예민하다
To be very sensitive, quick to notice things, or easily affected by surroundings.
Explanation at your level:
You use this word to say you are sensitive. If you don't like loud noises, you can say 'I am sensitive to noise'. It is a very common way to talk about your feelings and body.
At this level, you can use it to describe people. 'My friend is sensitive.' It helps you explain why someone might be quiet or why they don't like certain foods or weather.
Intermediate learners use it for abstract concepts. 'The situation is sensitive' (상황이 예민하다). It shows you can distinguish between physical sensitivity and emotional or situational delicacy.
Use this to describe 'touchy' subjects. 'We should avoid this topic because it is sensitive.' It adds nuance to your conversation, showing you understand social boundaries.
Advanced users employ this to discuss psychological states or complex social dynamics. It captures the fine line between being observant and being overly reactive or defensive.
At mastery, you see the word in literary contexts describing 'sharp-witted' individuals or 'delicate' artistic sensibilities. It reflects a deep understanding of human temperament.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Means sensitive or delicate.
- Used for senses and personality.
- Can be positive or negative.
- Commonly used in daily life.
Hey there! 예민하다 is a super useful word in Korean. At its core, it means to be sensitive. Think of it like a finely tuned instrument that picks up on the smallest vibration.
You can use it to describe a person who notices tiny details, or someone who gets stressed easily by noise or changes. It is all about how much we react to the world around us!
The word 예민(銳敏) comes from Hanja. 예(銳) means sharp, and 민(敏) means quick or clever. So, literally, it means 'sharp and quick'.
Historically, this word was used to describe someone with sharp senses, like a hunter or a scholar. Over time, it evolved to include emotional states, like being 'touchy' or 'on edge'.
Use 예민하다 when talking about sensory perception or personality. You might say, 'I am sensitive to cold' (추위에 예민하다) or 'He is very sensitive' (그는 예민한 성격이다).
It is a neutral-to-slightly-negative word depending on the context. If you use it for a situation, it means the situation is delicate and needs care.
While it is an adjective, it appears in many phrases. 신경이 예민하다 (nerves are sensitive) means being on edge. 피부가 예민하다 means having sensitive skin.
It is often used when someone is 'stressed out' or 'touchy' about a specific topic. You might hear people say 'Don't be so sensitive' as a warning.
As an adjective, it conjugates like any other Korean descriptive verb. Use the base 예민해 for casual speech or 예민합니다 for formal settings.
Pronunciation is straightforward: ye-min-ha-da. Make sure to keep the 'ye' crisp and clear. It rhymes loosely with 'min-da' (to push).
Fun Fact
The character '예' (銳) depicts a metal weapon, implying sharpness.
Pronunciation Guide
Crisp syllables.
Similar to UK.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'ye'
- Dropping the 'h'
- Slurring the 'da'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Adjective Conjugation
예민하다 -> 예민해요
Particle ~에
추위에 예민하다
Adverbial ~게
예민하게 굴다
Examples by Level
저는 추위에 예민해요.
I / cold / sensitive.
A/V-아요/어요
그는 성격이 예민하다.
소리에 예민한 편이에요.
피부가 아주 예민해요.
이 문제는 예민합니다.
예민하게 굴지 마세요.
예민한 반응을 보였다.
날씨에 예민한 사람.
예민한 감각을 가졌다.
상황이 예민해서 조심해야 해요.
그는 작은 소리에도 예민하다.
예민한 아이를 돌보는 것은 힘들다.
그녀는 예술가답게 예민한 감수성을 가졌다.
예민한 주제는 피하는 게 좋아요.
환절기에는 피부가 예민해진다.
예민한 성격 때문에 스트레스를 받는다.
그의 예민한 지적은 정곡을 찔렀다.
이번 계약은 예민한 사안이라 신중해야 합니다.
그는 자신의 실수에 대해 매우 예민하게 반응했다.
예민한 후각을 가진 요리사.
정치적으로 예민한 시기입니다.
예민한 신경을 건드리지 않도록 주의하세요.
그는 예민한 관찰력을 가지고 있다.
예민한 성격은 때로 장점이 되기도 한다.
예민한 문제에 대해 토론하는 것은 어렵다.
그의 예민한 직관은 항상 옳았다.
예민한 예술적 기질이 엿보인다.
사회적 이슈에 예민하게 반응하는 젊은 층.
예민한 기계 장치를 다룰 때는 조심해야 한다.
그는 타인의 감정에 지나치게 예민하다.
예민한 심리 상태를 반영하는 문학 작품.
예민한 촉각을 이용해 길을 찾는다.
예민한 논쟁의 중심에 서 있다.
예민한 감각의 소유자인 그는 작은 변화도 놓치지 않는다.
그의 예민한 자존심을 건드리는 것은 위험하다.
예민한 균형을 유지하는 것이 이번 프로젝트의 핵심이다.
예민한 미각을 가진 평론가.
그는 시대의 흐름에 예민하게 대응했다.
예민한 신경줄을 팽팽하게 당기는 긴장감.
예민한 도덕적 잣대를 들이대다.
예민한 감수성을 지닌 천재.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"신경을 곤두세우다"
To be on edge/very sensitive.
그는 신경을 곤두세우고 있다.
neutral"촉을 세우다"
To be alert/sensitive.
그는 촉을 세우고 상황을 살폈다.
casual"예민한 반응을 보이다"
To react sensitively.
그는 그 질문에 예민한 반응을 보였다.
neutral"예민한 부분을 건드리다"
To touch a sore spot.
그의 예민한 부분을 건드리지 마라.
neutral"예민하게 받아들이다"
To take something sensitively.
농담을 너무 예민하게 받아들이지 마.
neutral"예민한 기질"
Sensitive temperament.
그는 예민한 기질을 타고났다.
formalEasily Confused
They are synonyms.
None, mostly interchangeable.
Both work.
Both imply difficulty.
까다롭다 is about being fussy.
음식에 까다롭다.
Both relate to detail.
섬세하다 is positive.
섬세한 손길.
Both use '예'.
예리하다 is for intelligence.
예리한 분석.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 에 + 예민하다
나는 추위에 예민하다.
Subject + 가 + 예민하다
그는 성격이 예민하다.
예민하게 + Verb
예민하게 반응하지 마.
예민한 + Noun
이것은 예민한 문제이다.
Subject + 가 + 예민해지다
날씨 때문에 예민해졌다.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
예민하다 refers to sensitivity, not IQ.
They are interchangeable in most contexts.
Sensitivity is not the same as shyness.
Sometimes '까다롭다' is better for fussy people.
Must include the full stem.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a needle (sharp) touching your skin.
Context
Always pair with ~에 (to).
K-Drama Tip
Used for 'tsundere' characters.
Adverbial
Use -게 for adverbial form.
Clear Vowels
Focus on the 'ye' sound.
Don't confuse
Don't use for 'intelligent'.
Hanja
Sharp + Quick.
Flashcards
Use with '민감하다'.
Tone
Be careful when calling others this.
Conjugation
It follows regular adjective rules.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Yell-min: If you yell at Min, he gets sensitive!
Visual Association
A cat with ears perked up, reacting to every tiny sound.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to identify three things you are sensitive to today.
Origen de la palabra
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: Sharp and quick
Contexto cultural
Can be seen as a criticism of someone's personality.
Similar to 'sensitive' or 'touchy'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At the doctor
- 피부가 예민해요
- 알레르기에 예민해요
At work
- 예민한 사안입니다
- 조심스럽게 다뤄야 합니다
With friends
- 예민하게 굴지 마
- 좀 예민한 편이야
In art/music
- 예민한 감각
- 섬세하고 예민하다
Conversation Starters
"Are you sensitive to the weather?"
"What makes you feel sensitive?"
"Do you think being sensitive is a good trait?"
"How do you handle sensitive situations?"
"Who is the most sensitive person you know?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were very sensitive.
Is there a topic you find sensitive?
How do you stay calm when you feel sensitive?
Write about a sensitive person in your life.
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasNo, it can mean observant.
Yes, like sensitive equipment.
Use 예민합니다.
Yes, usually.
Yes, if you have allergies.
예민하게 굴지 마.
It is an adjective.
Yes, 예민함.
Ponte a prueba
그는 소리에 ___.
Sensitive to sound.
Which means 'sensitive'?
Direct translation.
예민하다 can describe a situation.
It can mean a delicate situation.
Word
Significado
Sensitive skin.
Subject + adverb + verb.
Puntuación: /5
Summary
예민하다 describes being finely tuned to the world, whether through senses or emotions.
- Means sensitive or delicate.
- Used for senses and personality.
- Can be positive or negative.
- Commonly used in daily life.
Memory Palace
Imagine a needle (sharp) touching your skin.
Context
Always pair with ~에 (to).
K-Drama Tip
Used for 'tsundere' characters.
Adverbial
Use -게 for adverbial form.
Ejemplo
저는 피부가 예민해서 순한 화장품을 써야 해요.
Related Content
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de health
비정상적이다
B1Deviating from what is normal or usual; abnormal.
비정상이다
A2To be abnormal or irregular.
에 대해서
A2Indicating the topic or subject; about, concerning.
누적되다
B1To be accumulated or added up over a period of time. It is frequently used to describe the buildup of fatigue, debt, or environmental damage.
몸살
A2General body aches and fatigue, often accompanying a cold or flu.
몸살나다
A2To suffer from body aches and fatigue, often due to a cold.
쑤시다
B1To have a dull, throbbing pain; to ache.
에취
A2Achoo! (onomatopoeia for sneezing).
급성적이다
A2To be acute or sudden (e.g., an illness).
급성이다
A2Having a rapid onset and short course; to be acute (illness).
