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A2 verb #3,500 am häufigsten 7 Min. Lesezeit

좌절하다

jwajeolhada Top 3,500

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Erklärung 좌절하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '좌절하다' often, as it's quite a complex and heavy word. However, you might encounter it in simple stories or songs. At this stage, just think of it as a very strong version of '슬프다' (to be sad) or '안 돼요' (it's not working). You can understand it as the feeling you have when you try really hard to build a Lego tower and it falls down. While A1 learners usually use simpler words like '슬퍼요' (I'm sad) or '힘들어요' (It's hard), recognizing '좌절' in basic emotional contexts will help you build a foundation for more nuanced Korean later on. Focus on the idea of 'breaking' or 'failing' a big goal.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '좌절하다' to describe significant disappointments, like failing a level test or not being able to go on a trip you planned for a long time. You should learn the basic pattern 'noun + 에 좌절하다'. For example, '시험에 좌절했어요' (I was defeated by the exam). You are moving beyond simple sadness and starting to describe the feeling of a setback. At this level, it is important to distinguish '좌절하다' from '짜증나다' (to be annoyed). Use '좌절하다' for the big things. You might also see this word in basic news headlines about sports teams losing. It's a great word to add more 'weight' to your emotional expressions when simple words aren't enough.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '좌절하다' and its noun form '좌절감' (feeling of frustration) in more detailed conversations about your life and dreams. You can discuss social issues or personal hardships. You should understand the difference between '좌절하다' (the person feels it) and '좌절되다' (the plan is thwarted). B1 learners often use this word to talk about the 'breakdown' of communication or the 'thwarting' of efforts in a workplace or school setting. You can also start using it with adverbs like '쉽게' (easily) to describe personality traits, such as '저는 쉽게 좌절하는 편이에요' (I tend to get discouraged easily). This level requires understanding the 'setback' aspect of the word, not just the emotion.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use '좌절하다' in formal writing and debates. You will encounter it frequently in literature, editorials, and documentaries. You should understand the Hanja roots (挫 - break, 折 - snap) to appreciate the metaphorical depth of the word. You can use it to describe societal trends, such as the frustrations of a specific generation or the failure of political movements. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the causative form '좌절시키다' (to thwart/discourage). You can use the word to discuss the psychological impact of failure and the process of '좌절을 극복하다' (overcoming frustration). Your usage should reflect an understanding that this word implies a significant, often life-altering, obstacle.

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At the C1 level, your use of '좌절하다' should be nuanced and contextually precise. You can use it to analyze literary themes or philosophical concepts. You might discuss the 'existential frustration' (실존적 좌절) of a character in a novel or the 'structural frustration' (구조적 좌절) inherent in certain economic systems. You should be able to distinguish it from highly similar academic terms like '낙담' (discouragement), '절망' (despair), and '비탄' (grief). Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions and collocations like '좌절을 맛보다' (to taste the bitterness of defeat). At this stage, you are not just using the word to describe a feeling, but to analyze the mechanics of failure and resilience in complex narratives.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '좌절하다' and its various derivatives. You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal contexts, or professional oratory. You understand the historical and cultural weight the word carries in the context of Korean history (e.g., the '좌절' of modernization efforts or democratic movements). You can effortlessly switch between '좌절', '무산' (coming to nothing), and '경색' (deadlock) depending on the specific domain (social, political, or personal). You can use the word to construct complex metaphors about the human condition and the inevitability of setback in the pursuit of progress. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, utilizing the word to convey profound gravity and sophisticated emotional intelligence.

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좌절하다 in 30 Sekunden

좌절하다 means to be frustrated or feel defeated, specifically when a major goal or dream is blocked or broken by failure.
It is a heavy, serious word derived from Hanja (挫 - break, 折 - snap), suggesting a spirit that has physically snapped.
It is commonly used in high-stakes contexts like exams, careers, sports, and social issues, rather than for minor daily annoyances.
Grammatically, it functions as an intransitive verb for people, while '좌절되다' is the passive form used for plans or hopes.

The Korean verb 좌절하다 (jwajeol-hada) is a profound and emotionally heavy term that translates most accurately to "to be frustrated," "to feel defeated," or "to experience a setback." However, unlike the English word "frustrated," which can often refer to minor annoyances like a slow internet connection, 좌절하다 carries a much weightier connotation of one's spirit or plans being broken. It is derived from the Hanja characters 挫 (jwa), meaning to break or be discouraged, and 折 (jeol), meaning to snap or bend. Together, they paint a picture of something—usually a dream, a plan, or a person's will—literally snapping under pressure.

Emotional Depth: It describes a state where an individual feels they cannot overcome an obstacle, leading to a sense of despair or loss of hope. It is the feeling of hitting a wall so tall that you feel you cannot climb over it.
Situational Usage: Commonly used in contexts of failed examinations, business bankruptcies, or repeated rejections in job hunting. It is also frequently used in sports when a favorite team loses a crucial match.

그는 계속되는 실패에 결국 좌절하고 말았다.
— Translation: He eventually ended up feeling defeated by the continuous failures.

In a societal context, you will often hear this word in Korean news or documentaries discussing the "N-po generation" (youth who give up on many things like marriage or home ownership). It reflects a collective sentiment of being blocked by systemic barriers. When using this word, you are communicating a deep psychological impact, not just a passing mood.

청년들은 높은 취업 문턱 앞에서 좌절감을 느낍니다.

Grammatical Structure: It is an intransitive verb. You usually say '[Something]이/가 좌절되다' (Something is thwarted) or '[Someone]이/가 좌절하다' (Someone feels frustrated/defeated).

꿈이 좌절되었다고 해서 인생이 끝난 것은 아니다.

Understanding this word is key to understanding the emotional landscape of Korean resilience. The opposite of '좌절' is often '극복' (overcoming), and the two words are frequently paired in motivational speeches and literature.

우리는 좌절을 딛고 다시 일어섰습니다.

Using 좌절하다 correctly involves understanding its relationship with particles and the specific types of failure it describes. It is most commonly paired with the particle ~에 to indicate the cause of the frustration, or used as a passive construction 좌절되다 when a plan or hope is the subject.

The 'Cause' Pattern: Structure: [Cause] + 에 좌절하다. For example, '실패에 좌절하다' (To be frustrated by failure) or '현실에 좌절하다' (To be frustrated by reality).

어려운 형편에 좌절하지 마세요.
— Translation: Don't be discouraged by difficult circumstances.

When you want to describe a plan being cancelled or blocked by external forces, the passive form 좌절되다 is essential. This is common in news headlines or formal reports. If a government project is cancelled due to budget issues, the media will say the project was '좌절되었다'.

그의 원대한 계획은 예산 부족으로 좌절되었습니다.

In daily conversation, you might use the noun form 좌절감 (feeling of frustration) with the verb 느끼다 (to feel). This is often more natural when describing your internal state to a friend. Instead of saying "I frustrated," you say "I felt a sense of frustration."

시험에 떨어지고 나서 깊은 좌절감을 느꼈어요.

Commonly Paired Adverbs: Words like '쉽게' (easily), '결코' (never), and '몹시' (extremely) are often used. '쉽게 좌절하지 않는 사람' (a person who doesn't get discouraged easily) is a common way to describe a resilient person.

그는 어떤 고난 앞에서도 좌절하지 않았습니다.

Finally, consider the tense. Since frustration often follows an event, the past tense '좌절했다' is very common. However, in motivational contexts, the negative imperative '좌절하지 마라' (Don't be discouraged) is a powerful and frequently used phrase in songs, poems, and speeches.

You will encounter 좌절하다 in a variety of high-stakes environments. It is not a casual word for minor inconveniences; rather, it belongs to the language of drama, news, and deep personal reflection. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the gravity the word carries in Korean culture.

K-Dramas and Movies: In medical or legal dramas, when a character loses a case or a patient, they often go through a period of '좌절'. You'll see them sitting in a dark room or drinking soju, with the narrator or another character saying, '그는 큰 좌절에 빠졌다' (He fell into deep frustration/despair).

주인공은 배신을 당하고 좌절했지만, 다시 복수를 다짐합니다.
— Translation: The protagonist was frustrated after being betrayed, but vowed revenge again.

In the news, specifically economic or social reporting, 좌절 is used to describe collective failure. For instance, when the housing market makes it impossible for young people to buy homes, news anchors will talk about '주택 마련의 꿈이 좌절된 청년들' (Youth whose dreams of owning a home have been thwarted).

수출 계획이 차질을 빚으며 기업의 성장이 좌절되었습니다.

Self-Help and Motivational Content: Korean culture places high value on '인내' (perseverance). Therefore, many books and lectures focus on '좌절을 극복하는 법' (How to overcome frustration). You will hear this in graduation speeches or corporate training sessions.

실패는 할 수 있지만, 좌절해서는 안 됩니다.

In literature and poetry, 좌절 is often used to describe the human condition. It's a more literary way to talk about sadness compared to the simple '슬프다' (to be sad). It implies a struggle that was lost, adding a narrative layer to the emotion.

Because 좌절하다 is often translated as "to be frustrated" in English-Korean dictionaries, many learners use it in situations that are far too trivial. This can make you sound overly dramatic or even humorous to a native speaker. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Trivial Annoyances: Using '좌절하다' when your computer is slow or you missed the bus. In English, you might say, "I'm so frustrated with this traffic!" In Korean, using '좌절하다' here would sound like the traffic has ruined your entire life's purpose. Use '답답하다' (to feel stifled/frustrated) or '짜증나다' (to be annoyed) instead.

Incorrect: 인터넷이 느려서 좌절했어요.
Correct: 인터넷이 느려서 답답해요.

Another common mistake is confusing 좌절하다 with 실망하다 (to be disappointed). While they are related, 실망하다 is about an expectation not being met, whereas 좌절하다 is about a spirit being broken. You can be disappointed in a movie, but you wouldn't be '좌절' by it unless the movie was your last hope for humanity.

Mistake 2: Confusing Active and Passive: Learners often say '나의 계획이 좌절했어' (My plan frustrated). Since a plan doesn't have feelings, it cannot '좌절하다'. The plan '좌절되다' (was thwarted). Only people (or personified entities) can '좌절하다'.

제 꿈이 좌절되었을 때 정말 힘들었어요.

Finally, don't confuse 좌절하다 with 포기하다 (to give up). While '좌절' often leads to '포기', they are distinct stages. '좌절' is the emotional state of feeling defeated, while '포기' is the action of stopping. You can feel '좌절' but still choose not to '포기'.

To speak Korean naturally, you need to know which "frustration" or "failure" word fits the specific context. 좌절하다 is just one piece of a larger emotional vocabulary puzzle.

좌절하다 vs. 낙담하다 (Nakdam-hada): 좌절하다: Focuses on the objective failure or the 'breaking' of a plan/spirit.
낙담하다: Focuses more on the loss of courage or feeling 'downcast'. It's slightly softer than '좌절'.
좌절하다 vs. 절망하다 (Jeolmang-hada): 좌절하다: You met a setback. You might recover.
절망하다: To despair. This is the absolute bottom. There is zero hope left. It's even stronger than '좌절'.

실패했다고 해서 절망할 필요는 없습니다.
— Translation: There is no need to despair just because you failed.

If you want to describe the feeling of being "stuck" or "blocked" rather than "defeated," use 난관에 부딪히다 (to hit a snag/obstacle). This is very common in business contexts when a project is delayed but not necessarily dead.

Summary Table

좌절하다: Setback, broken spirit (Heavy)
실망하다: Disappointed (Common)
답답하다: Stifled, minor frustration (Daily)
절망하다: Total despair (Extreme)

When you want to sound more colloquial and describe being discouraged, you can say 기가 죽다 (to lose one's energy/spirit). This is used when someone's confidence is lowered after a mistake or a scolding.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character 折 (jeol) is the same one used in '접다' (to fold) and '부러뜨리다' (to break). It implies a physical snap, which is why the word feels so much heavier than just being 'sad'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /t͡ɕwa.d͡ʑʌl.ɦa.da/

US /t͡ʃwɑ.dʒʌl.hɑ.dɑ/

In Korean, stress is generally equal across syllables, but a slight emphasis on 'jwa' is common.

Reimt sich auf

조절하다 (jojeol-hada - to adjust) 거절하다 (geojeol-hada - to refuse) 청결하다 (cheonggyeol-hada - to be clean) 연결하다 (yeonggyeol-hada - to connect) 판결하다 (panggyeol-hada - to judge) 해결하다 (haegyeol-hada - to solve) 집결하다 (jipgyeol-hada - to assemble) 완결하다 (wanggyeol-hada - to complete)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'jwa' as two syllables 'ju-a'. It should be one fluid sound.
Making the 'l' in 'jeol' too heavy (like a dark English L).
Pronouncing the 'h' in 'hada' too strongly; it often softens between vowels.
Mixing up the vowel 'eo' (ㅓ) in 'jeol' with 'o' (ㅗ).
Failing to aspirate the 'j' sound slightly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Common in news and literature, but Hanja roots make it slightly formal.

Schreiben 4/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding too dramatic or using the wrong passive/active form.

Sprechen 3/5

Common in serious conversations, but learners often over-use it.

Hören 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the 'jwa' sound.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

슬프다 힘들다 실패 마음 안 되다

Als Nächstes lernen

극복하다 절망하다 낙담하다 재기하다 인내하다

Fortgeschritten

상실감 무력감 회의감 자괴감

Wichtige Grammatik

Passive form -되다

계획이 좌절되다 (The plan is thwarted).

Causative form -시키다

그는 나를 좌절시켰다 (He frustrated me).

Noun + -감 (feeling of...)

좌절감을 느끼다 (To feel a sense of frustration).

Negative imperative -지 마세요

좌절하지 마세요 (Don't be discouraged).

Reason/Cause particle -에

실패에 좌절하다 (To be frustrated by failure).

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Beispiele nach Niveau

저는 시험에 떨어져서 좌절했어요.

I failed the exam and felt defeated.

좌절했어요 is the past tense of 좌절하다.

작은 일에 좌절하지 마세요.

Don't be discouraged by small things.

-지 마세요 is the negative imperative (don't).

제 꿈은 좌절되었어요.

My dream was thwarted.

좌절되었어요 is the passive form.

그는 슬퍼서 좌절하고 있어요.

He is sad and feeling defeated.

-고 있어요 indicates a continuous action/state.

우리는 좌절하지 않아요.

We don't get discouraged.

-지 않아요 is the standard negative form.

실패는 좌절을 줍니다.

Failure gives (causes) frustration.

좌절 is the noun form here.

친구가 좌절해서 위로해줬어요.

My friend was defeated, so I comforted them.

위로해주다 means to give comfort.

너무 좌절하지 마, 괜찮아.

Don't be too discouraged, it's okay.

Informal (반말) version of the imperative.

취업이 안 돼서 좌절하는 청년들이 많아요.

There are many young people frustrated because they can't find jobs.

취업이 안 되다 means failing to get a job.

계획이 좌절되어 속상해요.

I'm upset because my plan was thwarted.

속상하다 is a common word for feeling upset/distressed.

그 선수는 부상 때문에 좌절했어요.

That athlete was defeated because of an injury.

부상 means injury.

어려운 수학 문제에 좌절하지 마세요.

Don't be discouraged by difficult math problems.

~에 indicates the cause of the frustration.

그녀는 첫 실패에 좌절하지 않았어요.

She wasn't discouraged by her first failure.

첫 means first.

인생에는 좌절할 때도 있어요.

There are times in life when you feel defeated.

-을 때 means 'when' or 'at the time'.

우리는 좌절을 딛고 일어섰습니다.

We overcame the frustration and stood up.

딛고 일어서다 is a common idiom for 'overcoming'.

돈이 없어서 꿈이 좌절되었어요.

My dream was thwarted because I didn't have money.

-어서 indicates cause/reason.

그는 계속되는 거절에 깊은 좌절감을 느꼈다.

He felt a deep sense of frustration at the continuous rejections.

좌절감 means 'feeling of frustration'.

정부의 새로운 정책이 시민들의 반대로 좌절되었다.

The government's new policy was thwarted by citizen opposition.

반대 means opposition.

실패를 좌절의 기회가 아닌 배움의 기회로 삼으세요.

Take failure as an opportunity to learn, not as an opportunity for frustration.

~로 삼다 means 'to consider/treat as'.

많은 예술가들이 가난 때문에 좌절하곤 합니다.

Many artists often get discouraged because of poverty.

-곤 하다 indicates a habitual action.

부모님의 기대에 미치지 못해 좌절했어요.

I was frustrated because I couldn't meet my parents' expectations.

기대에 미치다 means to meet expectations.

그의 도전은 비록 좌절되었지만 가치가 있었다.

Although his challenge was thwarted, it was valuable.

비록 ~지만 means 'although'.

우리는 서로를 응원하며 좌절을 이겨냈습니다.

We cheered each other on and overcame the frustration.

이겨내다 means to overcome.

쉽게 좌절하지 않는 끈기가 필요합니다.

You need persistence that doesn't get discouraged easily.

끈기 means persistence/tenacity.

경제 위기로 인해 많은 자영업자들의 꿈이 좌절되고 있다.

Due to the economic crisis, the dreams of many small business owners are being thwarted.

-로 인해 means 'due to' or 'because of'.

현실과 이상의 괴리는 우리를 좌절하게 만든다.

The gap between reality and ideals makes us feel frustrated.

괴리 means gap or discrepancy.

감독은 전술의 실패로 승리의 기회가 좌절되자 망연자실했다.

The coach was devastated when the chance of victory was thwarted by the failure of tactics.

망연자실하다 means to be stupefied/devastated.

좌절은 성장을 위한 밑거름이 될 수 있습니다.

Frustration can be the foundation (manure) for growth.

밑거름 literally means 'foundation manure'.

그녀는 불의의 사고로 발레리나의 꿈이 좌절되는 아픔을 겪었다.

She suffered the pain of her dream of becoming a ballerina being thwarted by an unexpected accident.

불의의 사고 means an unexpected accident.

사회의 차별은 소수자들에게 끊임없는 좌절을 안겨준다.

Social discrimination brings constant frustration to minorities.

안겨주다 means to give/inflict (usually something heavy).

그는 자신의 한계를 깨닫고 잠시 좌절에 빠졌다.

He realized his limitations and fell into frustration for a while.

좌절에 빠지다 means 'to fall into frustration'.

역경은 우리를 좌절시킬 수도, 강하게 만들 수도 있다.

Adversity can either thwart us or make us stronger.

좌절시키다 is the causative form.

작가는 근대화 과정에서 소외된 인간의 좌절을 심도 있게 묘사했다.

The author deeply depicted the frustration of humans marginalized in the process of modernization.

심도 있게 means 'in depth'.

그의 정치적 야망은 당내 경선에서의 패배로 인해 좌절의 쓴잔을 마셔야 했다.

His political ambition had to drink the bitter cup of defeat due to the loss in the party primary.

좌절의 쓴잔을 마시다 is a metaphorical expression (drink the bitter cup).

지속적인 연구 실패에도 불구하고 그는 결코 좌절하는 법이 없었다.

Despite continuous research failures, he never once got discouraged.

-는 법이 없다 means 'never does/is never the case'.

인간은 때로 거대한 운명 앞에서 좌절할 수밖에 없는 존재이다.

Humans are beings who sometimes have no choice but to be defeated in the face of a vast fate.

-을 수밖에 없다 means 'to have no choice but to'.

개혁안이 기득권의 저항에 부딪혀 좌절된 것은 뼈아픈 실책이었다.

It was a painful mistake that the reform proposal was thwarted by the resistance of the vested interests.

뼈아픈 means 'bone-aching' (very painful).

그는 좌절의 끝에서 비로소 새로운 희망을 발견했다.

He finally discovered new hope at the end of frustration.

비로소 means 'finally' or 'for the first time'.

청년들의 좌절을 방치하는 사회는 미래가 어둡다.

A society that neglects the frustration of its youth has a dark future.

방치하다 means to neglect or leave alone.

그의 음악에는 삶의 고뇌와 좌절, 그리고 그것을 넘어서려는 의지가 담겨 있다.

His music contains the agony and frustration of life, and the will to overcome them.

담겨 있다 means 'to be contained/embodied'.

니체는 허무주의라는 거대한 좌절 속에서 초인 사상을 정립하고자 했다.

Nietzsche sought to establish the idea of the Übermensch amidst the massive frustration of nihilism.

정립하다 means to establish (a theory or system).

역사적 트라우마와 집단적 좌절은 한 민족의 정체성 형성에 지대한 영향을 미친다.

Historical trauma and collective frustration have a profound impact on the formation of a nation's identity.

지대한 영향을 미치다 means to have a profound impact.

인간의 유한성에 대한 자각은 필연적으로 실존적 좌절을 수반한다.

Awareness of human finitude inevitably entails existential frustration.

수반하다 means to entail or accompany.

혁명의 좌절은 종종 더 가혹한 탄압과 반동의 시대를 불러온다.

The thwarting of a revolution often brings about an era of harsher oppression and reaction.

반동 means reaction (in a political sense).

그의 문학적 성취는 역설적이게도 삶의 끊임없는 좌절과 결핍에서 기인했다.

Paradoxically, his literary achievements originated from the constant frustration and deficiency of his life.

기인하다 means to originate from.

과학적 패러다임의 전환은 기존 이론의 좌절과 한계 노출에서 시작된다.

A shift in scientific paradigm begins with the frustration of existing theories and the exposure of their limitations.

노출 means exposure.

그는 절대 고독 속에서 인간 존재의 근원적 좌절을 마주했다.

In absolute solitude, he faced the fundamental frustration of human existence.

근원적 means fundamental/root.

권력의 좌절은 때로 대중의 해방으로 이어지기도 한다.

The thwarting of power sometimes leads to the liberation of the masses.

-로 이어지다 means 'to lead to'.

Häufige Kollokationen

꿈이 좌절되다

현실에 좌절하다

깊은 좌절감

좌절을 딛고

좌절을 맛보다

계획이 좌절되다

쉽게 좌절하다

좌절에 빠지다

좌절을 안겨주다

도전이 좌절되다

Häufige Phrasen

좌절 금지

— Literally 'Frustration Prohibited'. A common motivational phrase often seen in memes or posters.

오늘도 힘내세요! 좌절 금지!

좌절하지 마세요

— Don't be discouraged. A standard way to offer support to someone in trouble.

아직 기회는 많으니 너무 좌절하지 마세요.

좌절을 경험하다

— To experience frustration/setback. A neutral way to describe going through a hard time.

누구나 살면서 한 번쯤은 좌절을 경험합니다.

뜻밖의 좌절

— An unexpected setback. Used when something goes wrong suddenly.

뜻밖의 좌절에도 그는 포기하지 않았다.

좌절의 연속

— A series of frustrations. Used when things keep going wrong one after another.

그의 삶은 좌절의 연속이었다.

좌절을 극복하다

— To overcome frustration. A very positive and common collocation.

좌절을 극복하는 과정이 중요합니다.

심각한 좌절

— Serious frustration/setback. Used for major life events.

그는 이번 일로 심각한 좌절을 겪었다.

좌절을 초래하다

— To cause frustration/failure. A formal way to describe the result of an action.

부주의한 행동이 결국 사업의 좌절을 초래했다.

좌절의 그림자

— The shadow of frustration. A literary expression for lingering sadness or defeat.

그의 얼굴에 좌절의 그림자가 드리워졌다.

좌절을 딛고 일어서다

— To step on frustration and stand up. A standard metaphor for resilience.

우리는 좌절을 딛고 일어서야 합니다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

좌절하다 vs 실망하다

Disappointment vs. Defeat. 실망 is for missed expectations; 좌절 is for broken spirits.

좌절하다 vs 답답하다

Stifled vs. Defeated. 답답 is for minor 'stuck' feelings; 좌절 is for major life setbacks.

좌절하다 vs 포기하다

Giving up vs. Feeling defeated. 좌절 is the emotion; 포기 is the action.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"쓴잔을 마시다"

— To drink a bitter cup. Metaphorically means to experience a bitter defeat or frustration.

그는 선거에서 패배하여 좌절의 쓴잔을 마셨다.

Literary/Formal

"무릎을 꿇다"

— To kneel down. Often used when someone yields to frustration or defeat.

그는 끝내 현실 앞에 무릎을 꿇고 좌절했다.

Dramatic

"고배를 마시다"

— To drink from a bitter cup (Hanja: 苦杯). Very similar to 쓴잔을 마시다.

우리 팀은 결승전에서 고배를 마시며 좌절했다.

Sports/Formal

"날개가 꺾이다"

— One's wings are broken. Used when someone's high ambitions are thwarted.

천재 소년은 사고로 날개가 꺾인 채 좌절했다.

Metaphorical

"벽에 부딪히다"

— To hit a wall. Used when one encounters an insurmountable obstacle.

열심히 했지만 결국 현실의 벽에 부딪혀 좌절했다.

Common

"찬물을 끼얹다"

— To throw cold water. Used when someone's hopes or excitement are suddenly dampened.

그의 발언은 축제 분위기에 찬물을 끼얹으며 계획을 좌절시켰다.

Common

"산 넘어 산"

— Mountain after mountain. Used when frustrations keep coming.

일이 계속 꼬이니 정말 산 넘어 산이라 좌절감이 든다.

Common

"낙동강 오리알"

— An egg of a Nakdong River duck. Used when someone is left behind or their plans are isolated and thwarted.

동료들이 떠나고 그는 좌절한 채 낙동강 오리알 신세가 되었다.

Colloquial

"앞길이 막히다"

— One's path ahead is blocked. Used when future prospects are thwarted.

비리 사건으로 그의 앞길이 막히고 좌절하게 되었다.

Common

"종지부를 찍다"

— To put a period (end) to something. Often used when a project is finally thwarted.

자금 부족이 결국 그 사업에 좌절의 종지부를 찍었다.

Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

좌절하다 vs 조절하다

Similar pronunciation.

조절하다 means to adjust or control, while 좌절하다 means to be frustrated/defeated.

온도를 조절하세요 (Adjust the temperature) vs. 실패에 좌절하지 마세요 (Don't be defeated by failure).

좌절하다 vs 거절하다

Similar ending and Hanja-based structure.

거절하다 means to refuse or reject an offer.

제안을 거절했어요 (I rejected the offer).

좌절하다 vs 단절하다

Similar 'jeol' ending.

단절하다 means to cut off or sever (e.g., a relationship or communication).

연락을 단절했어요 (I cut off contact).

좌절하다 vs 품절되다

Commonly heard in shopping.

품절되다 means to be out of stock.

그 물건은 품절되었어요 (That item is out of stock).

좌절하다 vs 절망하다

Synonyms in meaning.

절망하다 (despair) is much stronger and implies a total loss of hope compared to 좌절하다.

그는 절망적인 상황에 처했다 (He was in a desperate situation).

Satzmuster

[Noun] 때문에 좌절했어요.

시험 때문에 좌절했어요.

[Noun]에 좌절하지 마세요.

실패에 좌절하지 마세요.

[Noun]이/가 좌절되고 말았다.

꿈이 좌절되고 말았다.

[Noun]은/는 좌절의 기회이다.

실패는 좌절의 기회이다.

깊은 좌절감을 느끼다.

그녀는 깊은 좌절감을 느꼈다.

좌절을 딛고 일어서다.

우리는 좌절을 딛고 일어섰다.

좌절의 쓴잔을 마시다.

그는 좌절의 쓴잔을 마셔야 했다.

좌절을 성장의 밑거름으로 삼다.

좌절을 성장의 밑거름으로 삼으세요.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

좌절 (Frustration/Setback)

좌절감 (Feeling of frustration)

좌절자 (A person who is frustrated - rare)

Verben

좌절하다 (To be frustrated/defeated)

좌절되다 (To be thwarted/failed - passive)

좌절시키다 (To frustrate/thwart someone else)

Verwandt

실패 (Failure)

낙담 (Discouragement)

절망 (Despair)

극복 (Overcoming)

재기 (Recovery/Comeback)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High in news, literature, and serious personal discussions; low in casual daily gossip.

Häufige Fehler

Using it for small annoyances. → 인터넷이 느려서 답답해요.
좌절하다 is for major life events, not slow internet. Use 답답하다 for minor frustrations.
Saying '나의 꿈이 좌절했어'. → 나의 꿈이 좌절되었어.
Inanimate objects like 'dreams' cannot feel frustration. They must use the passive '좌절되다'.
Confusing with '실망하다'. → 결과에 좌절했어요. (If it's life-altering) / 결과에 실망했어요. (If it's just a letdown)
실망 is for disappointment; 좌절 is for feeling defeated/broken.
Using '좌절' with positive verbs like '좋다'. → 좌절을 겪는 것은 힘들어요.
좌절 is a heavy, negative state. It doesn't pair with words like 'happy' or 'good' unless discussing growth.
Pronouncing 'jwa' as 'ju-a'. → 좌 (One syllable)
Korean diphthongs like 'wa' are pronounced as one syllable. 'Ju-a' sounds like two separate words.

Tipps

Drama Level

Only use '좌절하다' for things that are truly 'soul-crushing'. Using it for a bad cup of coffee sounds like you're in a soap opera.

Passive vs Active

Remember: People '좌절하다', but Plans '좌절되다'. This is the most common mistake for intermediate learners.

The N-Po Generation

Knowing this word helps you understand Korean news about the economy and youth issues, as it's the primary word used for their struggles.

Pronunciation

Keep the 'jwa' short and sharp. If you stretch it out, it sounds unnatural. It should rhyme with 'hwa' (anger).

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound more academic, use '낙담' or '절망'. If you want to sound everyday-frustrated, use '답답'.

Antonym Pairing

Always learn '극복하다' (overcome) alongside '좌절하다'. They are two sides of the same coin in Korean storytelling.

News Context

When you hear '좌절' on the news, look for the particle '에' or '로 인해' to find out what caused the failure.

Metaphors

In essays, use '좌절의 쓴맛' (the bitter taste of frustration) to add a literary touch to your writing.

Empathy

Using this word when a friend tells you about a major failure shows you truly understand the gravity of their situation.

Hanja Power

Remember 挫 (jwa - break). If you see this character in other words, they likely relate to breaking or discouragement.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'JWA' (Jaw) that 'JEOL' (Just) broke. When your jaw is broken, you can't eat or talk—you feel completely defeated and frustrated.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a tall, sturdy tree (your dream) being snapped in half by a strong wind (reality). That snap is '좌절'.

Word Web

실패 (Failure) 꿈 (Dream) 현실 (Reality) 눈물 (Tears) 포기 (Giving up) 다시 (Again) 극복 (Overcoming) 희망 (Hope)

Herausforderung

Write three sentences about a time you felt '좌절했다' but then used the word '극복하다' to describe how you got over it.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Hanja characters 挫 (jwa) and 折 (jeol).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 挫 means to break, crush, or be discouraged. 折 means to break, snap, or bend. Literally, it means 'to be broken and snapped'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Kultureller Kontext

When someone says they are '좌절했다', it is a serious emotional cry for help or deep venting. Do not dismiss it lightly.

English speakers often use 'frustrated' for small things. In Korean, using '좌절하다' for small things sounds like a Shakespearean tragedy. Be careful with the scale.

The song 'Bravo, My Life!' by Bom Yeoreum Gaeul Kyeoul mentions overcoming life's frustrations. The webtoon/drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) frequently explores the '좌절' of office workers. The 'N-po Generation' social phenomenon is defined by systemic '좌절'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Education

입시 실패에 좌절하다
성적이 떨어져 좌절하다
유학 계획이 좌절되다
좌절을 딛고 공부하다

Career

승진이 누락되어 좌절하다
프로젝트가 좌절되다
해고 통보에 좌절하다
좌절감을 주는 상사

Sports

우승 꿈이 좌절되다
부상으로 좌절하다
패배의 좌절을 맛보다
좌절을 이겨낸 역전승

Relationships

실연의 아픔에 좌절하다
짝사랑에 좌절하다
관계의 좌절을 느끼다
좌절된 사랑

Society

사회적 차별에 좌절하다
빈부격차에 좌절하다
좌절된 민주화 운동
청년들의 좌절

Gesprächseinstiege

"인생에서 가장 크게 좌절했던 적이 언제예요? (When was the time you felt most defeated in life?)"

"좌절감을 느낄 때 어떻게 극복하는 편인가요? (How do you usually overcome feelings of frustration?)"

"요즘 한국 청년들이 왜 좌절한다고 생각하세요? (Why do you think Korean youth feel frustrated these days?)"

"좌절이 꼭 나쁜 것이라고 생각하시나요? (Do you think frustration is necessarily a bad thing?)"

"친구의 계획이 좌절되었을 때 어떻게 위로해주면 좋을까요? (How should you comfort a friend when their plan is thwarted?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 나를 좌절하게 만든 일이 있었나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (Was there anything that made you feel defeated today? What was the reason?)

내가 만약 큰 좌절을 겪는다면, 나에게 가장 해주고 싶은 말은? (If I experience a big setback, what is the one thing I want to say to myself?)

과거의 좌절이 나를 어떻게 더 강하게 만들었는지 써보세요. (Write about how past frustrations made you stronger.)

성공보다 좌절에서 더 많은 것을 배울 수 있다는 말에 동의하나요? (Do you agree that you can learn more from frustration than from success?)

내가 생각하는 '좌절 없는 삶'이란 어떤 모습인가요? (What does a 'life without frustration' look like to me?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, that's too trivial. Use '답답하다' or just '짜증나다'. '좌절하다' is for life-changing failures or deep emotional setbacks.

'좌절하다' is active; a person feels frustrated. '좌절되다' is passive; a plan, dream, or project is thwarted by something.

Yes, '좌절' is the noun form meaning 'frustration' or 'setback'. You can say '좌절을 겪다' (experience a setback).

Yes, very often. It describes projects failing or negotiations being thwarted (e.g., '협상이 좌절되었다').

Not necessarily. It describes the feeling of defeat, but many people '좌절을 극복하다' (overcome frustration) and keep going.

'좌절하지 마세요' is the most common and appropriate way to say this.

People often use '멘붕' (mental breakdown) or '망했다' (I'm screwed) for similar but more casual feelings.

Yes, a sports team can '좌절하다' after a loss, or their '우승 꿈이 좌절되다' (dream of winning was thwarted).

It is the noun for 'the feeling of frustration'. It's very common to say '좌절감을 느끼다'.

It is inherently negative as it describes failure, but it's often used in positive contexts about overcoming it.

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