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A2 noun 9 Min. Lesezeit

우울

uul

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Erklärung 우울 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '우울' means a very sad or 'blue' feeling. It is a noun. You might not use it much yourself yet, but you will see it in basic lessons about feelings. Usually, beginners learn '슬퍼요' (I'm sad) first. '우울' is like a stronger, more serious version of being sad. You can think of it as the feeling you have when it is raining and you cannot go outside to play. In simple Korean, you can say '우울이 있어요' (I have gloom) or use the adjective form '우울해요' (I am gloomy). It is important to know this word because Koreans talk about their feelings quite often, and '우울' is a common way to describe a low mood. Even at this stage, recognizing the word in a song or a simple story will help you understand the atmosphere. Just remember: '우울' is the thing (noun), and '우울해요' is the action/state (adjective). Keep it simple and use it when you feel really down, not just a little bit sad.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '우울' in more sentences, especially when talking about the weather or your daily routine. You might say '날씨가 흐리면 우울을 느껴요' (When the weather is cloudy, I feel gloom). At this level, you are learning how to connect feelings with causes. You can also start recognizing compound words like '우울증' (depression illness) in health-related contexts. You should be able to distinguish between '슬픔' (sadness) and '우울' (gloom). '슬픔' is usually for a short time, like after a movie. '우울' is for a longer feeling, like a bad week. You can use '우울' with verbs like '느끼다' (to feel) or '생기다' (to arise). For example, '스트레스 때문에 우울이 생겼어요' (Gloom arose because of stress). This level is about building your vocabulary to describe not just what you do, but how you feel about your life and environment in a slightly more nuanced way than a complete beginner.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss '우울' in the context of mental health and social issues. You can explain why someone might feel this way, using more complex grammar. For instance, you could say '취업 준비를 하다가 우울에 빠지는 학생들이 많습니다' (There are many students who fall into gloom while preparing for employment). You should also be comfortable using the noun '우울' as a subject or object in a sentence. You might discuss how to overcome gloom, using words like '극복하다' (to overcome) or '해소하다' (to relieve). At this stage, you are expected to understand the nuance of '우울' in media, such as K-Dramas or news reports about 'Corona Blue.' You can also use more descriptive adjectives with it, like '깊은 우울' (deep gloom) or '갑작스러운 우울' (sudden gloom). Your ability to use '우울' correctly shows that you can handle abstract concepts and emotional topics, which is a key requirement for intermediate learners moving toward fluency.

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At the B2 level, '우울' becomes a tool for analyzing literature, psychology, and societal trends. You should understand the Hanja roots (憂鬱) and how they relate to the concept of internal stagnation. You can participate in discussions about the 'culture of depression' in modern Korea and how it differs from Western perspectives. You should be able to use '우울' in formal writing, such as essays or reports. For example, '현대 사회의 경쟁 압박이 개인의 우울을 심화시키고 있다' (The competitive pressure of modern society is deepening individual gloom). You will also encounter '우울' in more poetic contexts, where it might represent a philosophical state of being. You should be able to distinguish between '우울감' (the feeling), '우울증' (the disorder), and '우울' (the general concept) with high accuracy. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are understanding its place in the broader cultural and psychological landscape of Korea.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of '우울' and its many nuances. You can appreciate how authors use this word to create specific atmospheres or 'mood' (분위기) in high literature. You understand the subtle differences between '우울', '비애' (pathos), '수심' (anxiety), and '염세' (pessimism). You can discuss the historical evolution of the word and its association with 'Han' (한) or 'Hwa-byeong' (화병). In a professional or academic setting, you can use '우울' to discuss clinical data or psychological theories fluently. You might analyze a character's '우울' in a film through a psychoanalytic lens. Your use of collocations is natural and varied, and you can use the word metaphorically, such as '사회의 우울' (the gloom of society). You are also aware of the social stigma surrounding the word and how to navigate sensitive conversations about mental health in a culturally appropriate manner, using euphemisms or more direct terms as the situation requires.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of '우울' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about whether '우울' is an inherent part of the human condition or a byproduct of specific socio-economic structures. You can interpret the most complex literary uses of the word, where it might be used ironically, subversively, or as a central motif in a masterpiece. You are familiar with technical medical terminology surrounding '우울' and can read academic papers on the subject with ease. You can also use the word in creative writing to evoke specific, complex emotions that go beyond simple gloom. Your mastery includes an understanding of how '우울' interacts with other complex Korean concepts like 'Jeong' (정) or 'Nunchi' (눈치). Essentially, the word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' for you but a fundamental concept through which you can view and describe the complexities of life, culture, and the human psyche in Korean.

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우울 in 30 Sekunden

우울 is a noun meaning 'gloom' or 'depression,' used to describe a heavy, low emotional state often linked to stagnation.
It differs from simple 'sadness' by being more persistent and often lacking a specific, immediate external cause.
Commonly used in phrases like '우울을 느끼다' (feel gloom) or '우울에 빠지다' (fall into gloom).
It serves as the root for words like '우울증' (clinical depression) and '우울감' (the sense/feeling of gloom).

The Korean word 우울 (u-ul) is a powerful and evocative noun that translates to 'depression,' 'gloom,' or 'melancholy.' Derived from the Hanja characters 憂 (근심 우 - anxiety/worry) and 鬱 (답답할 울 - stagnation/congestion), it literally describes a state where worries are congested or blocked within the heart, leading to a heavy, stagnant emotional state. While in English, 'depression' can range from a passing mood to a clinical diagnosis, Korean often distinguishes between the temporary feeling of gloom (우울감) and the clinical condition (우울증), though the root noun 우울 serves as the foundation for both. Understanding this word is essential because Korean culture has historically been somewhat reserved about mental health, but in the modern era, the discourse surrounding 우울 has become much more open, frequently appearing in music, literature, and daily conversations about stress and the pressures of fast-paced urban life.

Emotional Depth: It represents a deep, internal heaviness. It is not just sadness (슬픔), which is often a reaction to a specific external event, but a more pervasive sense of low energy and lack of motivation.
Metaphorical Stagnation: The character '울' (鬱) also appears in terms like '울화병' (suppressed anger illness), suggesting that 우울 is a state where emotions cannot flow freely and instead 'rot' or 'fester' inside.

장마철이 되면 많은 사람들이 우울을 느낍니다.
— Translation: During the rainy season, many people feel gloom.

In daily life, you will encounter this word when people describe the 'Monday Blues' (월요병 often involves 우울) or when discussing the impact of the weather. It is a word that carries significant weight, so it is rarely used lightly like 'I'm bummed.' Instead, it signals a genuine dip in one's psychological well-being. When someone says they are in a state of 우울, they are communicating a need for space, rest, or perhaps a listening ear.

Furthermore, the word is central to the 'healing' trend in Korea. Because the society is highly competitive, the acknowledgment of 우울 is the first step toward seeking 'healing' (힐링). You will see it in book titles like 'I Want to Die but I Also Want to Eat Tteokbokki,' which explores the protagonist's persistent 우울. This shows that the word is not just a medical term, but a relatable human experience that defines much of contemporary Korean emotional vocabulary.

Using 우울 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. While the adjective form 우울하다 (to be gloomy/depressed) is more common in casual speech to describe one's current state, the noun 우울 is used to discuss the concept itself, the feeling as an object, or in more formal and descriptive contexts. It often pairs with verbs like 느끼다 (to feel), 해소하다 (to relieve), or 빠지다 (to fall into). When you use the noun, you are often taking a step back to analyze or categorize the emotion rather than just experiencing it.

With '느끼다' (To Feel): This is the most standard way to express experiencing gloom. Example: "나는 가을이 되면 이유 없는 우울을 느낀다" (I feel an unexplained gloom when autumn comes).
With '빠지다' (To Fall Into): This implies a deeper, more consuming state. Example: "그는 깊은 우울에 빠져서 집 밖으로 나오지 않았다" (He fell into a deep depression and didn't leave his house).

음악은 우울을 치료하는 좋은 방법입니다.
— Translation: Music is a good way to treat gloom.

Grammatically, 우울 can be modified by adjectives to specify the type of gloom. You might hear 가벼운 우울 (light gloom) versus 심각한 우울 (serious depression). In academic or psychological writing, it is almost always the noun form that is used to discuss statistics, causes, and treatments. For instance, '우울의 원인' (the cause of depression) is a standard phrase in health articles. It is also frequently combined with other nouns to create compound words, such as 우울증 (depression as a medical condition) or 우울감 (the sense of depression).

In literary contexts, authors use 우울 to set a tone. A story might start with '도시 전체에 우울이 깔려 있었다' (Gloom was spread over the entire city). This personification or environmental description is a hallmark of sophisticated Korean writing. By mastering the noun form, you move beyond simple 'I feel' statements into the ability to discuss complex emotional landscapes and societal trends.

The word 우울 is omnipresent in modern Korean media, reflecting the country's high-stress environment and the growing focus on mental health. You will hear it most frequently in K-Dramas, where characters often struggle with hidden 우울 due to family pressure or career setbacks. It is a key plot point in many 'healing' dramas like 'My Mister' or 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay,' where the exploration of internal gloom is central to character development. In these contexts, the word is spoken with a heavy, slow cadence to emphasize its emotional weight.

In Music Lyrics: K-Pop and K-Indie are full of references to 우울. IU's song 'Gloomy Clock' (우울시계) is a perfect example, where she describes the repetitive, mundane nature of a gloomy day. Lyrics often use the word to create a sense of intimacy and shared vulnerability with the listener.
News and Talk Shows: On variety shows or documentaries, health experts often discuss 'winter gloom' (겨울철 우울) or the impact of social media on teenage 우울. Here, the word is used clinically to educate the public.

요즘 현대인들은 누구나 마음속에 조금씩 우울을 안고 살아갑니다.
— Translation: These days, every modern person lives with a little bit of gloom in their heart.

You will also hear this word in the workplace, though often in a slightly more coded way. A colleague might say, '오늘 날씨가 이래서 그런지 좀 우울하네요' (Maybe because the weather is like this, I'm a bit gloomy). This is a socially acceptable way to express low energy without going into deep personal details. In bookstores, the 'Self-Help' section is dominated by titles containing 우울, as people seek ways to 'escape' (탈출) or 'overcome' (극복) this state. It is a word that bridges the gap between private suffering and public conversation.

Finally, in more traditional settings, older generations might use the word to describe the 'empty nest syndrome' or the feeling of life's transience. While the younger generation uses it to talk about burnout, the older generation uses it to talk about reflection and the passage of time. Regardless of the age group, 우울 is the primary vessel for expressing a lack of emotional vitality in the Korean language.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning 우울 is confusing the noun with the adjective. In English, 'depressed' and 'depression' are related but distinct; however, in Korean, the transition between the noun 우울 and the adjective 우울하다 involves a specific grammatical shift that learners often trip over. Another common error is using 우울 when they actually mean simple sadness (슬픔). 우울 is a more chronic, heavy state, whereas 슬픔 is usually a sharp, immediate reaction to a loss.

Noun vs. Adjective Confusion: Incorrect: "저는 오늘 우울이에요" (I am gloom).
Correct: "저는 오늘 우울해요" (I am gloomy) OR "저는 오늘 우울을 느껴요" (I feel gloom).
Confusing '우울' with '우울증': Learners often say "우울이 있어요" to mean they have the medical condition. While understandable, it is more accurate to say "우울증이 있어요" for the clinical diagnosis.

Wrong: 우울한 때문에 학교에 안 갔어요.
Right: 우울 때문에 학교에 안 갔어요.
— Explanation: Use the noun form before '때문에' (because of).

Another nuance is the intensity. Some learners use 우울 to describe a movie that was just 'a bit sad.' For a movie, it's better to use 슬프다 (sad). If you use 우울, you are saying the movie was deeply depressing or gloomy in a way that affected your mental state. Be careful not to overuse it in light situations, as it can make you sound overly dramatic or genuinely unwell to native speakers.

Lastly, pay attention to the pronunciation. The double 'u' sound (우우) followed by 'l' (ㄹ) can sometimes be mumbled, making it sound like '울' (crying). Ensure you articulate both syllables clearly: U-ul. Mispronouncing it as 울 might lead people to think you are talking about crying (울음) instead of the psychological state of gloom.

While 우울 is the primary word for gloom, Korean has a rich palette of words to describe various shades of low mood. Choosing the right one depends on the intensity, the cause, and the duration of the feeling. Understanding these alternatives will help you express yourself with more precision and emotional intelligence.

슬픔 (Seul-peum) vs. 우울: 슬픔 is 'sadness'—often a direct response to a specific event like a breakup or a sad movie. 우울 is 'gloom'—a more persistent, heavy state that might not have a clear, immediate cause.
낙담 (Nak-dam) vs. 우울: 낙담 means 'discouragement' or 'despair' after a failure. While 우울 is a mood, 낙담 is specifically about losing heart or hope in a situation.
무기력 (Mu-gi-ryeok): This means 'lethargy' or 'helplessness.' It often accompanies 우울, but specifically refers to the lack of physical or mental energy to do anything.

단순한 슬픔을 넘어 깊은 우울로 변했습니다.
— Translation: It went beyond simple sadness and turned into deep gloom.

In more poetic or literary settings, you might encounter 비애 (sorrow/pathos) or 수심 (worry/anxiety). These words carry a more 'classical' feel and are often used in traditional poetry or high-level literature to describe the human condition. For daily conversation, 답답함 (feeling stifled/frustrated) is often used when the gloom is caused by a situation one cannot escape. If you feel 'stuck' and that makes you gloomy, you might say you feel 답답하다.

Finally, the word 울적하다 is a great adjective alternative. It describes a temporary feeling of being 'a bit down' or 'melancholy.' It is less heavy than 우울 and is often used when the mood is fleeting, like on a rainy afternoon. Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate the complex emotional landscape of the Korean language with sensitivity and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character '울' (鬱) is one of the most complex Hanja characters, consisting of 29 strokes, which some say visually represents the 'messy and complex' feeling of being depressed.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /u.ul/

US /u.ul/

Equal stress on both syllables, as is typical in Korean.

Reimt sich auf

겨울 (Gyeo-ul - Winter) 거울 (Geo-ul - Mirror) 노을 (No-eul - Sunset) 가을 (Ga-eul - Autumn) 마을 (Ma-eul - Village) 비울 (Bi-ul - Ratio) 조율 (Jo-yul - Tuning) 효율 (Hyo-yul - Efficiency)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as a single syllable 'ul' (울).
Making the first 'u' sound too short.
Confusing the 'l' (ㄹ) sound with a hard 'r'.
Mumbling the second syllable.
Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'cut'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize in text.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires understanding of noun-verb collocations to use naturally.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation of 'u-ul' must be clear to avoid confusion.

Hören 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to catch in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

슬프다 마음 기분 느끼다 때문에

Als Nächstes lernen

우울증 무기력 극복하다 상담 정신

Fortgeschritten

비애 염세적 정서적 심리 내면

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + 때문에 (Because of...)

우울 때문에 아무것도 하기 싫어요.

Noun + 을/를 느끼다 (To feel...)

그녀는 깊은 우울을 느꼈다.

Adjective form -아/어하다 (To act/feel...)

친구가 우울해해서 걱정돼요.

Noun + 에 빠지다 (To fall into...)

그는 우울에 빠져 지냈다.

Noun + 에 대한 (About...)

우울에 대한 책을 읽고 있어요.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

오늘 기분이 조금 우울해요.

I feel a little gloomy today.

우울해요 is the adjective form of 우울.

우울은 슬픈 느낌이에요.

Gloom is a sad feeling.

우울 is used here as a noun subject.

비가 오면 우울이 와요.

When it rains, gloom comes.

우울 is the subject of the verb '오다'.

친구는 우울을 싫어해요.

My friend hates gloom.

우울 is the object with the particle '을'.

너무 우울해하지 마세요.

Don't be too gloomy.

우울해하다 is the verb form 'to act/feel gloomy'.

우울한 노래를 들어요.

I listen to gloomy songs.

우울한 is the adjective form modifying '노래'.

제 마음속에 우울이 있어요.

There is gloom in my heart.

우울 is used as a noun indicating existence.

우울은 안 좋아요.

Gloom is not good.

Simple noun description.

겨울에는 우울을 느끼는 사람이 많아요.

In winter, many people feel gloom.

우울을 느끼다 is a common collocation.

우울 때문에 잠을 못 잤어요.

I couldn't sleep because of the gloom.

때문에 (because of) is used with the noun 우울.

이 책은 우울에 대한 이야기예요.

This book is a story about gloom.

대한 (about) follows the noun 우울.

가벼운 우울은 운동으로 고칠 수 있어요.

Light gloom can be fixed with exercise.

가벼운 modifies the noun 우울.

우울이 사라졌으면 좋겠어요.

I wish the gloom would disappear.

-았/었으면 좋겠다 expresses a wish.

우울을 이겨내고 싶어요.

I want to overcome the gloom.

이겨내다 means to overcome or win over.

그 영화는 너무 우울해서 보기 힘들어요.

That movie is so gloomy it's hard to watch.

우울해서 (because it is gloomy) uses the adjective form.

우울의 원인이 무엇인가요?

What is the cause of the gloom?

의 (possessive particle) links the two nouns.

취업에 실패한 후 깊은 우울에 빠졌어요.

I fell into a deep gloom after failing to get a job.

우울에 빠지다 is an idiom for falling into depression.

현대인들은 종종 원인 모를 우울을 경험합니다.

Modern people often experience gloom of unknown cause.

원인 모를 (unknown cause) modifies 우울.

그녀는 우울을 극복하기 위해 취미를 가졌어요.

She took up a hobby to overcome her gloom.

기 위해 (in order to) follows the verb 극복하다.

우울이 심해지면 전문가의 도움을 받아야 해요.

If the gloom gets worse, you should get professional help.

심해지다 means to become more severe.

이 노래는 우울한 마음을 위로해 줍니다.

This song comforts a gloomy heart.

위로하다 means to comfort or console.

날씨와 우울 사이에는 밀접한 관계가 있습니다.

There is a close relationship between weather and gloom.

사이 (between) is used to compare two things.

우울을 방치하면 건강에 해로울 수 있습니다.

Neglecting gloom can be harmful to your health.

방치하다 means to leave something unattended.

가끔은 우울을 받아들이는 것도 필요해요.

Sometimes it's necessary to accept the gloom.

받아들이다 means to accept or embrace.

작가는 소설 전반에 걸쳐 우울의 정서를 묘사했다.

The author described the sentiment of gloom throughout the novel.

정서 means sentiment or emotion.

사회적 고립은 노인 우울의 주요 원인 중 하나이다.

Social isolation is one of the main causes of gloom in the elderly.

주요 원인 means main cause.

그녀의 시에는 삶에 대한 근원적인 우울이 담겨 있다.

Her poetry contains a fundamental gloom about life.

근원적 means fundamental or root-level.

우울을 단순히 개인의 문제로 치부해서는 안 된다.

We should not dismiss gloom simply as an individual problem.

치부하다 means to regard or dismiss as.

경제적 불황이 국민들의 우울을 가중시키고 있다.

The economic recession is aggravating the gloom of the citizens.

가중시키다 means to aggravate or increase the weight of.

우울의 늪에서 벗어나는 것은 쉬운 일이 아니다.

Escaping from the swamp of gloom is not an easy task.

늪 (swamp) is a common metaphor for depression.

예술은 때때로 우울을 아름다움으로 승화시킨다.

Art sometimes sublimates gloom into beauty.

승화시키다 means to sublimate or transform into something higher.

그는 자신의 우울을 일기로 기록하며 마음을 다스렸다.

He controlled his mind by recording his gloom in a diary.

다스리다 means to govern or control one's mind/emotions.

현대 철학에서 우울은 존재의 본질적 고독과 연결된다.

In modern philosophy, gloom is connected to the essential loneliness of existence.

본질적 means essential or intrinsic.

도시의 회색빛 건물들은 현대인의 우울을 상징하는 듯하다.

The grey buildings of the city seem to symbolize the gloom of modern people.

상징하다 means to symbolize.

그 영화의 미장센은 우울의 미학을 극대화하여 보여준다.

The film's mise-en-scène maximizes and shows the aesthetics of gloom.

미학 means aesthetics.

우울은 창조적 영감의 원천이 되기도 하지만, 파괴적이기도 하다.

Gloom can be a source of creative inspiration, but it can also be destructive.

원천 means source or fountainhead.

그녀의 목소리에는 형언할 수 없는 우울이 깔려 있었다.

There was an indescribable gloom underlying her voice.

형언할 수 없는 means indescribable.

우울의 정체는 때로 과거의 상처와 맞닿아 있다.

The identity of gloom is sometimes in contact with past wounds.

맞닿아 있다 means to be in contact or touch.

집단적 우울은 사회 시스템의 결함에서 비롯되기도 한다.

Collective gloom also stems from defects in the social system.

비롯되다 means to originate or stem from.

그는 우울을 관조하며 삶의 허무를 깨달았다.

He realized the futility of life while contemplating gloom.

관조하다 means to contemplate or observe calmly.

우울의 심연을 들여다보는 것은 인간 정신의 한계에 도전하는 일이다.

Peering into the abyss of gloom is a challenge to the limits of the human spirit.

심연 means abyss.

포스트모던 문학은 파편화된 자아가 느끼는 우울을 해체적으로 그린다.

Postmodern literature deconstructively depicts the gloom felt by the fragmented self.

해체적 means deconstructive.

우울이라는 감정의 지층을 탐구하면 시대의 결핍이 드러난다.

Exploring the strata of the emotion called gloom reveals the deficiencies of the era.

지층 means strata or layers.

그의 음악은 우울을 변주하며 슬픔의 다층적 의미를 탐색한다.

His music variations on gloom and explores the multi-layered meanings of sadness.

변주하다 means to play variations.

우울은 문명화된 사회가 치러야 하는 심리적 비용일지도 모른다.

Gloom may be the psychological cost that a civilized society must pay.

치러야 하는 비용 means the cost one must pay.

그 철학자는 우울을 존재론적 불안의 한 형태로 규정했다.

The philosopher defined gloom as a form of ontological anxiety.

존재론적 means ontological.

우울의 파고가 몰려올 때 영혼은 고립된 섬이 된다.

When the wave of gloom rushes in, the soul becomes an isolated island.

파고 means wave height or surge.

이 담론은 우울의 사회적 재현이 어떻게 권력과 결탁하는지 분석한다.

This discourse analyzes how the social representation of gloom colludes with power.

재현 means representation; 결탁하다 means to collude.

Häufige Kollokationen

우울을 느끼다

우울에 빠지다

우울을 해소하다

우울을 극복하다

우울이 찾아오다

우울을 털어내다

우울의 늪

우울의 원인

심각한 우울

만성적인 우울

Häufige Phrasen

우울한 날씨

— Gloomy weather that makes one feel down.

우울한 날씨 때문에 집에만 있었어요.

우울한 기분

— A gloomy or depressed mood.

우울한 기분을 전환하고 싶어요.

우울한 표정

— A gloomy or sad facial expression.

왜 그렇게 우울한 표정을 짓고 있어?

우울한 노래

— A sad or melancholy song.

비 오는 날에는 우울한 노래가 어울려요.

우울한 소식

— Depressing or sad news.

오늘 아침에 우울한 소식을 들었어요.

우울한 생각

— Depressing or negative thoughts.

우울한 생각은 꼬리에 꼬리를 문다.

우울한 분위기

— A gloomy or somber atmosphere.

파티장이 갑자기 우울한 분위기로 변했다.

우울한 인생

— A gloomy or miserable life.

그는 자신의 우울한 인생을 한탄했다.

우울한 눈빛

— Gloomy or sorrowful eyes.

그녀의 우울한 눈빛이 잊혀지지 않는다.

우울한 그림자

— A shadow of gloom (metaphorical).

그의 뒤에는 항상 우울한 그림자가 따라다녔다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

우울 vs 슬픔

Sadness is reactive and short-term; 우울 is pervasive and stagnant.

우울 vs 외로움

Loneliness is about being alone; 우울 is about the internal mood state.

우울 vs 답답함

Feeling stifled or frustrated, which can lead to 우울 but is not the same.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"우울의 늪에 빠지다"

— To be stuck in a state of deep depression from which it is hard to escape.

그는 실패 후 우울의 늪에 빠졌다.

Literary

"마음에 우울이 끼다"

— To have a cloud of gloom settle in one's mind.

시험을 망치자 마음에 우울이 꼈다.

Poetic

"우울을 씹다"

— To brood over or dwell on one's gloom (informal).

혼자 방에서 우울을 씹고 있지 마.

Slang/Informal

"우울의 그림자가 드리우다"

— For a shadow of gloom to hang over a person or place.

가족에게 우울의 그림자가 드리웠다.

Formal/Literary

"우울을 달래다"

— To soothe or comfort one's gloom.

술로 우울을 달래는 것은 좋지 않다.

Neutral

"우울을 삼키다"

— To suppress or hold back one's gloom.

그는 사람들 앞에서 우울을 삼키고 웃었다.

Literary

"우울이 깊어지다"

— For gloom to become deeper or more intense.

밤이 깊을수록 그의 우울도 깊어졌다.

Neutral

"우울을 벗다"

— To take off or get rid of gloom (like a piece of clothing).

이제 그만 우울을 벗고 밖으로 나오렴.

Poetic

"우울을 짊어지다"

— To carry the burden of gloom.

어린 나이에 너무 많은 우울을 짊어지고 있다.

Literary

"우울에 짓눌리다"

— To be crushed or weighed down by gloom.

그는 삶의 우울에 짓눌려 있었다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

우울 vs 우울증

Both refer to depression.

우울 is the general noun for gloom; 우울증 is the medical diagnosis.

우울을 느끼는 것과 우울증은 다릅니다.

우울 vs 우울감

Both refer to the feeling.

우울감 specifically emphasizes the 'sense' or 'feeling' rather than the abstract concept.

가벼운 우울감이 찾아왔다.

우울 vs 침울

Both mean gloomy.

침울 focuses more on the dark, silent, and heavy atmosphere or appearance.

침울한 표정의 사내.

우울 vs 낙담

Both are negative emotions.

낙담 is specifically 'loss of hope' after a failure.

실패했지만 낙담하지 않았다.

우울 vs 비애

Both are sad feelings.

비애 is more poetic and refers to a tragic sorrow or pathos.

인생의 비애를 느끼다.

Satzmuster

N(우울) + 이/가 있어요

저는 우울이 있어요.

N(우울) + 때문에 + V

우울 때문에 학교에 못 갔어요.

N(우울) + 을/를 느끼다

갑자기 우울을 느낄 때가 있어요.

N(우울) + 에 빠지다

그는 깊은 우울에 빠졌다.

N(우울) + 을/를 극복하다

우울을 극복하는 것은 중요합니다.

N(우울) + 의 정서

이 영화는 우울의 정서를 잘 담고 있다.

N(우울) + 을/를 승화시키다

그는 자신의 우울을 예술로 승화시켰다.

N(우울) + 의 심연

우울의 심연 속에서 진실을 보았다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

우울증 (Depression - illness)

우울감 (Feeling of gloom)

우울감 (Depressive feeling)

Verben

우울해하다 (To feel/act gloomy)

Adjektive

우울하다 (To be gloomy/depressed)

Verwandt

슬픔 (Sadness)

낙담 (Discouragement)

침울 (Melancholy)

무기력 (Lethargy)

고독 (Loneliness)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High, especially in media and psychological discourse.

Häufige Fehler

저는 우울이에요. → 저는 우울해요. (or) 저는 우울을 느껴요.
You cannot equate yourself with the noun 'gloom'. Use the adjective or the verb 'to feel'.
우울한 때문에... → 우울 때문에...
'때문에' follows nouns. Use '우울' instead of the adjective form '우울한'.
슬픈 영화를 봐서 우울해요. → 슬픈 영화를 봐서 슬퍼요.
Watching a sad movie usually makes you 'sad' (슬프다), not 'depressed' (우울하다), unless it's very profound.
우울증을 느껴요. → 우울감을 느껴요. (or) 우울증이 있어요.
You 'have' the illness (우울증), but you 'feel' the sense of gloom (우울감).
우울이 와요. → 우울함이 느껴져요. (or) 우울이 찾아와요.
While '우울이 와요' is understandable, '우울이 찾아와요' is more natural and idiomatic.

Tipps

Noun Usage

Always remember that '우울' is a noun. You cannot say '저는 우울입니다'. You must say '저는 우울해요' or '우울을 느껴요'.

Social Sensitivity

While mental health awareness is growing, some older Koreans might still find the word '우울' too strong. Use '기분이 좀 안 좋아요' (My mood is not good) as a softer alternative.

Compound Words

Learn '우울증' (illness) and '우울감' (feeling) together with '우울' to expand your range.

Clear Vowels

Make sure to pronounce both 'u' sounds. If you say it too fast, it might sound like '울' (crying), which is confusing.

Metaphors

In writing, use '우울' with verbs like '찾아오다' (to visit) to create a more poetic and natural feel.

Context Clues

If you hear '우울' in a song, look for words like '비' (rain) or '밤' (night) which often set the scene.

Adjective vs Noun

In 90% of daily conversations, you will use the adjective '우울해요' instead of the noun '우울'.

Visual Aid

Visualize the 29-stroke character '울' as a dense forest of emotions that is hard to walk through.

Intensity

Only use '우울' when you feel truly down. For minor disappointments, use '속상하다' (to be upset/sad).

Reading Practice

Read 'healing' essays in Korean; they are full of the word '우울' and provide great context.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'U' (You) feeling 'Ul' (Unlucky/Under the weather). You-Ul.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a dark cloud (우울) hanging over a person's head while they sit in a room with no windows.

Word Web

슬픔 눈물 비 어둠 마음 스트레스 상담 치료

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences using '우울' as a noun today, specifically describing how the weather affects your mood.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Hanja characters 憂 (근심 우) meaning 'worry' or 'anxiety' and 鬱 (답답할 울) meaning 'stagnation' or 'congestion'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A state where anxiety is blocked or stagnant within the heart, leading to a heavy emotional condition.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when discussing '우울' with elders, as they may view it as a sign of weakness or lack of willpower, though this is changing.

In English, 'I'm depressed' can be casual. In Korean, using '우울' is generally seen as more serious and heavy.

IU - 'Gloomy Clock' (우울시계) Book: 'I Want to Die but I Also Want to Eat Tteokbokki' Drama: 'My Mister'

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Weather

비가 오면 우울해요.
날씨 때문에 우울이 왔어요.
흐린 날씨와 우울.
우울한 하늘.

Mental Health

우울증 치료.
우울을 극복하는 법.
상담이 필요해요.
마음의 병.

Daily Mood

오늘 좀 우울하네.
기분 전환이 필요해.
우울을 털어버려.
별일 아닌데 우울해.

Work/School Stress

업무 스트레스와 우울.
시험 공부 하느라 우울해.
번아웃과 우울.
회사가기 싫어서 우울해.

Literature/Art

우울한 분위기의 소설.
우울의 미학.
슬픈 선율.
작가의 우울.

Gesprächseinstiege

"요즘 날씨가 계속 흐린데, 우울을 느끼지는 않으세요?"

"우울할 때 기분을 전환하기 위해 무엇을 하시나요?"

"한국 사람들은 왜 '우울'이라는 감정에 대해 더 많이 이야기하게 되었을까요?"

"최근에 읽은 책이나 본 영화 중에 우울을 다룬 것이 있나요?"

"스트레스가 우울로 이어질 때 어떻게 대처하는 것이 좋을까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 하루 중 가장 우울했던 순간은 언제였나요? 그 이유는 무엇이었나요?

나에게 '우울'이란 어떤 색깔이나 모양으로 느껴지나요? 자세히 묘사해 보세요.

우울을 극복하기 위한 나만의 특별한 방법 세 가지를 적어 보세요.

10년 전의 나와 지금의 내가 느끼는 '우울'은 어떻게 다른가요?

만약 우울이라는 감정이 없다면 우리 삶은 어떻게 달라질까요?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it is not a 'bad' word, but it is a heavy one. In Korea, it is becoming more common to talk about '우울', but you should still use it with sensitivity as it implies a genuine emotional struggle.

'우울하다' is an adjective (to be gloomy), while '우울' is a noun (gloom/depression). You use '우울' when you want to treat the feeling as a subject or object.

You can, but it implies the movie was very dark and depressing. If it was just a 'tear-jerker', '슬프다' (sad) is more appropriate.

The most natural way is '우울해요' (u-ul-hae-yo). If it's more serious, you could say '우울증이 있어요'.

Common causes discussed in Korea include academic pressure, workplace stress, social isolation, and the 'Monday Blues'.

Yes, very frequently. Many songs explore themes of '우울' to connect with listeners' internal struggles.

No, it can also mean a temporary state of gloom or being 'down'. '우울증' is specifically the medical term.

A supportive response would be '힘내세요' (Be strong) or '이야기 들어줄까요?' (Shall I listen to your story?).

Yes, Koreans often use '우울' to describe their mood on rainy or cloudy days.

Yes, you can say '분위기가 우울하다' to mean a place has a gloomy atmosphere.

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