At the A1 level, you usually learn basic ways to say 'I'm sorry' like '미안해요' (Mianhaeyo). The word '죄스럽다' is quite advanced for this level because it deals with deep feelings. However, you can think of it as a very strong 'I feel bad.' Imagine you broke your mom's favorite vase. You don't just say 'sorry'; you feel a 'heavy heart.' That heavy heart is '죄스럽다.' In Korean, words ending in '-스럽다' describe a feeling. '죄' means 'sin' or 'wrong thing.' So, '죄스럽다' is like saying 'I feel like I did something very wrong.' You won't use this for small things, only for big feelings. For now, just remember it means 'to feel very guilty.'
As an A2 learner, you are starting to understand that Korean has many ways to express one idea depending on the situation. '죄스럽다' is an adjective used to describe a feeling of guilt. You might hear it in dramas when someone feels they didn't do enough for their family. Grammatically, remember it is a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective. This means when you say 'I feel guilty' in a polite way, it becomes '죄스러워요' (Joe-seu-reo-wo-yo), not '죄스럽아요.' You can use it with '마음' (heart/mind) to say '마음이 죄스러워요' (My heart feels guilty). This is a good way to show you are becoming more expressive in Korean.
At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between '죄송하다' (to be sorry) and '죄스럽다' (to feel guilty). '죄송하다' is a verb you use to actively apologize to someone. '죄스럽다' is an adjective that describes your internal state. You use it when you feel you have failed a moral duty or a social expectation. For example, if you are a student and your parents are working very hard to pay for your tuition, you might feel '죄스럽다' if you don't study hard enough. It's about the burden of responsibility. You will often see the form '죄스러운' used to describe a noun, like '죄스러운 마음' (a guilty heart).
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '죄스럽다' in appropriate social contexts. It is particularly useful in formal writing or deep personal conversations. You should understand that this word carries a nuance of 'indebtedness' as well as 'guilt.' If someone does a huge favor for you and you can't pay them back, you feel '죄스럽다.' It's not that you did something bad, but that the balance of the relationship feels wrong. You should be able to conjugate it into various forms like '죄스러웠다' (felt guilty) or '죄스러우면' (if I feel guilty). Pay attention to how it is used in news reports or literature to convey a sense of 'moral responsibility' (도덕적 책임).
For C1 learners, '죄스럽다' should be understood as a key cultural concept. It reflects the Korean emphasis on 'Chemyeon' (face) and 'Hyo' (filial piety). Using this word correctly shows a deep understanding of Korean social dynamics. It is often used in a self-deprecating way to show humility. For instance, a successful person might say they feel '죄스럽다' to those who helped them but didn't achieve the same success. This isn't literal guilt but a sophisticated form of social grace. You should be able to analyze its use in complex texts where it might represent a character's existential crisis or their extreme commitment to ethical standards.
At the C2 level, you should master the subtle distinctions between '죄스럽다' and its synonyms like '송구하다,' '면목 없다,' and '책망스럽다.' You should be able to use '죄스럽다' in high-level academic or literary discourse to discuss themes of collective guilt or historical trauma in Korean society. You should also understand how the word functions in 'honorific' contexts, where the speaker's choice of '죄스럽다' instead of a simpler apology serves to elevate the status of the person they are speaking to. Your usage should reflect an intuitive grasp of when a situation calls for the heavy, moral gravity that this word provides.

죄스럽다 in 30 Sekunden

  • 죄스럽다 means feeling guilty, often due to a failure in moral duty.
  • It is a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective, becoming '죄스러워요' in polite speech.
  • Commonly used toward parents, teachers, or those who have helped you.
  • It is more emotionally heavy and serious than a standard '미안하다' (sorry).

The Korean adjective 죄스럽다 (joe-seu-reop-da) is a profound expression of internal emotional state that goes far beyond a simple 'I am sorry.' To understand this word, one must first look at its root, 죄 (joe), which translates to 'sin,' 'crime,' or 'wrongdoing.' When the suffix -스럽다 is attached, it transforms the noun into an adjective meaning 'to have the quality of' or 'to feel like.' Therefore, 죄스럽다 literally means 'to feel like one has committed a sin' or 'to be burdened by a sense of guilt.'

Emotional Weight
Unlike the common '미안하다' (mian-hada), which is used for general apologies, 죄스럽다 implies a much deeper, often more permanent sense of regret. It is frequently used when the speaker feels they have failed in a fundamental duty or have caused significant distress to someone they respect or love deeply.

In Korean culture, where social harmony and filial piety are paramount, this word is often used by children toward their parents or by juniors toward their seniors. If a child cannot visit their elderly parents during a holiday, they might describe their heart as 죄스럽다. This isn't just saying 'I'm sorry'; it's saying 'I feel like I am committing a moral wrong by not being there for you.'

부모님께 자주 연락을 못 드려서 마음이 죄스럽다.

Translation: I feel guilty because I cannot contact my parents often.
Social Context
The word is also prevalent in formal settings where a mistake has caused grave consequences. A public official or a CEO might use this word during a press conference to express their deep sense of responsibility and moral failing toward the public or shareholders.

도움을 주신 분들께 보답을 못 해 죄스러운 마음뿐입니다.

Literary Usage
In literature and film, this word often highlights a character's internal conflict or their deep-seated integrity. A character who feels 죄스럽다 is often one who holds themselves to a very high moral standard, feeling 'sinful' for even minor deviations from their values.

그의 희생을 생각하면 살아있는 것조차 죄스럽게 느껴진다.

Ultimately, 죄스럽다 is about the 'heart' (마음). It describes an internal state of being rather than just an external act of apology. When a Korean person says their heart is 죄스럽다, they are opening up about a deep sense of moral discomfort and a desire to make amends for a perceived failure in their human relationships or social duties.

Using 죄스럽다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as an adjective (descriptive verb). It primarily describes the subject's feeling of guilt. The most common structure involves identifying the person toward whom you feel guilty using the particle ~에게 (to) or the honorific ~께.

The 'Because' Connection
We often explain *why* we feel guilty using the ~어서/아서 (because/so) connector. For example, '바빠서 죄스럽다' (I feel guilty because I am busy). This links the action or situation directly to the feeling of guilt.

약속을 못 지켜서 친구에게 죄스럽다.

Translation: I feel guilty toward my friend because I couldn't keep the promise.
Modifying Nouns
To describe a 'guilty feeling' or 'guilty heart,' use the attributive form 죄스러운. This is very common in written Korean and formal speeches. '죄스러운 마음' (a guilty heart) is a fixed expression used to express sincere regret.

죄스러운 마음에 고개를 들 수 없었다.

Translation: I couldn't lift my head because of my guilty heart.

When used with adverbs, 죄스럽다 often pairs with words like '너무' (too/very), '정말' (really), or '몹시' (exceedingly) to emphasize the depth of the emotion. In very formal or humble situations, it might be used with '송구스럽다' (to be sorry/humbled), but 죄스럽다 remains the more emotionally heavy choice.

나만 좋은 음식을 먹는 것이 죄스럽게 느껴진다.

Combining with Verbs
You will often see it combined with ~게 느껴지다 (to feel like...) or ~기까지 하다 (even go as far as...). These heighten the subjective experience of the guilt.

그의 친절이 오히려 나에게는 죄스럽게 다가왔다.

In summary, use 죄스럽다 when the situation involves a breach of moral duty, a failed responsibility toward a superior or loved one, or a sense of undeserved benefit. Its usage is a marker of high emotional intelligence and social awareness in Korean communication.

You will encounter 죄스럽다 in specific, high-stakes emotional contexts. It is not an everyday word for trivial matters, but it is essential for understanding deep Korean sentiment.

Historical Dramas (Sa-geuk)
In historical dramas, characters frequently use 죄스럽다 when speaking to the King or their parents. If a general loses a battle, he might say, '전하, 죄스럽기 그지없습니다' (Your Majesty, I feel beyond sinful/guilty). Here, it emphasizes the weight of failure in a hierarchical society.

죽어서도 죄스러운 마음을 씻을 길이 없습니다.

Common Sageuk trope: Even in death, I cannot wash away my guilty heart.
News and Public Apologies
When a major accident occurs or a public figure is involved in a scandal, the word 죄스럽다 is used to show the utmost sincerity. It signals that the person isn't just apologizing for the act, but is acknowledging the moral burden they've placed on society.

국민 여러분께 진심으로 죄스러운 마음을 전합니다.

Family Realities
In modern Korean life, you'll hear this in heart-to-heart conversations between parents and children. A mother who couldn't provide much for her child due to poverty might say she feels 죄스럽다. Conversely, a child who feels they haven't succeeded enough to make their parents proud will use the same word.

고생만 시킨 아내에게 늘 죄스러운 마음입니다.

Whether it's a tearful scene in a K-drama or a formal statement on the evening news, 죄스럽다 is the go-to word for expressing a guilt that stems from a deep sense of 'Han' (unresolved resentment/sorrow) or duty. It is a window into the Korean soul and its emphasis on relational integrity.

While 죄스럽다 is a powerful word, its misuse can lead to social awkwardness or misunderstandings about the severity of a situation.

Overusing for Trivial Matters
The most common mistake for learners is using 죄스럽다 where 미안하다 (to be sorry) or 죄송하다 (to be sorry - polite) is sufficient. If you spill a little water on a friend's table and say you feel '죄스럽다', it sounds like you think you've committed a cardinal sin. It makes the situation unnecessarily heavy.

[Wrong] 늦어서 죄스러워요. (For being 2 mins late to a movie)
[Right] 늦어서 죄송해요.

Confusing with '죄송하다'
While both words share the root '죄' (sin), 죄송하다 is a performative verb used to *make* an apology. 죄스럽다 is a descriptive adjective that describes the *feeling* of guilt. You don't usually say '죄스럽습니다' as a direct apology like 'I'm sorry'; instead, you use it to explain your internal state: '제 마음이 죄스럽습니다' (My heart feels guilty).

[Wrong] 제 동생이 죄스러워요. (My brother is guilty/sinful - sounds like a permanent character trait).
[Right] 동생의 잘못 때문에 제 마음이 죄스럽습니다.

Conjugation Errors
Because it is a 'ㅂ' irregular word, many learners forget to change 'ㅂ' to '우'. Saying '죄스럽아요' is a common mistake. It must be '죄스러워요'.

In summary: save 죄스럽다 for when your soul actually feels a heavy burden, use it to describe your heart/feelings rather than as a quick 'sorry', and always remember the irregular conjugation rules.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for expressing regret and guilt. Knowing which one to pick is key to sounding natural.

미안하다 (Mian-hada)
The most common way to say 'sorry'. It's used for everyday mistakes. 죄스럽다 is much heavier and more internal.
죄송하다 (Joesong-hada)
The polite version of '미안하다'. While it shares the '죄' root, it's a standard polite apology. 죄스럽다 describes a deep feeling of 'sinfulness' rather than just being polite.
송구하다 (Songgu-hada)
This is an extremely formal and somewhat archaic word. It means to be 'overwhelmed with fear and shame' before a superior. It's more formal than 죄스럽다 but less about personal 'sin' and more about social standing.
면목 없다 (Myeonmok eopda)
Literally 'to have no face'. It's used when you are so ashamed of your actions that you cannot look the other person in the eye. It's often used interchangeably with 죄스럽다 in high-shame situations.

Comparison:
- 늦어서 미안해 (Sorry I'm late - to a friend)
- 늦어서 죄송합니다 (Sorry I'm late - to a boss)
- 늦어서 죄스럽습니다 (I feel like I've committed a sin by being late - sounds very heavy/dramatic)

Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate the complex social landscape of Korea. While 죄스럽다 is less common than '죄송하다', its impact is much greater when you truly need to express a heart-heavy burden of regret.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The suffix '-스럽다' is very productive in Korean, turning nouns into adjectives that describe a subjective feeling or characteristic, such as 'sarang-seu-reop-da' (lovely) from 'sarang' (love).

Aussprachehilfe

UK /t͡ɕø̞sʰɯɾʌp̚t͈a̠/
US /d͡ʒø̞sʰuɾʌp̚t͈a̠/
Primary stress is on the first syllable '죄'.
Reimt sich auf
사랑스럽다 (sarang-seu-reop-da) 복스럽다 (bok-seu-reop-da) 어른스럽다 (eoreun-seu-reop-da) 여성스럽다 (yeoseong-seu-reop-da) 자연스럽다 (jayeon-seu-reop-da) 조심스럽다 (josim-seu-reop-da) 촌스럽다 (chon-seu-reop-da) 고급스럽다 (gogeup-seu-reop-da)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing '죄' as 'joi' or 'joy'. It should be a rounded 'oe' sound.
  • Forgetting the tense 't' sound in 'da' (it sounds like 'tta' after the 'p' stop).
  • Mispronouncing the 'eu' (으) in 'seu' (스).
  • Failing to use the 'w' sound in '죄스러워요' (the irregular conjugation).
  • Confusing the 'p' stop with a full 'p' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in context due to the '죄' root.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowledge of the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation.

Sprechen 4/5

Must be used in the correct emotional register to avoid sounding dramatic.

Hören 3/5

Common in dramas and formal news.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

죄 (sin) 미안하다 (sorry) 죄송하다 (sorry-formal) 마음 (heart) -스럽다 (suffix)

Als Nächstes lernen

송구하다 (humbled/sorry) 면목 없다 (ashamed) 가책 (conscience/guilt) 속죄 (atonement) 후회 (regret)

Fortgeschritten

참회 (repentance) 회한 (remorse) 자괴감 (sense of shame/self-loathing) 죄책감 (guilt)

Wichtige Grammatik

ㅂ Irregular Adjectives

죄스럽다 -> 죄스러워, 죄스러우니, 죄스러운

~어서/아서 (Reason)

연락을 못 해서 죄스럽다.

~게 느껴지다 (Feeling)

그의 말이 죄스럽게 느껴졌다.

-기 그지없다 (Extreme)

마음이 죄스럽기 그지없다.

-(으)ㄴ 마음 (Noun modification)

죄스러운 마음으로 사과했다.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

마음이 죄스러워요.

My heart feels guilty.

Basic 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation.

2

너무 죄스러워요.

I feel so guilty.

Using '너무' for emphasis.

3

엄마한테 죄스러워요.

I feel guilty toward my mom.

'~한테' indicates the person.

4

죄스러운 마음이에요.

It is a guilty heart.

Adjective modifying a noun.

5

정말 죄스럽네요.

I really feel guilty.

'-네요' adds a sense of realization.

6

조금 죄스러워요.

I feel a little guilty.

'조금' means 'a little'.

7

친구가 죄스러워 보여요.

The friend looks guilty.

'~어 보이다' means 'to look like'.

8

죄스러워서 울었어요.

I cried because I felt guilty.

'~어서' indicates reason.

1

도움을 못 줘서 죄스러워요.

I feel guilty because I couldn't help.

Verb + '~어서' structure.

2

선생님께 죄스러운 마음이 들어요.

I feel guilty toward my teacher.

Honorific '~께' used.

3

거짓말을 해서 죄스러웠어요.

I felt guilty because I lied.

Past tense '죄스러웠어요'.

4

죄스러워하지 마세요.

Please don't feel guilty.

'~어하다' turns adjective into verb.

5

부모님 생각을 하면 죄스러워요.

When I think of my parents, I feel guilty.

'~하면' means 'when/if'.

6

약속을 어겨서 죄스러워요.

I feel guilty for breaking the promise.

Specific reason provided.

7

그의 눈을 보니 죄스러웠어요.

Looking at his eyes, I felt guilty.

'-니' indicates discovery.

8

죄스러운 마음으로 사과했어요.

I apologized with a guilty heart.

'~으로' means 'with/by'.

1

바쁘다는 핑계로 연락을 못 해 죄스럽습니다.

I feel guilty for not contacting you using busyness as an excuse.

Formal ending '-습니다'.

2

나만 행복한 것 같아 친구에게 죄스럽다.

I feel guilty toward my friend because it seems only I am happy.

'~은 것 같다' (seems like).

3

그분의 희생이 너무 커서 죄스러울 뿐입니다.

His sacrifice was so great that I only feel guilty.

'~을 뿐이다' (nothing but/only).

4

죄스러운 마음에 잠을 이룰 수 없었다.

I couldn't sleep because of my guilty heart.

Written style past tense.

5

부모님의 고생을 생각하니 마음이 죄스럽다.

Thinking of my parents' hardships makes my heart feel guilty.

Reflective usage.

6

사고 소식을 듣고 죄스러운 마음이 들었습니다.

I felt guilty after hearing the news of the accident.

Response to external event.

7

도움만 받고 갚지 못해 죄스러워요.

I feel guilty for only receiving help and not being able to repay it.

Focus on social reciprocity.

8

그의 친절이 오히려 나를 죄스럽게 만들었다.

His kindness actually made me feel guilty.

'~게 만들다' (make someone feel...).

1

공직자로서 국민들께 죄스러운 마음을 금할 길 없습니다.

As a public official, I cannot help but feel guilty toward the citizens.

Formal idiom '금할 길 없다'.

2

자식된 도리를 다하지 못한 것 같아 죄스럽기만 합니다.

I only feel guilty because I feel I haven't fulfilled my duty as a child.

'-기만 하다' (only/just).

3

남겨진 사람들에게 죄스러운 마음이 드는 것은 당연하다.

It is natural to feel guilty toward those left behind.

'~는 것은 당연하다' (it is natural to...).

4

그의 고통을 외면했던 과거가 죄스럽게 느껴진다.

The past where I turned away from his pain feels guilty.

Past action analysis.

5

성공한 뒤에도 고향 친구들에게는 늘 죄스러운 마음이다.

Even after succeeding, I always feel guilty toward my hometown friends.

Survivor's guilt context.

6

죄스러운 마음을 씻기 위해 봉사 활동을 시작했다.

I started volunteer work to wash away my guilty heart.

'~기 위해' (in order to).

7

그녀의 순수한 믿음이 나를 더욱 죄스럽게 했다.

Her pure trust made me feel even more guilty.

Contrast of character.

8

실수를 만회할 기회가 없어 죄스러움이 더 크다.

The guilt is greater because there is no chance to make up for the mistake.

Noun form '죄스러움'.

1

역사의 비극 앞에 살아남은 자의 죄스러움을 느낀다.

In the face of historical tragedy, I feel the guilt of a survivor.

Existential/Historical context.

2

스승님의 기대를 저버린 제자의 마음은 죄스럽기 그지없다.

The heart of a student who failed their teacher's expectations is beyond guilty.

'-기 그지없다' (limitless/beyond).

3

사회적 책임을 다하지 못한 기업가로서 죄스러운 마음을 전합니다.

As an entrepreneur who failed to fulfill social responsibility, I convey my guilty heart.

Professional ethics context.

4

자신의 안위만을 챙겼던 순간들이 죄스럽게 다가왔다.

The moments when I only looked after my own safety came back to me as guilt.

Introspective narrative.

5

누군가의 희생 위에 세워진 평화가 죄스럽게 느껴질 때가 있다.

There are times when peace built upon someone's sacrifice feels guilty.

Philosophical reflection.

6

부모님께 효도하지 못한 죄스러운 마음은 평생의 한으로 남는다.

The guilty heart of not being filial to parents remains a lifelong 'Han' (sorrow).

Cultural concept of 'Han'.

7

동료들의 노고를 생각하면 쉬는 것조차 죄스럽다.

Thinking of my colleagues' hard work, even resting feels guilty.

'~조차' (even).

8

진실을 밝히지 못한 침묵이 죄스러워 견딜 수 없었다.

I couldn't endure the guilt of the silence that failed to reveal the truth.

'~어 견딜 수 없다' (cannot endure).

1

인간의 탐욕이 빚어낸 환경 파괴에 대해 죄스러운 마음을 가져야 한다.

We must have a guilty heart regarding the environmental destruction caused by human greed.

Global/Ethical imperative.

2

선대부터 이어져 온 잘못을 바로잡지 못한 후손으로서 죄스럽다.

I feel guilty as a descendant who could not correct the wrongs passed down from ancestors.

Intergenerational guilt.

3

그의 숭고한 정신 앞에 나의 비겁함이 죄스럽게 드러났다.

In the face of his noble spirit, my cowardice was guiltily revealed.

Literary contrast.

4

타인의 고통을 방관하는 사회적 분위기에 죄스러움을 느낀다.

I feel guilt toward the social atmosphere that bypasses others' pain.

Sociological critique.

5

속죄의 기회조차 박탈당한 자의 죄스러움은 무엇으로 보상받나.

With what can the guilt of one deprived even of the chance for atonement be compensated?

Rhetorical question style.

6

문학은 인간 본연의 죄스러움을 탐구하는 과정이기도 하다.

Literature is also a process of exploring the inherent guilt of human beings.

Academic/Abstract definition.

7

그날의 침묵이 평생 나를 죄스러운 굴레에 가두었다.

The silence of that day trapped me in a guilty shackle for life.

Metaphorical usage.

8

공동체의 비극을 목도하며 느끼는 죄스러움은 집단적 각성으로 이어져야 한다.

The guilt felt while witnessing a community's tragedy must lead to collective awakening.

Call to action.

Häufige Kollokationen

마음이 죄스럽다
죄스러운 마음
죄스럽게 느껴지다
죄스럽기 그지없다
무척 죄스럽다
늘 죄스럽다
죄스러운 표정
죄스러운 생각
죄스러운 짓
죄스럽게 생각하다

Häufige Phrasen

부모님께 죄스럽다

— Feeling guilty toward one's parents for not being a good child.

성공하지 못해 부모님께 죄스럽다.

죄스러워서 어쩌나

— Expression used when one feels so guilty they don't know what to do.

이렇게 큰 도움을 받아서 죄스러워서 어쩌나.

죄스러운 마음뿐입니다

— Used to say 'I only have a guilty heart' (nothing else to say).

실망을 드려 죄스러운 마음뿐입니다.

죄스러운 기분

— A feeling of guilt.

혼자만 맛있는 걸 먹으니 죄스러운 기분이다.

죄스러움을 씻다

— To wash away or clear one's guilt.

봉사를 하며 죄스러움을 씻고 싶다.

죄스러움이 앞서다

— Feeling guilt before any other emotion.

기쁨보다 죄스러움이 앞선다.

죄스럽게 다가오다

— To feel guilt coming upon oneself.

그의 말이 죄스럽게 다가왔다.

죄스러운 마음에 고개를 들지 못하다

— To be unable to lift one's head due to guilt.

그는 죄스러운 마음에 고개를 들지 못했다.

죄스러울 따름이다

— It is simply that I feel guilty (humble).

부족한 저를 믿어주시니 죄스러울 따름입니다.

죄스러운 구석

— A part of one's mind/heart that feels guilty.

마음 한 구석이 죄스럽다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

죄스럽다 vs 죄송하다

죄송하다 is a verb for 'to be sorry' (an apology), while 죄스럽다 is an adjective for 'to feel guilty' (an internal state).

죄스럽다 vs 미안하다

미안하다 is common and casual; 죄스럽다 is much heavier and implies a moral failing.

죄스럽다 vs 송구하다

송구하다 is more about status and being overwhelmed by a superior's presence/kindness, whereas 죄스럽다 is about the 'sin' of one's own actions.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"죄스러운 마음에 가시방석에 앉은 듯하다"

— To feel like sitting on a cushion of thorns due to guilt.

거짓말을 한 후 죄스러운 마음에 가시방석에 앉은 듯했다.

Literary
"죄스러움이 뼈에 사무치다"

— Guilt that pierces to the bone (deeply felt).

부모님께 못한 효도가 죄스러워 뼈에 사무친다.

Formal
"죄스러운 마음을 달래다"

— To soothe or comfort one's guilty heart.

술로 죄스러운 마음을 달래 보았다.

Neutral
"죄스러운 눈빛을 보내다"

— To send a look of guilt toward someone.

그는 나에게 죄스러운 눈빛을 보냈다.

Neutral
"죄스러운 굴레"

— The shackles/bonds of guilt.

그는 평생 죄스러운 굴레에서 벗어나지 못했다.

Literary
"죄스러운 그림자"

— The shadow of guilt (lingering feeling).

과거의 실수가 죄스러운 그림자처럼 따라다닌다.

Poetic
"죄스러움에 몸 둘 바를 모르다"

— Not knowing where to put one's body (how to act) due to guilt.

너무 큰 실례를 범해 죄스러움에 몸 둘 바를 모르겠다.

Formal
"죄스러운 마음에 밤잠을 설치다"

— To lose sleep due to a guilty heart.

친구와의 다툼 후 죄스러운 마음에 밤잠을 설치고 말았다.

Neutral
"죄스러운 마음이 발목을 잡다"

— Guilt holding one back (preventing progress).

죄스러운 마음이 발목을 잡아 떠날 수가 없었다.

Metaphorical
"죄스러운 마음을 털어놓다"

— To confess or pour out one's guilty feelings.

그는 드디어 친구에게 죄스러운 마음을 털어놓았다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

죄스럽다 vs 스럽다 vs. 하다

Both can form adjectives/verbs.

-스럽다 indicates a quality or feeling (guilty-like), while -하다 is a direct state or action.

죄스럽다 (feel guilty) vs. 죄송하다 (be sorry).

죄스럽다 vs 죄책감

Both mean guilt.

죄책감 is a noun (sense of guilt), 죄스럽다 is the adjective (to feel guilty).

죄책감을 느끼다 vs. 마음이 죄스럽다.

죄스럽다 vs 부끄럽다

Both involve shame.

부끄럽다 is shame/shyness (often about self), 죄스럽다 is guilt (often toward others).

얼굴이 부끄럽다 vs. 부모님께 죄스럽다.

죄스럽다 vs 한스럽다

Both end in -스럽다 and are heavy.

한스럽다 is about deep regret/sorrow (Han), 죄스럽다 is specifically about guilt/sin.

인생이 한스럽다 vs. 행동이 죄스럽다.

죄스럽다 vs 가련하다

Both are emotional.

가련하다 is 'pitiful,' 죄스럽다 is 'guilty.'

그녀가 가련하다 vs. 그녀에게 죄스럽다.

Satzmuster

A2

[Reason] + ~어서 죄스러워요.

늦어서 죄스러워요.

B1

[Person] + ~께 죄스러운 마음이 들어요.

부모님께 죄스러운 마음이 들어요.

B1

[Action] + ~는 것이 죄스럽다.

나만 쉬는 것이 죄스럽다.

B2

죄스러운 마음에 + [Negative Result].

죄스러운 마음에 고개를 들 수 없었다.

B2

[Person] + ~에게 늘 죄스러운 마음뿐이다.

아내에게 늘 죄스러운 마음뿐이다.

C1

죄스럽기 그지없다.

실망을 드려 죄스럽기 그지없습니다.

C1

죄스러움을 씻다.

어떻게 이 죄스러움을 씻을까요?

C2

[Abstract Noun] + ~에 대해 죄스러운 마음을 가지다.

환경 파괴에 대해 죄스러운 마음을 가져야 한다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

죄 (joe) Sin, crime, guilt
죄책감 (joe-chaek-gam) Sense of guilt
죄인 (joe-in) Sinner, criminal

Verben

죄를 짓다 (joe-reul jit-da) To commit a sin/crime
죄송하다 (joe-song-ha-da) To be sorry (formal)

Adjektive

죄스럽다 (joe-seu-reop-da) To feel guilty
무죄이다 (mu-joe-i-da) To be innocent/not guilty

Verwandt

미안하다 (to be sorry)
송구하다 (to be humbled/sorry)
면목 (face/honor)
양심 (conscience)
사과 (apology)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Medium-High (Specific to emotional/formal contexts)

Häufige Fehler
  • 죄스럽아요 죄스러워요

    This is a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective. The 'ㅂ' changes to '우'.

  • Using it for being 1 minute late. 죄송합니다 / 미안해

    죄스럽다 is too heavy for minor issues.

  • 제 동생이 죄스러워요. 제 동생 때문에 제 마음이 죄스러워요.

    You usually describe your own feeling toward someone, not someone else's character (unless they are a 'sinner').

  • 죄스럽다 as a direct apology like 'I'm sorry'. 죄송합니다 (as the apology) + 죄스러운 마음입니다 (to describe feeling).

    It's an adjective, not a performative verb.

  • Confusing with '무섭다' (scary). 죄스럽다

    They sound slightly similar but have totally different roots (죄 vs 무).

Tipps

The 'ㅂ' Rule

Always remember: 죄스럽다 -> 죄스러워. Don't say 죄스럽어!

Social Duty

In Korea, not doing your 'duty' often leads to feeling 죄스럽다.

Pair with '마음'

The most natural way to use it is '마음이 죄스럽다'.

Tone Matters

Say it with a sincere, slightly sad tone. It's a deep word.

Formal Letters

It's a great word for a deep, heartfelt apology letter.

Drama Clues

When a character says this, they are usually at a turning point of regret.

Sinful Suffix

Remember 'Joe' + '-스럽다'. Sin-like feeling.

Better than Sorry

It's more powerful than 'Mianhae'. Use it when 'sorry' isn't enough.

Indebtedness

You can feel 죄스럽다 just by receiving too much kindness.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Joe' (죄). If 'Joe' did something wrong, he feels 'Joe-스럽다' (guilty).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a heavy backpack labeled '죄' (Sin) that you are carrying on your back. The weight of that backpack is the feeling of '죄스럽다'.

Word Web

죄 (Sin) 마음 (Heart) 부모님 (Parents) 사과 (Apology) 책임 (Responsibility) 후회 (Regret) 효도 (Filial Piety) 양심 (Conscience)

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences about a time you felt you didn't do enough for someone you love, using '죄스러워요'.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Sino-Korean noun '죄' (罪 - joe) meaning sin or crime, combined with the native Korean suffix '-스럽다' which means 'having the quality of' or 'suggestive of'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To have the quality of a sin; to feel like a sinner.

Koreanic (with Sinitic root)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to use this word for small mistakes with strangers, as it can seem overly dramatic or even suspicious, as if you are hiding a much larger secret.

In English, we usually just say 'I feel guilty.' We don't have a specific word that distinguishes between 'I did something bad' and 'I feel bad because I didn't do enough for you.'

Frequently used in Korean 'Sinsopa' (family melodramas) where children apologize to parents. Commonly found in the lyrics of trot music, which often deals with themes of parental sacrifice. Used in historical movies like 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents' when leaders feel they failed their soldiers.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Family Obligations

  • 부모님께 죄스럽다
  • 자식으로서 죄스럽다
  • 효도를 못 해 죄스럽다
  • 고생만 시켜 죄스럽다

Workplace/Duty

  • 상사에게 죄스럽다
  • 동료들에게 죄스럽다
  • 일을 못 마쳐 죄스럽다
  • 폐를 끼쳐 죄스럽다

Social Reciprocity

  • 도움만 받아 죄스럽다
  • 갚지 못해 죄스럽다
  • 선물이 죄스럽다
  • 호의가 죄스럽다

Public/Formal

  • 국민께 죄스럽다
  • 사회에 죄스럽다
  • 책임을 통감하며 죄스럽다
  • 고개 숙여 죄스럽다

Personal Morality

  • 스스로에게 죄스럽다
  • 양심에 죄스럽다
  • 거짓말이 죄스럽다
  • 과거가 죄스럽다

Gesprächseinstiege

"부모님께 죄스러운 마음이 들 때가 언제인가요?"

"혹시 친구에게 죄스러운 일을 한 적이 있나요?"

"너무 큰 도움을 받으면 가끔 죄스럽게 느껴지지 않나요?"

"죄스러운 마음을 어떻게 표현하는 것이 가장 좋을까요?"

"드라마에서 '죄스럽다'라는 말을 들어본 적이 있나요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

부모님께 죄스러운 마음이 들었던 순간에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a time you felt guilty toward your parents.)

나만 행복하다고 느껴져서 다른 사람에게 죄스러웠던 적이 있나요? (Have you ever felt guilty toward others because you felt only you were happy?)

죄스러운 마음을 씻기 위해 내가 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요? (What can I do to wash away a guilty heart?)

'미안하다'와 '죄스럽다'의 차이를 자신의 경험을 통해 설명해 보세요. (Explain the difference between 'sorry' and 'guilty' through your experience.)

앞으로 죄스러운 마음이 들지 않도록 어떤 노력을 하고 싶나요? (What efforts do you want to make so you don't feel guilty in the future?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, but only if you really feel you did something terrible or if they did a huge favor you can't return. Otherwise, it's too heavy.

It is an adjective (descriptive verb). You use it to describe a state or feeling.

The noun form is '죄스러움' (guilt/guiltiness).

It becomes '죄스러웠다' (felt guilty) or '죄스러웠어요' (polite).

While '죄' means sin, the word is used in general social and moral contexts, not just religious ones.

Yes, this means 'I think of it with a feeling of guilt' or 'I feel guilty about it.'

'죄송하다' is an apology you say to someone. '죄스럽다' is how you feel inside.

Use it when you want to describe your feeling in a more poetic or formal way, like 'With a guilty heart, I...'

Yes, if you have caused a major problem, '죄스러운 마음입니다' shows very sincere regret.

It describes a negative feeling (guilt), but using it shows that you have a good conscience and care about others.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using '죄스러워요' about your parents.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I feel guilty toward my friend.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal apology starting with '국민들께...'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use the pattern '~어서 죄스럽다' to explain why you feel guilty.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a 'guilty heart' using '죄스러운'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'His kindness made me feel guilty.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'not being able to sleep' because of guilt.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I feel guilty for only receiving help.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '죄스럽기 그지없다' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'washing away guilt'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I can't face you because I feel guilty.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe someone's expression using '죄스러운'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'survivor's guilt'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I always feel guilty toward my wife.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'breaking a promise'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'It is natural to feel guilty.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '죄스럽게 생각하다' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'filial piety' (효도).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The truth made me feel guilty.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '죄스러움' (noun).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce '죄스럽다' correctly.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty' in a polite way.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty toward my parents.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Express deep guilt formally: 'I feel extremely guilty.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'A guilty heart' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty because I am busy.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce the irregular form: '죄스러워'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Please don't feel guilty.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel like a sinner.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'My heart is heavy with guilt.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty toward my teacher.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I couldn't sleep because of guilt.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'His kindness makes me feel guilty.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I have only a guilty heart.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty for breaking the promise.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty toward the citizens.' (Formal)

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'It feels guilty.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty every day.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty toward my friend.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty for not helping.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '마음이 죄스러워요.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the target: '동생에게 죄스럽다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the conjugation: '죄스러웠습니다.' Is it past or present?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the reason: '늦어서 죄스럽다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the noun: '죄스러운 표정'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the intensity: '죄스럽기 그지없다.' Is it a little or a lot?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the honorific: '선생님께 죄스럽습니다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the 'ㅂ' irregular sound: '죄스러워요'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the emotion: '죄스러운 마음뿐입니다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the contrast: '미안하지만 죄스럽지는 않다.' Does the speaker feel guilty?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the target: '국민 여러분께...'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the adverb: '죄스럽게 느껴진다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the frequency: '늘 죄스러운 마음이다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the speaker's state: '잠을 못 잤다.' Why?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '죄스러움'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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