly).
근심의 구름이 걷히고 희망의 빛이 보이기 시작했다.
The clouds of worry cleared, and the light of hope began to show.
걷히다 (to be cleared/lifted).
근심의 본질은 아직 오지 않은 미래에 대한 집착이다.
The essence of worry is an obsession with a future that has not yet arrived.
Philosophical definition using '본질' (essence).
현대인의 근심은 존재론적 불안과 맞닿아 있다.
The worries of modern people are in contact with existential anxiety.
맞닿아 있다 (to be in contact/linked).
작가는 근심이라는 감정을 통해 인간의 유한성을 탐구한다.
The author explores human finitude through the emotion of worry.
유한성 (finitude/limitation).
근심은 때로 창조적 영감의 원천이 되기도 한다.
Worry sometimes becomes a source of creative inspiration.
원천 (source/origin).
그의 얼굴에 드리워진 근심의 그림자는 쉽게 지워지지 않았다.
The shadow of worry cast on his face was not easily erased.
드리워지다 (to be cast/draped).
근심을 승화시켜 예술로 바꾸는 과정은 고통스럽다.
The process of sublimating worry into art is painful.
승화시키다 (to sublimate).
사회적 근심이 임계점에 도달했을 때 변혁이 일어난다.
When social worry reaches a critical point, transformation occurs.
임계점 (critical point/threshold).
무릇 지도자란 백성의 근심을 자신의 것으로 삼아야 한다.
A leader should take the people's worries as their own.
무릇 (generally/as a rule) - archaic/formal opening.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— A compound phrase meaning 'all sorts of worries.' It doubles the emphasis.
근심 걱정 없이 살고 싶다.
— To have no worries; to be carefree.
그는 근심 없는 아이처럼 웃었다.
— To cause oneself unnecessary worry (shortened from 근심을 사서 하다).
왜 그렇게 근심을 사서 하니?
— Worries are as big as a mountain (extremely large).
결혼 준비를 하려니 근심이 태산이다.
— To share one's worries with someone else.
우리는 서로의 근심을 나누며 위로했다.
— Worries never end; constant worrying.
집안에 근심이 끊이지 않는다.
— To live in a state of constant worry.
전쟁 중에는 모두가 근심 속에 살았다.
— To forget one's worries.
술을 마시며 잠시 근심을 잊었다.
— Worry is written all over one's face.
무슨 일이 있니? 근심이 얼굴에 쓰여 있어.
— To incite or increase someone's worry.
가짜 뉴스가 사람들의 근심을 부추겼다.
يُخلط عادةً مع
Means 'interest'. Often confused by beginners due to the 'Sim' ending. Interest is positive/neutral; 근심 is negative.
Means 'agonizing over a choice'. 근심 is the feeling of anxiety; 고민 is the process of deciding.
Means 'relief'. It sounds similar but is actually the antonym (opposite meaning).
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To worry about things that haven't happened or aren't worth worrying about.
아직 일어나지도 않은 일을 왜 근심을 사서 하니?
Informal/Neutral— Living with so much worry that it's like a daily side dish.
가난한 그들에게는 근심이 반찬이었다.
Literary/Cynical— Extreme worry ruins one's health (literally 'dries the bones').
자식 잃은 근심이 뼈를 말리는구나.
Archaic/Dramatic— Not a single day goes by without worry.
그 집은 사고 때문에 근심이 떠날 날이 없다.
Neutral— Worries coming like a gathering storm or clouds.
밤이 되자 근심이 구름처럼 몰려왔다.
Literary— To forget worries completely as if they were washed away.
합격 소식에 근심을 씻은 듯이 잊었다.
Neutral— To feel worry before any other emotion (like joy).
복권에 당첨됐지만 세금 생각에 근심이 앞섰다.
Neutral— To get rid of the source of worry completely.
이번 기회에 근심의 뿌리를 뽑아야 한다.
Neutral— To be filled with worry to the very top of one's head.
빚 때문에 근심이 머리 끝까지 찼다.
Informal— To live while embracing/carrying a worry.
그는 평생 비밀이라는 근심을 안고 살았다.
Literaryسهل الخلط
Both mean worry.
걱정 is for everything; 근심 is for deep, serious, or formal distress. 걱정 is a verb/noun; 근심 is primarily a noun.
비가 올까 봐 걱정돼요. (Natural) / 비가 올까 봐 근심이에요. (Too dramatic)
Both are formal types of worry.
염려 is often used politely towards others (Sino-Korean); 근심 is a native word focusing on the internal feeling of distress.
염려해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Both mean concern.
우려 is used for public or future risks in news/reports; 근심 is more personal and emotional.
전쟁에 대한 우려가 커지고 있다.
Both involve anxiety.
불안 is a jittery, nervous feeling (often without a clear reason); 근심 is a heavy, cognitive worry about a specific problem.
이유 없는 불안감에 시달리다.
Both involve thinking about problems.
고민 is the mental work of trying to solve a problem or make a choice; 근심 is the emotional pain of the problem itself.
진로 고민이 많아요.
أنماط الجُمل
[Noun]이/가 근심이에요.
시험이 근심이에요.
근심이 [Adjective]-아/어 보여요.
근심이 많아 보여요.
[Person]에게 근심을 끼치다.
할머니께 근심을 끼쳤어요.
근심을 덜어주다.
제 근심을 좀 덜어주세요.
근심에 싸여 있다.
그는 근심에 싸여 지냈다.
근심을 사서 하다.
왜 근심을 사서 하니?
근심이 깊어지다.
나라의 근심이 깊어지고 있다.
근심의 뿌리를 뽑다.
근심의 뿌리를 뽑아야 한다.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Common in adult life, formal writing, and media; less common in teenage slang.
-
Using '근심' for minor worries like 'I'm worried I forgot my umbrella.'
→
우산을 잊어버렸을까 봐 걱정이에요.
'근심' is too heavy for an umbrella. Use '걱정'.
-
Confusing '근심' (worry) with '관심' (interest).
→
한국 문화에 관심이 많아요.
Saying '한국 문화에 근심이 많아요' means you are worried about Korean culture!
-
Using the wrong particle with '끼치다'.
→
부모님께 근심을 끼쳐 드렸어요.
You cause worry *to* someone (께/에게) and the worry is the object (을).
-
Using '근심' when you mean '고민' (making a choice).
→
무엇을 살지 고민이에요.
'근심' is the emotional state; '고민' is the struggle of choosing.
-
Saying '근심을 사다' without '해서'.
→
근심을 사서 해요.
The idiom for unnecessary worry is '근심을 사서 하다'.
نصائح
Choose '걱정' for daily life
Always default to '걱정' in conversation. Use '근심' only when you want to emphasize the depth or seriousness of the worry, or in writing.
The weight of the heart
In Korean culture, '근심' is often seen as a weight on the heart. Use verbs like '덜다' (lessen) or '내려놓다' (put down) to match this metaphor.
Learn the adjective
'근심스럽다' is very useful for describing people's facial expressions. It's a great way to show you're an intermediate learner.
Apologizing with '근심'
If you've made a mistake that affected your family, saying '근심을 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다' shows that you understand the emotional impact on them.
Noun vs Verb
Remember that '근심' is a noun. To make it a verb, add '하다'. But the noun form is actually more common in many descriptive sentences.
News keywords
When you hear '근심' on the news, pay attention to the words around it. It's usually talking about '국민' (citizens) or '경제' (economy).
Poetic flair
If you are writing a story or a poem in Korean, '근심' is a beautiful word to use to describe a character's internal struggle.
Sim = Heart
Many Korean words ending in '심' (心) relate to the heart or mind. This can help you remember that '근심' is a feeling of the heart.
Tone matters
Speak the word '근심' slightly slower than other words to convey its emotional weight.
Contextual clues
If someone looks sad and you say '근심이 있어 보여요', it's a very empathetic way to acknowledge their feelings.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of the 'Geun' (근) as 'Ground' and 'Sim' (심) as 'Sinking'. Your heart (Sim) is sinking into the ground (Geun) because of deep worry.
ربط بصري
Imagine a person sitting with a giant, heavy grey rock on their shoulders. The rock has the word '근심' carved into it.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Write three things that are currently a '근심' for you in your journal, then write one way you can '덜다' (relieve) each one.
أصل الكلمة
근심 is a native Korean word (pure Korean). Unlike many formal terms in Korean that originate from Chinese characters (Hanja), '근심' has its roots in ancient native Korean speech. It has been used for centuries to describe the heavy emotional state of the heart.
المعنى الأصلي: The word historically referred to a 'burning' or 'heavy' feeling in the mind or chest due to unresolved problems.
Koreanic (Native Korean)السياق الثقافي
Be careful when asking someone '무슨 근심이 있어요?' It can sound very intrusive because it implies you've noticed they look deeply troubled. Use '무슨 걱정 있어요?' for a lighter touch.
English speakers might over-translate 'worry' as '근심'. In English, 'worry' is very casual. In Korea, using '근심' is like using 'distress' or 'anguish'.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Family
- 부모님의 근심
- 자식 걱정
- 근심을 끼치다
- 가정의 근심
Health
- 건강에 대한 근심
- 근심이 뼈를 말린다
- 근심 때문에 잠을 못 자다
- 근심을 덜다
Finance/Economy
- 돈 문제로 인한 근심
- 국가적 근심
- 경제적 근심
- 근심이 깊어지다
Literature/Drama
- 근심에 찬 얼굴
- 깊은 근심에 빠지다
- 근심을 안고 떠나다
- 근심의 그림자
Formal Apology
- 근심을 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다
- 염려와 근심
- 심려를 끼치다
- 근심을 덜어드리다
بدايات محادثة
"요즘 얼굴에 근심이 가득해 보이는데, 무슨 일 있어요? (You look full of worry lately, is something wrong?)"
"부모님의 근심을 덜어드리는 가장 좋은 방법이 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the best way to relieve parents' worries?)"
"근심이 있을 때 보통 어떻게 해결하시나요? (How do you usually resolve your worries when you have them?)"
"한국 사람들은 왜 '근심을 사서 한다'는 말을 자주 할까요? (Why do Koreans often say 'worrying unnecessarily'?)"
"최근에 가장 큰 근심거리는 무엇인가요? (What is your biggest source of worry recently?)"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
오늘 나를 가장 근심하게 만든 일은 무엇이었으며, 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (What made me most worried today, and why?)
내가 다른 사람(가족이나 친구)에게 근심을 끼쳤던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a time you caused worry to someone else.)
근심을 덜기 위해 내가 할 수 있는 작은 행동 세 가지를 적어 보세요. (List three small actions you can take to relieve your worries.)
'근심 없는 삶'이 정말 행복한 삶일까요? 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요. (Is a 'life without worries' truly a happy life? Organize your thoughts.)
10년 후의 내가 지금의 내 근심을 본다면 어떤 말을 해줄까요? (If 'me from 10 years later' saw my current worries, what would they say?)
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt's better to use '걱정'. '근심' makes it sound like the homework is a life-altering tragedy. Save '근심' for bigger things like your career or health.
Yes, but '걱정하다' is much more common. '근심하다' is usually found in books or formal speeches. In daily life, we mostly use the noun form '근심이 있다'.
'심려' (心慮) is even more formal than '근심'. It is almost exclusively used in very formal apologies, like '심려를 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다' (I am sorry for causing you anxiety/trouble).
No, '근심' is a native Korean word. This is why it feels more 'pure' and emotionally direct than some Sino-Korean alternatives.
No, it is inherently negative. However, having '근심' for someone else can be seen as a sign of caring or responsibility.
You can say '염려하지 마세요' or '걱정하지 마세요'. '근심하지 마세요' is also possible but sounds a bit like a line from a movie or a sermon.
The suffix '-거리' means 'material' or 'source'. So '근심거리' is a specific thing or topic that causes you worry.
Yes, it is a standard Korean word used in both the North and South, though political contexts in the North might use it differently.
No, that would be '설레다' (excited/nervous) or '긴장되다' (tense). '근심' implies a negative burden, which isn't usually how we feel about dates!
Probably '근심이 가득하다' (to be full of worry) or '근심을 끼치다' (to cause worry).
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
Translate to Korean: 'I have many worries.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'Don't worry too much.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I'm sorry for causing you worry.' (Formal)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'His face was full of worry.'
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Translate to Korean: 'I want to relieve my parents' worries.'
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Translate to Korean: 'All my worries disappeared.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Money is a big source of worry.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'She has a worried-looking expression.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Worrying unnecessarily is also a disease.'
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Translate to Korean: 'I stay up all night with worry.'
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Translate to Korean: 'The national worry is increasing.'
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Translate to Korean: 'You look like you have no worries.'
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Translate to Korean: 'He fell into deep worry.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Worrying about children is a parent's duty.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Let's share our worries.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Worry dries the bones.'
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Translate to Korean: 'I shared my worries with my friend.'
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Translate to Korean: 'A life without worry is impossible.'
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Translate to Korean: 'His voice was filled with worry.'
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Translate to Korean: 'We must resolve this worry.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain a time you had a '근심' using at least two sentences.
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Ask a friend if they have any worries using '근심'.
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Tell someone 'Don't worry, everything will be fine' using '근심'.
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Apologize to your teacher for causing worry.
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Discuss a national issue that is a '근심' for many people.
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Describe a character in a movie who looked '근심스럽다'.
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Give advice to someone who '근심을 사서 해요'.
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Talk about what you do to '근심을 덜다'.
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Explain the difference between '걱정' and '근심' in your own words.
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Use the idiom '근심이 태산이다' in a sentence about your life.
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Describe how a person with '근심이 가득한 표정' looks.
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Say 'I want to live without any worries' in Korean.
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Discuss how '근심' affects physical health.
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Read the phrase '근심을 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다' with proper intonation.
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What is a '근심거리' for students these days?
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Use '근심' in a formal speech introduction.
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Tell a short story where someone's '근심' disappears.
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How do you say 'My worries are deepening'?
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Express concern for a friend's future using '근심'.
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Describe the feeling of '근심' using metaphors.
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Listen to the sentence: '부모님 근심을 덜어드리고 싶어요.' What does the speaker want to do?
Listen to the sentence: '근심이 가득한 얼굴이네요.' What is the person's face like?
Listen to the sentence: '너무 근심하지 마세요.' Is the speaker encouraging or discouraging worry?
Listen to the sentence: '근심을 사서 하는 성격이에요.' What kind of personality is described?
Listen to the sentence: '근심거리가 생겼어요.' Did something good or bad happen?
Listen to the sentence: '모든 근심이 씻은 듯이 사라졌어요.' How much worry is left?
Listen to the sentence: '경제에 대한 근심이 깊어집니다.' What is the topic of worry?
Listen to the sentence: '근심스러운 목소리로 말했어요.' How did the speaker sound?
Listen to the sentence: '심려를 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다.' What is the speaker doing?
Listen to the sentence: '근심 없는 세상에서 살고 싶어.' Where does the speaker want to live?
Listen to the sentence: '근심이 뼈를 말린다는 말이 있죠.' What is the effect of worry mentioned?
Listen to the sentence: '친구와 근심을 나누었어요.' Did the speaker talk to anyone?
Listen to the sentence: '근심에 잠겨 아무 말도 안 해요.' Why is the person silent?
Listen to the sentence: '작은 근심도 소홀히 하지 마세요.' Should you ignore small worries?
Listen to the sentence: '근심의 원인을 찾아야 해요.' What needs to be found?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
근심 is your 'go-to' word for expressing serious, deep-seated worry in a formal or literary way. While you use '걱정' for everyday things, '근심' signals that the matter is grave. Example: '부모님의 근심을 덜어드리고 싶어요' (I want to relieve my parents' deep worries).
- 근심 is a formal Korean noun meaning deep worry, anxiety, or distress, often used for serious life issues rather than minor daily inconveniences.
- It is more literary and emotionally heavy than the common word '걱정' (geokjeong) and frequently appears in news, literature, and formal speech.
- Commonly paired with verbs like '가득하다' (to be full), '덜다' (to relieve), and '끼치다' (to cause/inflict worry on someone).
- Understanding 근심 is key to grasping the nuances of Korean emotional expression, particularly in formal or tragic contexts.
Choose '걱정' for daily life
Always default to '걱정' in conversation. Use '근심' only when you want to emphasize the depth or seriousness of the worry, or in writing.
The weight of the heart
In Korean culture, '근심' is often seen as a weight on the heart. Use verbs like '덜다' (lessen) or '내려놓다' (put down) to match this metaphor.
Learn the adjective
'근심스럽다' is very useful for describing people's facial expressions. It's a great way to show you're an intermediate learner.
Apologizing with '근심'
If you've made a mistake that affected your family, saying '근심을 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다' shows that you understand the emotional impact on them.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات emotions
받아들이다
A2يقبل، يتقبل، يستوعب.
아파하다
A2الشعور بالألم أو الحزن (غالباً ما يلاحظ في الآخرين).
감탄스럽다
A2إن صبره في مواجهة الصعاب أمر مثير للإعجاب حقاً.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2يعجب أو ينبهر؛ التعبير عن الدهشة أو الإعجاب بشيء جميل أو مذهل.
기특하다
B1جدير بالثناء لفعل جيد أو تفكير ناضج.
충고
B1إرشادات أو توصيات تقدم فيما يتعلق بعمل مستقبلي حكيم؛ نصيحة صادقة.
애정
B1مودة؛ شعور لطيف بالمودة أو الإعجاب.
애틋하다
B2حبهم العطوف والمشوب بالحنين أثر في الجميع.
살갑다
B22