분개하다 in 30 Sekunden
- A formal verb meaning 'to be indignant' or 'outraged' by injustice.
- Used for moral or principled anger, not minor personal annoyances.
- Commonly paired with the particle '-에' to indicate the cause of anger.
- Frequently found in news, literature, and formal social discussions.
The Korean verb 분개하다 (憤慨--) is a powerful term used to describe a specific type of anger: indignation. Unlike simple anger (화), which can be personal, petty, or fleeting, 분개하다 carries a heavy weight of moral judgment. It is the feeling of being outraged by something that is fundamentally unfair, unjust, or morally wrong. Imagine a situation where a large corporation exploits its workers, or a politician is caught in a blatant lie that harms the public; the emotion felt by the observers is not just 'madness,' it is indignation.
- The Core Nuance
- This word implies that the speaker has a reason for their anger. It is 'righteous anger.' You aren't just angry because you lost your keys; you are indignant because someone stole them and the police refused to help. It suggests a reaction to a violation of social or ethical norms.
- Social Context
- In Korean society, where collective harmony and fairness are highly valued, 분개하다 is often used in the news, literature, and formal debates. It highlights a person's character as someone who cares about justice. When you say you are indignant, you are signaling that you possess a moral compass.
시민들은 정부의 불공정한 결정에 분개하며 거리로 나섰다.
To use this word correctly, one must understand that it is rarely used in casual, everyday domestic squabbles. If a child takes their sibling's toy, the sibling might be '화가 나다' (angry), but they wouldn't typically be '분개하다' unless the theft represented a larger betrayal of trust or a systemic injustice within the family. It is a word of high register, often found in newspapers reporting on '갑질' (abuse of power) or international human rights violations.
그녀는 동료의 부당한 해고 소식에 진심으로 분개했다.
- Grammatical Usage
- It is most commonly used with the particle '~에' (at/to). For example, '불의에 분개하다' (to be indignant at injustice). It can also be used with '~에 대해' (about). Because it is a '하다' verb, it is easy to conjugate into various forms like 분개하고, 분개해서, or 분개하는.
In summary, 분개하다 is your go-to word when you want to express a deep, principled anger. It is not just about feeling bad; it is about standing up for what is right. It is a word that connects your personal feelings to universal values of fairness and justice.
그의 무책임한 태도에 모두가 분개하고 있습니다.
Mastering the use of 분개하다 requires understanding its typical sentence structures and the contexts that trigger its use. As a verb that describes an emotional state resulting from an external cause, it almost always follows a 'cause' marked by the particle -에.
- The ~에 분개하다 Pattern
- This is the most standard construction. The noun preceding '~에' is the object of your indignation.
Example: 차별에 분개하다 (To be indignant at discrimination). Here, 'discrimination' is the moral wrong that sparks the emotion. - Using with Clause Connectors
- When you want to explain why you are indignant using a full action, you use the form -는 것에 분개하다 or -음에 분개하다.
Example: 그가 거짓말을 하는 것에 분개했다 (I was indignant at the fact that he was lying).
많은 사람들이 그 뉴스의 잔인함에 분개하며 댓글을 달았다.
One important distinction is that 분개하다 is an active verb describing the state of feeling indignation, but it can also be used as a modifier. For instance, 분개한 군중 (an indignant crowd) uses the past determiner form to describe the people themselves. This is common in journalistic writing where the mood of a group needs to be established quickly.
그녀는 자신의 노력이 무시당한 것에 대해 깊이 분개하고 있었다.
In formal settings, you might see it paired with adverbs like '격렬히' (violently/fiercely) or '치밀어 오르는' (surging). For example, 격렬히 분개하다 emphasizes the intensity of the outrage. This is often used when describing public reactions to major scandals or historical injustices.
- Common Objects of Indignation
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- 부조리 (Irrationality/Injustice): 사회적 부조리에 분개하다.
- 배신 (Betrayal): 친구의 배신에 분개하다.
- 불평등 (Inequality): 경제적 불평등에 분개하다.
역사 왜곡 문제에 분개하지 않을 수 없었다.
If you are watching a Korean drama, you might hear a character say 분개하다 during a climactic scene involving a legal battle or a corporate takeover. However, its most natural home is in news broadcasting and print media. Because it conveys a sense of seriousness and moral weight, it is the preferred term for news anchors describing public sentiment.
- In the News
- When a report covers a crime that has shocked the nation, the anchor will often say, "전 국민이 이 사건에 분개하고 있습니다" (The whole nation is indignant at this incident). It elevates the anger from a simple emotion to a collective social stance.
- In Literature and Essays
- Writers use 분개하다 to describe a character's internal struggle with the world's flaws. It is a 'literary' word that suggests the character is thoughtful and has high standards for humanity. You will find it in historical novels where characters react to the loss of national sovereignty or social class oppression.
"어떻게 그런 일이 일어날 수 있죠? 정말 분개스럽네요."
You will also hear this word in educational settings, particularly in history or ethics classes. Teachers use it to describe the reactions of historical figures to injustice. For example, the Korean independence activists are often described as being 분개하여 (feeling indignant) and thus taking action against colonial rule.
피해자 가족들은 가해자의 뻔뻔한 태도에 분개했습니다.
Lastly, in formal speeches or protest rallies, speakers use this word to unify the audience. It acts as a call to action. By saying "우리는 이 현실에 분개해야 합니다" (We must be indignant at this reality), the speaker is telling the audience that their anger is justified and necessary for change.
- Frequency
- While not a word you'll use to order coffee, you will encounter it daily if you read the news or watch documentaries. It is a staple of 'Standard Korean' (표준어) in professional contexts.
While 분개하다 is a straightforward verb, its specific nuance means it can be easily misused by learners who treat it as a direct synonym for 'to be angry'. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
- 1. Overusing it in Casual Situations
- If your friend eats your lunch, saying "나는 네가 내 점심을 먹어서 분개해" sounds incredibly dramatic and stiff. It’s like saying "I am filled with righteous indignation because thou hast consumed my sandwich." Stick to '화나다' or '짜증나다' for personal, minor inconveniences.
- 2. Confusing '분개하다' with '분하다'
- This is a very common mistake. 분하다 (憤--) means to be vexed, frustrated, or bitter about a loss or a missed opportunity. 분개하다 is about moral outrage. If you lose a game and feel bad, you are '분하다'. If the referee cheated and you are mad about the unfairness, you are '분개하다'.
Wrong: 게임에서 져서 분개했다. (Too strong/wrong context)
Right: 부당한 판정에 분개했다. (Correct context)
Another mistake involves the subject of the verb. While anyone can feel indignation, 분개하다 usually describes a human subject. You wouldn't typically say an animal '분개하다' because the word implies a rational moral judgment that animals are generally not perceived to have in linguistic terms.
- 3. Incorrect Particle Usage
- Learners sometimes use the object particle -를/을 with 분개하다. However, since it is an intransitive verb of emotion, the cause of the emotion should be marked with -에.
Wrong: 불공평을 분개하다.
Right: 불공평에 분개하다.
Finally, remember that 분개하다 is the verb, but 분개 (noun) is also used. You can say '분개를 느끼다' (to feel indignation) or '분개를 터뜨리다' (to burst out with indignation). Don't mix up the noun and verb forms in your sentence structure.
To truly master 분개하다, you should know how it compares to other Korean words for anger. Korean has a rich vocabulary for emotions, each with a slightly different 'flavor'.
- 분개하다 vs. 화나다
- 화나다 is the general, everyday term for being angry. It covers everything from being annoyed to being furious. 분개하다 is a subset of '화나다' that is specifically reserved for indignation and moral outrage. You can be '화나다' because it's raining, but you can only be '분개하다' if the rain is somehow an injustice.
- 분개하다 vs. 격분하다 (激憤--)
- 격분하다 is the 'extreme' version of 분개하다. The '격' (激) means fierce or violent. While 분개하다 can be a quiet, simmering indignation, 격분하다 implies an explosive, intense rage. If someone is '격분', they might be shouting or acting out physically.
- 분개하다 vs. 분해하다 (憤解--)
- 분해하다 (not to be confused with 'to disassemble') means to feel vexed or resentful because something didn't go your way or you were treated slightly unfairly. It is more personal and less 'moral' than 분개하다. It often involves a sense of regret or '억울함' (feeling wronged).
Comparison Chart:
1. 화나다: General anger (Neutral)
2. 분개하다: Moral indignation (Formal/Serious)
3. 격분하다: Intense rage (Very strong)
4. 분하다: Vexation/Bitterness (Personal/Emotional)
When choosing which word to use, ask yourself: "Is this anger about a principle?" If yes, 분개하다 is likely the right choice. If it's just about your own feelings or a bad day, stick to the simpler terms.
Beispiele nach Niveau
그는 나쁜 일에 분개해요.
He is indignant at bad things.
Simple present tense with particle -에.
우리는 그 소식에 분개했어요.
We were indignant at the news.
Past tense -했어요.
정말 분개해요!
I'm really indignant!
Expressing a strong feeling.
아이들이 불공평함에 분개해요.
Children are indignant at unfairness.
Noun + -에 + verb.
그녀는 분개하고 있어요.
She is feeling indignant.
Present progressive -고 있어요.
거짓말은 사람들을 분개하게 해요.
Lies make people indignant.
-하게 하다 (to make someone...).
분개하지 마세요.
Don't be indignant.
Negative command -지 마세요.
그는 분개해서 울었어요.
He cried because he was indignant.
Reason connector -어서.
부당한 벌금에 분개했습니다.
I was indignant at the unfair fine.
Formal past tense -았습니다.
친구의 배신에 분개하지 않을 수 없었다.
I couldn't help but be indignant at my friend's betrayal.
-지 않을 수 없었다 (could not help but...).
시민들은 물가 상승에 분개하고 있다.
Citizens are indignant at the rising prices.
Subject marker -들은 and progressive -고 있다.
그는 자신의 실수보다 남의 비난에 분개했다.
He was more indignant at others' criticism than his own mistake.
Comparison -보다.
우리는 차별에 분개해야 합니다.
We must be indignant at discrimination.
Obligation -해야 합니다.
그녀는 무례한 태도에 분개하며 방을 나갔다.
She left the room, feeling indignant at the rude attitude.
Simultaneous action -하며.
뉴스를 보고 많은 사람들이 분개했다.
Many people were indignant after watching the news.
Sequence connector -고.
그의 거짓말에 모두가 분개하고 말았다.
Everyone ended up being indignant at his lie.
Resulting state -고 말았다.
사회적 부조리에 분개하는 청년들이 많다.
There are many young people who are indignant at social irrationality.
Noun-modifying form -하는.
그는 회사의 불투명한 운영 방식에 분개했다.
He was indignant at the company's non-transparent management.
Adjective + noun structure.
정의롭지 못한 판결에 국민들이 분개했다.
The public was indignant at the unjust verdict.
Modifier -지 못한 (unjust/not righteous).
그녀는 약자를 괴롭히는 행동에 분개한다.
She is indignant at the act of bullying the weak.
Noun-modifying clause -는 행동.
우리는 환경 파괴의 심각성에 분개해야 한다.
We must be indignant at the seriousness of environmental destruction.
Noun of quality -성 (seriousness).
그 사건은 온 사회를 분개하게 만들었다.
That incident made the whole society indignant.
Causative structure -하게 만들다.
그는 친구가 자신을 이용했다는 사실에 분개했다.
He was indignant at the fact that his friend used him.
Appositive clause -는 사실에.
부당한 대우를 받고도 분개하지 않는 것이 이상하다.
It is strange not to be indignant even after being treated unfairly.
Even if -고도 and nominalization -는 것.
역사 왜곡 시도에 대해 강력히 분개하는 바이다.
I strongly feel indignant about the attempts to distort history.
Formal ending -하는 바이다.
그의 뻔뻔한 변명은 대중을 더욱 분개하게 했다.
His brazen excuses made the public even more indignant.
Adverb 더욱 (even more).
인권 침해 사례를 접할 때마다 우리는 분개한다.
Every time we encounter cases of human rights violations, we feel indignant.
Whenever -을 때마다.
그는 권력의 남용에 분개하며 개혁을 외쳤다.
He shouted for reform, feeling indignant at the abuse of power.
Noun of action -남용 (abuse).
공정하지 못한 경쟁 사회에 분개하는 목소리가 높다.
Voices of indignation against an unfair competitive society are loud.
Idiomatic expression 목소리가 높다 (voices are loud/strong).
그녀는 동료가 공을 가로채는 것에 깊이 분개했다.
She was deeply indignant at her colleague taking all the credit.
Adverb 깊이 (deeply).
모두가 침묵할 때 그는 홀로 분개하며 진실을 밝혔다.
While everyone was silent, he alone felt indignant and revealed the truth.
Contrastive connector -ㄹ 때.
이런 비상식적인 상황에 분개하지 않을 사람이 어디 있겠는가?
Where is the person who would not be indignant at such an irrational situation?
Rhetorical question -겠는가?
기득권층의 부패에 분개한 민심이 선거 결과로 나타났다.
The public sentiment, indignant at the corruption of the establishment, was reflected in the election results.
Complex subject with a modifier.
그는 시대의 어둠에 분개하며 펜을 들었다.
He picked up his pen, feeling indignant at the darkness of the times.
Metaphorical usage (darkness of times).
법의 잣대가 사람마다 다르다는 점에 국민들은 분개한다.
The public is indignant that the standard of the law differs from person to person.
Clause -는 점에 (at the point/fact that).
그 소설은 사회적 약자의 고통에 분개하는 작가의 시선을 담고 있다.
The novel contains the author's perspective of being indignant at the suffering of the socially marginalized.
Complex noun phrase.
그녀는 위선적인 정치인들의 행태에 치밀어 오르는 분개를 느꼈다.
She felt a surging indignation at the behavior of hypocritical politicians.
Idiomatic verb 치밀어 오르다 (to surge up).
우리는 타인의 불행을 이용하는 비겁함에 분개해야 마땅하다.
It is only right that we should be indignant at the cowardice of using others' misfortunes.
-해야 마땅하다 (it is only right/proper to...).
언론의 편향된 보도에 분개한 시청자들이 항의 방문을 했다.
Viewers, indignant at the media's biased reporting, made a protest visit.
Compound noun 항의 방문 (protest visit).
그는 자신의 신념이 짓밟힌 것에 대해 격렬히 분개했다.
He was fiercely indignant that his beliefs were trampled upon.
Passive form 짓밟히다 (to be trampled).
인간의 존엄성을 훼손하는 어떠한 권력에도 우리는 분개할 권리가 있다.
We have the right to be indignant at any power that undermines human dignity.
Complex relative clause.
그의 문체에는 부조리한 현실에 대한 서슬 퍼런 분개가 서려 있다.
His writing style is imbued with a sharp, chilling indignation toward the irrational reality.
Advanced idiom 서슬 퍼렇다 (razor-sharp/chilling).
지식인이라면 마땅히 시대의 아픔에 분개하고 목소리를 내야 한다.
If one is an intellectual, they should naturally be indignant at the pain of the times and speak out.
Conditional -라면 and adverb 마땅히.
그는 구조적 모순에 분개하면서도 동시에 무력감을 느꼈다.
While he was indignant at the structural contradictions, he simultaneously felt a sense of helplessness.
Concessive connector -면서도.
대중의 분개는 때로 역사의 물줄기를 바꾸는 강력한 동력이 된다.
Public indignation sometimes becomes a powerful driving force that changes the course of history.
Metaphorical expression 물줄기를 바꾸다.
비윤리적인 실험 결과에 학계 전체가 분개하며 성명서를 발표했다.
The entire academic community was indignant at the unethical experimental results and issued a statement.
Formal noun 성명서 (statement/manifesto).
그녀는 침묵하는 다수가 사실상 불의에 동조하는 것이라며 분개했다.
She was indignant, saying that the silent majority was effectively siding with injustice.
Indirect quotation -라며.
제국주의의 잔재에 분개하는 마음이 독립운동의 근간이 되었다.
The heart of indignation toward the remnants of imperialism became the foundation of the independence movement.
Abstract noun 근간 (foundation/root).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Cannot help but feel indignation. Used in very formal contexts.
그 소식을 듣고 분개를 금치 못했습니다.
— To incur someone's indignation. Usually used for public figures.
그의 발언은 많은 이들의 분개를 샀다.
— To burst out with indignation.
그는 참았던 분개를 터뜨렸다.
— Something that is worth being indignant about.
그것은 충분히 분개할 만한 일이다.
— A voice mixed with indignation.
그녀는 분개 섞인 목소리로 항의했다.
— To feel indignant internally/secretly.
그는 겉으로는 웃었지만 속으로는 분개하고 있었다.
— To be indignant together (shared outrage).
우리는 그 불행한 사고에 함께 분개했다.
— An indignant heart/feeling.
분개하는 마음을 가라앉히기 힘들었다.
— To be truly/sincerely indignant.
그는 그 사건에 대해 진심으로 분개하고 있다.
— An indignant expressio
Summary
Use '분개하다' when you want to express a serious, righteous anger toward something unfair or morally wrong. For example: '부당한 대우에 분개하다' (To be indignant at unfair treatment).
- A formal verb meaning 'to be indignant' or 'outraged' by injustice.
- Used for moral or principled anger, not minor personal annoyances.
- Commonly paired with the particle '-에' to indicate the cause of anger.
- Frequently found in news, literature, and formal social discussions.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr emotions Wörter
받아들이다
A2Akzeptieren, annehmen, aufnehmen.
아파하다
A2Schmerz oder Kummer empfinden (oft bei Dritten beobachtet).
감탄스럽다
A2Seine Ausdauer während des Marathons war wirklich bewundernswert.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2Bewundern oder staunen; seine Bewunderung für etwas Außergewöhnliches oder Schönes ausdrücken.
기특하다
B1Lobenswert für eine gute Tat oder einen reifen Gedanken.
충고
B1Ratschläge oder Empfehlungen, die im Hinblick auf kluges zukünftiges Handeln angeboten werden; aufrichtiger Rat.
애정
B1Zuneigung; ein sanftes Gefühl der Vorliebe oder des Mögens.
애틋하다
B2Ihre zärtliche und wehmütige Liebe berührte alle.
살갑다
B22
