At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic physical meanings of '따갑다'. This word is used to describe a sharp 'ouch' feeling that isn't a deep injury. Imagine you are washing your face and soap gets in your eyes. That sharp, uncomfortable feeling is '따갑다'. You can say '눈이 따가워요' (My eyes sting). Another simple use is when you stay outside in the sun for too long and your skin starts to feel a bit sharp and hot. You don't need to worry about the complex social meanings yet. Just remember that it's a special kind of 'hurt' that feels like little needles or sharp heat. Also, learn the basic conjugation: '따가워요'. This is important because the 'ㅂ' changes to '우'. Practice saying it when you feel a little prick on your skin or when the sun feels very strong on your arms.
At the A2 level, you can start using '따갑다' to describe more specific situations and causes. You should be able to link the sensation to a cause using the particle '-때문에' (because of). For example, '비누 때문에 눈이 따가워요' (My eyes sting because of the soap). You can also use it to describe the weather more vividly. Instead of just saying '날씨가 더워요' (The weather is hot), you can say '햇볕이 따가워요' (The sunlight is stinging/piercing). This shows you are moving beyond basic adjectives to more descriptive ones. You should also be comfortable with the past tense '따가웠어요' and the '-(으)니까' ending, like '상처가 물에 닿으니까 따가워요' (It stings because the wound touched water). Start noticing this word in simple health-related conversations, like when someone has a minor scratch or a cold and their throat feels a bit sharp.
At the B1 level, you should master the metaphorical use of '따갑다'. The most important phrase to learn is '따가운 시선' (a stinging gaze). This is used when people are staring at you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, judged, or embarrassed. For example, if you make a mistake in public, you might feel the '따가운 시선' of the people around you. You should also be able to distinguish '따갑다' from similar words like '쓰리다' (burning/raw pain) and '아프다' (general pain). Use '따갑다' for sharp, surface-level sensations like disinfectant on a cut or strong UV rays. Your grammar should be more flexible, using forms like '따가우면' (if it stings) or '따갑지 않게' (so that it doesn't sting). This level is about nuance—knowing exactly which kind of 'pain' you are describing and using the word to describe social atmospheres as well as physical sensations.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '따갑다' in more complex sentence structures and understand its nuances in literature and media. You might encounter it in news reports or articles discussing social pressure, where '따가운 시선' is used to describe public outcry or social stigma. You should also understand related words like '따끔하다' (to be sharp/prickly) and how they differ in intensity and duration. For instance, '따끔한 충고' (a sharp/stinging piece of advice) is a common expression for a stern warning that is meant to 'sting' the listener into changing their behavior. You should be able to use the word in the passive or causative-like contexts, or as part of more advanced grammatical constructions like '-기 마련이다' (it is bound to...). For example, '잘못을 하면 따가운 시선을 받기 마련이다' (If you do something wrong, you are bound to receive stinging gazes).
At the C1 level, your use of '따갑다' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the poetic and rhetorical power of the word. You can use it to describe a 'stinging conscience' or the 'stinging cold' (따가운 추위) of a wind that feels like it's biting the skin. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions like '귀가 따갑다' (to have stinging ears), which means you've heard something so many times that it's actually painful or annoying to hear again (like a mother's nagging). You can use '따갑다' to add sensory depth to your writing, describing the atmosphere of a room or the intensity of a debate. You also understand the etymological roots and how the word relates to other sensory descriptors in the Korean language, allowing you to choose the perfect word for any specific physical or emotional 'sting'.
At the C2 level, you possess a mastery of '따갑다' that allows you to appreciate its use in high literature, classical poetry, and sophisticated social commentary. You can analyze how authors use the sensation of '따가움' to symbolize guilt, social ostracization, or the harshness of reality. You can use the word in highly formal settings, such as academic papers on linguistics or psychology, discussing sensory perception or social anxiety. You are aware of rare or archaic variations and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing. Your understanding includes the full spectrum of the word—from the literal prick of a needle to the heavy, suffocating weight of a society's 'stinging' judgment. You can switch between registers effortlessly, using '따가워' in a casual setting and '따가운 질책' in a formal critique without hesitation.

따갑다 en 30 segundos

  • 따갑다 refers to a sharp, stinging, or prickling sensation on the skin or in the eyes, similar to the feeling of many tiny needles.
  • It is commonly used for physical irritants like sunburn, soap, smoke, or disinfectant applied to a fresh wound.
  • Metaphorically, it describes the 'stinging' discomfort of being judged or stared at by others (따가운 시선).
  • Grammatically, it is a ㅂ-irregular adjective, meaning it conjugates to '따가워요' in the polite present tense.

The Korean adjective 따갑다 (ttagapda) is a sensory word that describes a specific type of sharp, prickling, or stinging sensation. Unlike a general ache or a heavy pain, it refers to the feeling of many tiny needles or a sharp heat touching the skin or sensitive membranes like the eyes. In English, we often translate this as 'stinging,' 'smarting,' or 'prickly.' It is most commonly used in physical contexts involving the sun, skin irritation, or substances getting into the eyes. However, it also possesses a very powerful metaphorical meaning in social situations, describing the psychological pressure of being watched or criticized by others.

Physical Sensation
This word is used when you have a sunburn and your skin feels sensitive to the touch. It is also the perfect word for when soap or shampoo gets into your eyes, causing that sharp, immediate stinging feeling. If you walk through a field of prickly weeds and they scratch your legs, the resulting sensation is described as 따갑다.

여름철 강한 햇볕 때문에 피부가 따갑다.

Translation: My skin is stinging because of the strong summer sunlight.
Environmental Factors
Koreans frequently use this word to describe the intensity of the sun. When the sunlight is so strong that it feels like it is piercing your skin, you say '햇볕이 따갑다.' This isn't just about the temperature being high; it's about the physical bite of the UV rays on your arms and face.
Social and Emotional Context
Metaphorically, this word is used to describe a 'stinging gaze' (따가운 시선). If you walk into a room after doing something embarrassing or wrong, and everyone stares at you with judgment, you feel their eyes 'stinging' your skin. It represents the discomfort of being the target of intense, often negative, attention.

사람들의 따가운 시선을 견디기 힘들었다.

Translation: It was hard to endure the stinging gazes of the people.

Understanding '따갑다' requires recognizing that it is an irregular verb (adjective) in Korean grammar. When conjugated with '아/어', the final 'ㅂ' changes to '우', resulting in '따가워요' rather than '따갑아요'. This is a crucial detail for learners at the B1 level to master, as it applies to many common adjectives like '춥다' (cold) or '덥다' (hot). Using this word correctly shows that you understand the nuance of sensory experience in Korean culture, where physical sensations are often linked to social atmosphere.

Using 따갑다 effectively involves knowing which body parts and environmental factors it commonly pairs with. In Korean, the subject is usually the part of the body that feels the sensation or the source of the irritation. Because it is an adjective, it describes the state of that subject.

Common Subjects
The most frequent subjects are 눈 (eyes), 피부 (skin), 목 (throat - though '따끔거리다' is also common here), and 햇볕 (sunlight). For example, '눈이 따가워요' (My eyes sting) is a standard phrase used during allergy season or when swimming in a chlorinated pool.

연기 때문에 눈이 따가워서 눈물이 나요.

Translation: My eyes are stinging because of the smoke, so I'm tearing up.
Grammar: The ㅂ-Irregular
When adding an ending that starts with a vowel, like '-어서' (because) or '-어요' (polite ending), the 'ㅂ' at the bottom of the stem '따갑-' disappears and is replaced by '우'. Thus, 따갑다 + 어요 becomes 따가워요. 따갑다 + 어서 becomes 따가워서. This is essential for natural-sounding Korean.
Expressing Cause
You often use the particle '-때문에' (because of) or '-로' (due to) to explain why something stings. '비누 때문에 눈이 따갑다' (Eyes sting because of soap). '상처에 소독약을 발라서 따갑다' (It stings because I put disinfectant on the wound).

상처가 물에 닿으니까 따갑네요.

Translation: The wound stings since it touched the water.

In more advanced usage, you might use '따갑다' to describe a sharp, biting wind in winter, though '칼바람' (knife wind) is also a common expression for that. When you feel a sense of guilt or shame, you might describe your conscience as being 'stung,' though in Korean, this is more commonly associated with the 'stinging gazes' of others rather than an internal feeling. Always remember that '따갑다' implies a sharp, surface-level sensation, whereas '아프다' is a general term for any kind of pain, from a headache to a broken bone.

You will encounter 따갑다 in a variety of real-life settings in Korea, ranging from the mundane to the highly dramatic. It is a word that bridges the gap between physical discomfort and social tension.

At the Beach or Outdoors
During the humid and intense Korean summers, you will hear people complaining about the sun. If you go to Haeundae Beach in Busan, you'll hear families saying '햇볕이 너무 따가워!' as they scramble for umbrellas. It's the standard way to describe the sensation of a developing sunburn.

오늘 날씨가 정말 따갑네요, 선크림 꼭 바르세요.

Translation: The sun is really stinging today; make sure to wear sunscreen.
In Healthcare and First Aid
If you go to a clinic (내과 or 피부과) in Korea, the doctor or nurse might warn you before applying a treatment: '조금 따가울 거예요' (It will sting a little bit). This is the standard warning for injections, antiseptic wipes, or certain skin treatments like chemical peels.
Everyday Irritations
In daily life, you'll hear it when someone gets dust in their eye, when the air is particularly dry and their skin feels itchy/prickly, or when they've chopped spicy peppers and then accidentally touched their face. It is a very common 'ouch' word for minor but sharp irritations.

미세먼지 때문에 목구멍이 따가워요.

Translation: My throat stings because of the fine dust.

Finally, you might find this word in literature or song lyrics. It is often used to describe the 'stinging' pain of a breakup or the harsh words of a critic. When someone gives a 'stinging rebuke' (따가운 일침), it means their criticism was sharp, accurate, and painful to hear. Listening for this word in various contexts will help you distinguish between purely physical pain and the more nuanced social 'sting' that is so prevalent in Korean communication.

While 따갑다 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often confuse it with other Korean words for pain or irritation. Understanding the boundaries of '따갑다' is key to avoiding unnatural phrasing.

Confusion with '아프다' (To be sick/hurt)
'아프다' is the general term for pain. While all '따가운' sensations are technically '아픈' sensations, the reverse is not true. You wouldn't use '따갑다' for a stomach ache, a broken bone, or a headache. Those are deep or dull pains. '따갑다' is specifically for that sharp, surface-level prickle. If you say '머리가 따가워요,' people will think your scalp is irritated, not that you have a headache.

Wrong: 배가 따가워요 (My stomach stings - unless it's the skin).
Right: 배가 아파요 (My stomach hurts).

Confusion with '쓰리다' (To be sore/burning)
'쓰리다' also involves a smarting sensation, but it usually refers to a 'burning' or 'raw' feeling, often internally. For example, '속이 쓰리다' is used for heartburn or an upset stomach after drinking. '따갑다' is sharper and more external. While a deep scrape might feel both '쓰리다' and '따갑다,' '따갑다' emphasizes the sharp prickling, while '쓰리다' emphasizes the raw, burning ache.
Overusing for 'Hot'
Learners sometimes use '따갑다' when they simply mean the weather is hot (덥다). Remember, '따갑다' refers to the *sensation* of the sun's rays on your skin. If you are standing in the shade and feel hot, you say '더워요.' If you are in the direct sun and it feels like your skin is being pricked by heat, you say '햇볕이 따가워요.'

햇빛이 따가워서 그늘로 들어갔어요.

Translation: I went into the shade because the sunlight was stinging.

Lastly, be careful with '맵다' (spicy). While both can describe a stinging sensation (like in the eyes), '맵다' is reserved for things related to peppers or onions. If your eyes sting because you are chopping onions, you can say '눈이 매워요' or '눈이 따가워요.' However, if it's soap, you can ONLY use '따갑다.' Soap isn't 'spicy'!

To truly master Korean, you need to know the subtle differences between 따갑다 and its close relatives. Here is a comparison of words that describe similar sensations.

따갑다 vs. 따끔거리다 (To prickle/tingle)
These two are very close. '따갑다' is an adjective describing a state, while '따끔거리다' is a verb describing a repetitive, ongoing sensation. If you have a single prick, it's '따끔하다.' If your throat feels scratchy and prickly over time, you use '따끔거리다.' '따갑다' often feels more intense and constant than '따끔거리다.'

주사를 맞을 때 잠깐 따끔해요.

Translation: It pricks for a moment when you get a shot.
따갑다 vs. 쓰리다 (To smart/burn)
As mentioned before, '쓰리다' is a raw, burning sensation. Think of a 'rug burn' or an ulcer. '따갑다' is sharper, like a needle or a flash of heat. If you put lemon juice on a cut, it might feel both, but the initial sharp hit is '따갑다' and the lingering raw ache is '쓰리다.'
화끈거리다 (To burn/glow with heat)
This word describes a broad, hot sensation, like when your cheeks flush with embarrassment or when a large area of skin is sunburned and radiating heat. '따갑다' is the sharp pain part of that sunburn, while '화끈거리다' is the overall heat sensation.

얼굴이 화끈거리고 따가워요.

Translation: My face is burning and stinging.

By choosing the right word among these synonyms, you can describe your physical state with much more precision. In a medical context, being able to distinguish between '따가워요' (it stings), '쓰려요' (it's raw/burning), and '아파요' (it hurts) will help healthcare providers understand your symptoms much more clearly. In social contexts, sticking with '따가운 시선' is the most idiomatic way to describe feeling judged by others' gazes.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation in words like '따갑다' is a remnant of an ancient 'ㅸ' (voiced bilabial fricative) sound that existed in Middle Korean but later changed to 'w' or 'u' sounds in modern Korean.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /t͈a.ɡap̚.t͈a/
US /t͈a.ɡap̚.t͈a/
The primary stress is on the first syllable '따'.
Rima con
무겁다 (mu-geop-da) 차갑다 (cha-gap-da) 반갑다 (ban-gap-da) 가깝다 (ga-kkap-da) 아깝다 (a-kkap-da) 두렵다 (du-ryeop-da) 어렵다 (eo-ryeop-da) 부럽다 (bu-reop-da)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing ㄸ as a soft 'd' or 't'. It must be tensed.
  • Aspirating the final ㅂ. It should be an unreleased stop.
  • Failing to tense the final 다 into 따 after the ㅂ support.
  • Forgetting the ㅂ-irregular change in conjugation (saying 따갑아요 instead of 따가워요).
  • Confusing the pronunciation with '다르다' (to be different) due to similar vowel patterns.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but must distinguish from similar adjectives.

Escritura 4/5

Requires mastery of the ㅂ-irregular conjugation (따가워요).

Expresión oral 3/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation of double consonant ㄸ is key.

Escucha 3/5

Frequently heard in weather reports and casual complaints.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

아프다 피부 햇볕 비누

Aprende después

쓰리다 따끔하다 얼얼하다 간지럽다 저리다

Avanzado

가책 일침 눈총 질책

Gramática que debes saber

ㅂ-Irregular Adjectives

따갑다 -> 따가워요, 덥다 -> 더워요, 춥다 -> 추워요.

Noun Modifying Form -(으)ㄴ

따가운 시선, 차가운 물, 매운 음식.

Cause/Reason -(어)서

햇볕이 따가워서 그늘에 갔어요.

Adverbial Form -게

따갑게 쏘아붙이다 (to speak sharply/stingly).

Change of State -어지다

상처가 점점 따가워져요.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

눈이 따가워요.

My eyes sting.

따가워요 is the polite present form of 따갑다.

2

비누가 눈에 들어가서 따가워요.

Soap got in my eyes, so they sting.

-(어)서 indicates a reason.

3

햇볕이 정말 따가워요.

The sunlight is really stinging.

햇볕 means sunlight.

4

피부가 조금 따가워요.

My skin stings a little.

피부 means skin.

5

상처가 따가워요.

The wound stings.

상처 means wound or cut.

6

바닷물이 눈에 닿아서 따가워요.

The sea water touched my eyes, so they sting.

닿다 means to touch.

7

연기가 따가워요.

The smoke stings (my eyes/skin).

연기 means smoke.

8

엄마, 여기 따가워요.

Mom, it stings here.

Informal-polite usage with a family member.

1

선크림을 안 발라서 살이 따가워요.

I didn't put on sunscreen, so my skin stings.

살 refers to skin/flesh in this context.

2

소독약을 바르면 조금 따가울 거예요.

It will sting a little when I apply the disinfectant.

-(으)ㄹ 거예요 is the future tense.

3

양파를 썰 때 눈이 너무 따가웠어요.

My eyes stung so much when I was chopping onions.

썰 때 means 'when cutting'.

4

목이 따가워서 따뜻한 물을 마셨어요.

My throat stung, so I drank warm water.

목 can mean neck or throat.

5

모기에 물린 곳이 따가워요.

The place where the mosquito bit me stings.

물린 곳 means 'the bitten place'.

6

바람이 너무 차가워서 얼굴이 따가워요.

The wind is so cold that my face stings.

차가워서 means 'because it is cold'.

7

땀이 눈에 들어가면 따가워요.

When sweat gets in your eyes, it stings.

-(으)면 means 'if' or 'when'.

8

이 화장품은 피부에 바르면 따가워요.

This cosmetic stings when I put it on my skin.

화장품 means cosmetics/skincare.

1

사람들의 따가운 시선을 느꼈어요.

I felt the stinging gazes of the people.

따가운 is the noun-modifying form.

2

지하철에서 큰 소리로 통화하자 따가운 시선이 쏟아졌다.

When I talked loudly on the subway, stinging gazes poured in.

쏟아졌다 means 'poured' or 'showered'.

3

햇볕이 따가우니까 모자를 쓰세요.

Since the sun is stinging, please wear a hat.

-(으)니까 provides a reason for a suggestion.

4

상처가 깊어서 물만 닿아도 따가워요.

The wound is deep, so it stings even if just water touches it.

-만 닿아도 means 'even if only [water] touches'.

5

미세먼지가 심한 날에는 눈이 따갑기 마련이다.

On days with severe fine dust, eyes are bound to sting.

-기 마련이다 means 'it is bound to happen'.

6

선생님의 따가운 질책에 고개를 들 수 없었다.

I couldn't lift my head at the teacher's stinging rebuke.

질책 means rebuke or scolding.

7

그의 말은 내 가슴에 따갑게 박혔다.

His words were painfully (stingly) lodged in my heart.

따갑게 is the adverbial form.

8

겨울 산의 따가운 바람을 견디며 올라갔다.

I climbed up while enduring the stinging wind of the winter mountain.

견디며 means 'while enduring'.

1

그 영화는 사회의 따가운 비판을 받았다.

That movie received stinging criticism from society.

비판 means criticism.

2

실수를 연발하자 동료들의 시선이 따가워졌다.

As I made a series of mistakes, my colleagues' gazes became stinging.

-어지다 indicates a change in state.

3

염색약이 두피에 닿아 따가운 통증이 느껴졌다.

The hair dye touched my scalp, and I felt a stinging pain.

두피 means scalp.

4

정치인은 대중의 따가운 눈총을 피할 수 없었다.

The politician could not avoid the stinging glares of the public.

눈총 means a glare or a cold look.

5

따가운 햇살 아래서 종일 일했더니 온몸이 나른하다.

After working all day under the stinging sun, my whole body is languid.

-었더니 indicates a result of a past action.

6

그녀의 따가운 충고는 나를 정신 차리게 했다.

Her stinging advice made me snap out of it (get my act together).

정신 차리게 하다 means 'to make someone wake up/focus'.

7

눈이 따가운 증상이 계속되면 병원에 가야 한다.

If the symptom of stinging eyes continues, you must go to the hospital.

증상 means symptom.

8

추운 날씨에 노출된 피부가 따갑고 아렸다.

The skin exposed to the cold weather stung and smarted.

아리다 is another word for a smarting/aching pain.

1

귀가 따갑도록 잔소리를 들어서 이제는 지겹다.

I've heard the nagging so many times my ears sting; I'm sick of it now.

귀가 따갑다 is an idiom for hearing something too much.

2

그의 따가운 일침은 비수를 꽂는 듯했다.

His stinging rebuke was like stabbing a dagger.

일침 refers to a sharp, pointed criticism.

3

부정한 방법으로 얻은 성공 뒤에는 따가운 여론이 따랐다.

Stinging public opinion followed the success obtained through dishonest means.

여론 means public opinion.

4

소금기가 밴 상처가 따갑게 아려 왔다.

The wound, soaked in salt, began to sting and smart painfully.

소금기 means saltiness/salt content.

5

그는 양심의 따가운 가책을 느끼며 진실을 고백했다.

Feeling the stinging prick of conscience, he confessed the truth.

가책 means prick of conscience/remorse.

6

따가운 여름 햇살이 대지를 달구고 있었다.

The stinging summer sunlight was heating up the earth.

대지 means the earth/ground; 달구다 means to heat up.

7

경쟁자들의 따가운 시선 속에서도 그녀는 당당했다.

She was confident even amidst the stinging gazes of her competitors.

당당하다 means to be confident/dignified.

8

그의 비판은 너무 따가워서 반박할 기운조차 없었다.

His criticism was so stinging that I didn't even have the energy to refute it.

반박하다 means to refute/rebut.

1

시대의 따가운 질책을 외면한 채 그는 침묵을 지켰다.

Ignoring the stinging rebukes of the times, he remained silent.

외면하다 means to look away or ignore.

2

진실이 밝혀지자 그에게는 대중의 따가운 공분이 쏟아졌다.

As the truth was revealed, the stinging public indignation poured onto him.

공분 means public indignation.

3

살을 에는 듯한 따가운 추위가 온몸을 파고들었다.

The stinging cold, like it was slicing the flesh, penetrated the whole body.

살을 에다 is a common expression for extreme cold.

4

그의 문체는 날카롭고 따가워서 독자들의 폐부를 찔렀다.

His writing style was sharp and stinging, piercing the readers' very core.

폐부 refers to the innermost heart or lungs.

5

과거의 잘못이 따가운 낙인이 되어 그를 괴롭혔다.

His past mistakes became a stinging stigma and tormented him.

낙인 means a brand or stigma.

6

햇살의 따가움은 계절의 정점에 도달했음을 알리고 있었다.

The sting of the sunlight was announcing that the season had reached its peak.

정점 means peak or apex.

7

그녀의 눈빛은 따가울 정도로 강렬한 의지를 담고 있었다.

Her eyes contained a will so intense it was almost stinging.

-ㄹ 정도로 means 'to the extent that'.

8

시인은 따가운 현실의 고통을 시어 속에 녹여냈다.

The poet melted the stinging pain of reality into his poetic words.

시어 means poetic language.

Colocaciones comunes

눈이 따갑다
햇볕이 따갑다
시선이 따갑다
목이 따갑다
상처가 따갑다
따가운 일침
따가운 비판
바람이 따갑다
피부가 따갑다
눈총이 따갑다

Frases Comunes

따가운 시선

— A stinging gaze. It refers to the feeling of being judged or watched critically by others.

공공장소에서 소란을 피우면 따가운 시선을 받게 된다.

귀가 따갑다

— Ears sting. It means you have heard something so many times (usually nagging) that it is annoying.

공부하라는 소리를 귀가 따갑게 들었다.

따가운 맛을 보여주다

— To show someone a stinging taste. It means to give someone a harsh lesson or scolding.

나쁜 짓을 한 그에게 따가운 맛을 보여주어야 한다.

따가운 일침

— A stinging needle-poke. It refers to a sharp, accurate criticism that 'stings' the recipient.

그의 따가운 일침은 내 잘못을 깨닫게 해주었다.

눈이 따갑도록

— To the point where eyes sting. Used for intense looking or environmental irritants.

연기 때문에 눈이 따갑도록 눈물이 났다.

따가운 햇살

— Stinging sunlight. Used to describe very strong, piercing UV rays.

따가운 햇살 아래서 농부들이 일하고 있다.

피부가 따갑게 타다

— Skin burns stingly. Used for a painful sunburn.

바닷가에서 놀다가 피부가 따갑게 탔다.

따가운 질책

— A stinging rebuke. A very stern and sharp scolding.

부장님의 따가운 질책에 팀원들이 긴장했다.

따가운 겨울바람

— Stinging winter wind. Wind so cold it feels sharp on the skin.

따가운 겨울바람을 뚫고 학교에 갔다.

따가운 가책

— Stinging remorse. A sharp feeling of guilt.

그는 양심의 따가운 가책을 느껴 자백했다.

Se confunde a menudo con

따갑다 vs 아프다

General pain vs. specific stinging sensation.

따갑다 vs 쓰리다

Burning/raw internal pain vs. sharp surface sting.

따갑다 vs 따끔하다

A single brief prick vs. a more constant sting.

Modismos y expresiones

"귀가 따갑다"

— To be sick of hearing something; to have heard something so often it's painful.

어머니께 일찍 일어나라는 말을 귀가 따갑게 들었어요.

Neutral/Informal
"따가운 시선"

— To be under heavy social scrutiny or critical observation.

그 연예인은 스캔들 이후 대중의 따가운 시선을 견뎌야 했다.

Neutral
"따가운 맛을 보다"

— To experience a harsh lesson or punishment.

거짓말을 하다가 결국 따가운 맛을 보게 되었다.

Informal
"눈총이 따갑다"

— To feel the sharp, cold glares of people directed at oneself.

지각을 해서 동료들의 따가운 눈총을 받았다.

Neutral
"따가운 일침을 가하다"

— To deliver a sharp, stinging piece of advice or criticism.

그 평론가는 영화의 문제점에 대해 따가운 일침을 가했다.

Formal
"양심의 가책이 따갑다"

— To feel a sharp, pricking guilt in one's conscience.

친구를 속인 것이 따가운 가책으로 남았다.

Literary
"따가운 손맛"

— A sharp, stinging blow or slap (often figurative).

그는 감독관의 따가운 손맛을 보고 정신을 차렸다.

Informal
"따가운 눈초리"

— A stinging look or gaze (similar to 따가운 시선).

이웃들의 따가운 눈초리를 피해 이사를 갔다.

Neutral
"귀가 따갑도록 말하다"

— To say something repeatedly until the listener is annoyed.

선생님은 조심하라고 귀가 따갑도록 말씀하셨다.

Neutral
"따가운 바람이 일다"

— A sharp, stinging wind/atmosphere arises (often metaphorical social tension).

회의실에 따가운 바람이 일며 긴장감이 돌았다.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

따갑다 vs 아프다

Both mean 'painful'.

아프다 is general; 따갑다 is specifically stinging/prickling on the surface.

머리가 아파요 (headache) vs 머리가 따가워요 (scalp stings).

따갑다 vs 쓰리다

Both describe smarting sensations.

쓰리다 is a raw, burning ache (often internal); 따갑다 is a sharp, needle-like prick (external).

속이 쓰리다 (heartburn) vs 눈이 따갑다 (eyes sting).

따갑다 vs 맵다

Both can be used for eyes.

맵다 is for spicy food or onion/smoke irritation; 따갑다 is for chemical or physical irritation (soap, sun).

양파가 매워요 vs 비누가 따가워요.

따갑다 vs 따끔하다

Very similar root.

따끔하다 usually refers to a single, quick prick (like a needle); 따갑다 is a broader, more continuous sting.

주사가 따끔해요 vs 햇볕이 따가워요.

따갑다 vs 얼얼하다

Both involve stinging.

얼얼하다 includes a numbing or tingling sensation (from spice or cold); 따갑다 is just the sharp sting.

마라탕을 먹어서 혀가 얼얼해요 vs 피부가 따가워요.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Body Part]이/가 따가워요.

눈이 따가워요.

A2

[Cause] 때문에 [Body Part]이/가 따가워요.

비누 때문에 눈이 따가워요.

B1

따가운 [Noun]을/를 느끼다/받다.

따가운 시선을 느꼈어요.

B1

[Action]-(으)니까 따갑다.

상처를 만지니까 따가워요.

B2

따가울 정도로 [Adjective/Verb].

따가울 정도로 햇볕이 강해요.

C1

귀가 따갑도록 [Action].

귀가 따갑도록 잔소리를 들었어요.

C1

양심의 가책이 따갑게 [Verb].

양심의 가책이 따갑게 느껴졌다.

C2

[Noun]의 따가운 질책/비판.

여론의 따가운 비판을 피하기 어렵다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

따가움 (ttaga-um) - stinging sensation/sharpness

Verbos

따끔거리다 (ttakkeum-georida) - to prickle/tingle repeatedly
따끔하다 (ttakkeum-hada) - to prick/sting once

Adjetivos

따갑다 (ttagapda) - stinging/smarting
따끔따끔하다 (ttakkeum-ttakkeum-hada) - to be prickly/stinging

Relacionado

아프다 (apuda) - to be painful
쓰리다 (sseurida) - to be burning/raw
맵다 (maepda) - to be spicy/stinging
화끈하다 (hwakkeun-hada) - to be hot/flushed
얼얼하다 (eoreol-hada) - to be numb and stinging

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in summer, moderate in winter, high in social drama contexts.

Errores comunes
  • 따갑아요 따가워요

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

  • 머리가 따가워요 (for a headache) 머리가 아파요

    따갑다 is only for surface stinging (like the scalp). For a headache, use 아프다.

  • 배가 따가워요 (for a stomach ache) 배가 아파요 / 속이 쓰려요

    따갑다 is for skin/eyes. Internal pain uses 아프다 or 쓰리다.

  • 눈이 따가워요 (for onions) 눈이 매워요 (or 따가워요)

    While '따가워요' is okay, '매워요' is more specific to onions and peppers.

  • 날씨가 따가워요 햇볕이 따가워요

    The weather itself isn't stinging; the sunlight is. Use 햇볕 or 햇빛.

Consejos

Master the ㅂ-Irregular

Remember that 따갑다 follows the same pattern as 춥다 and 덥다. The ㅂ changes to 우 when meeting a vowel.

Learn the Collocations

Don't just learn the word alone. Learn it with its best friends: 눈 (eyes), 피부 (skin), 햇볕 (sunlight), and 시선 (gaze).

Use it Metaphorically

Using '따가운 시선' will make you sound very advanced and culturally aware.

Pronounce the Double T

Make sure to tense your vocal cords for the 'ㄸ' in 따갑다. It shouldn't sound like 'da-gap-da'.

Watch for Context

If you hear this word at the beach, it's about the sun. If you hear it in an office after a mistake, it's about the stares.

Doctor Visits

Use '따가워요' to describe the sensation of an injection or a skin rash to your doctor.

Descriptive Power

Use '따가운' instead of just '강한' (strong) to describe sunlight to make your writing more sensory.

The Nagging Ear

Tell your friends '귀가 따가워요' if they keep telling you the same thing over and over!

따갑다 vs 쓰리다

If it feels like needles, it's 따갑다. If it feels like fire/raw skin, it's 쓰리다.

Daily Observation

Whenever you feel a small sting today, say '따가워' to yourself to reinforce the word.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Tag' on your shirt that is 'up' and scratching your neck. Tag-up-da (따갑다) makes your skin sting!

Asociación visual

Imagine a bright yellow sun with little needles instead of rays, poking a person's skin.

Word Web

Sunlight (햇볕) Eyes (눈) Skin (피부) Soap (비누) Gaze (시선) Criticism (비판) Remorse (가책) Wound (상처)

Desafío

Try to use '따갑다' to describe three different things today: a physical sensation (like soap), the weather, and a social situation (like being stared at).

Origen de la palabra

The word '따갑다' is a native Korean word. It is believed to have evolved from a root related to '딱' (a sound of striking or something sharp) and the suffix '-갑다' which creates adjectives of state.

Significado original: The original sense was related to a sharp, piercing heat or a prickling sensation caused by a small, sharp object.

Koreanic

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that '따가운 시선' can imply social ostracization or bullying in some contexts.

English speakers might say 'it smarts' or 'it stings'. The metaphorical 'stinging gaze' is similar to 'burning a hole in one's back with a look'.

Commonly heard in K-Dramas when a character enters a room and is judged by others. Used in Korean health campaigns warning about UV rays and fine dust (미세먼지). Often appears in lyrics of 'Trot' or 'Ballad' songs describing the pain of a sharp breakup.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Beach

  • 햇볕이 너무 따가워요.
  • 선크림 발라야겠어요.
  • 어깨가 따가워요.
  • 바닷물이 눈에 들어가서 따가워요.

At a Clinic

  • 눈이 계속 따가워요.
  • 상처 부위가 따갑습니다.
  • 조금 따가울 거예요.
  • 약 바르니까 더 따가워요.

Social Situations

  • 사람들 시선이 따가워요.
  • 따가운 눈총을 받았어요.
  • 분위기가 너무 따가워요.
  • 따가운 일침을 들었어요.

Cooking

  • 양파 때문에 눈이 따가워요.
  • 고추 만진 손으로 눈 비비면 따가워요.
  • 연기가 나서 눈이 따갑네요.
  • 마늘 냄새가 코를 따갑게 해요.

Winter Weather

  • 바람이 따가워서 얼굴이 빨개졌어요.
  • 손이 따가울 정도로 추워요.
  • 따가운 칼바람이 불어요.
  • 공기가 너무 건조해서 피부가 따가워요.

Inicios de conversación

"오늘 햇볕이 정말 따갑지 않아요?"

"눈이 너무 따가운데 혹시 안약 있어요?"

"사람들의 시선이 따가울 때 어떻게 하세요?"

"비누가 눈에 들어가면 정말 따갑죠?"

"겨울바람이 너무 따가워서 나가기 싫어요."

Temas para diario

오늘 하루 중 '따가운' 느낌을 받았던 순간이 있었나요? (햇볕, 비누, 혹은 시선 등)

누군가에게 따가운 일침을 들었을 때 어떤 기분이 들었는지 써보세요.

여름철 따가운 햇볕을 피하는 나만의 방법은 무엇인가요?

눈이 따가울 정도로 울어본 적이 있나요? 그 이유는 무엇이었나요?

다른 사람의 따가운 시선을 신경 쓰지 않으려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, '따갑다' is for surface stinging. For a stomach ache, use '아프다' (hurts) or '쓰리다' (burns/smarting).

'따끔하다' is a short, one-time prick (like a needle). '따갑다' is a more continuous stinging sensation (like a sunburn).

It is a ㅂ-irregular adjective, so it becomes '따가워요'.

Usually, we use '맵다' for spicy food. However, if the spice makes your lips or tongue feel like they are being pricked, you might say '따갑다' or '얼얼하다'.

It literally means 'the gaze is stinging,' but it metaphorically means you feel uncomfortable because people are staring at you critically.

It is an adjective (descriptive verb) in Korean.

Use '매워요' when the irritation is from onions, peppers, or smoke. Use '따가워요' for soap, chemicals, or dry air.

No, '귀가 따갑다' is an idiom for hearing nagging too much. For an ear infection, say '귀가 아파요'.

It's better to say '햇볕이 따가워요' (the sunlight stings) or '바람이 따가워요' (the wind stings).

The past tense is '따가웠어요'.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence saying your eyes sting because of the soap.

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writing

Describe the sun using '따갑다'.

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writing

Write: 'I felt the stinging gazes of the people.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explain why your skin stings using -(어)서.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use the idiom '귀가 따갑다' in a sentence.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'It will sting a little when you get the shot.'

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writing

Use '따가운 일침' to describe a criticism.

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writing

Write: 'The winter wind was stinging.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'My throat stings because of the fine dust.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Create a sentence using '따가워지다'.

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writing

Describe a character feeling guilty using '따가운 가책'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'Please be careful not to let it sting.'

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writing

Use '눈총이 따갑다' in a sentence about being late.

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writing

Write: 'The wound stings since it touched the water.'

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writing

Describe a stinging winter atmosphere.

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writing

Write: 'I can't stand the stinging gazes.'

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writing

Use '따갑게' as an adverb in a sentence.

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writing

Write: 'My face is stinging and burning.'

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writing

Describe the sun at the beach.

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writing

Write: 'I heard the same story until my ears stung.'

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speaking

Pronounce '따가워요' correctly, focusing on the double consonant.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My eyes sting' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The sunlight is stinging' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'It stings because of the soap' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Practice the phrase '따가운 시선' out loud.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The wind is stinging' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Please be careful as it might sting' in formal Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I've heard it so much my ears sting' using the idiom.

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speaking

Say 'My skin is stinging from the sunburn' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It stings a little' in formal Korean.

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speaking

Say 'I felt the stinging gazes' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Chopping onions makes my eyes sting' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It's stinging because the wound touched water' in polite Korean.

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speaking

Practice '따가운 일침' out loud.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The fine dust makes my throat sting' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It stings more than I thought' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The sun was stinging yesterday' in past tense polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I don't like stinging gazes' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Don't nag me until my ears sting' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The disinfectant stings' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '따가워요'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What is stinging in this sentence? '햇볕이 너무 따가워요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Is the speaker comfortable? '시선이 너무 따가워서 나갈래요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What caused the sting? '비누 들어가서 눈이 따가워!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the tense: '따가웠어요'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What body part is mentioned? '목이 따가워서 약을 먹었어요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for the reason: '연기 때문에 눈이 따가워요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Is the sting strong or weak? '따가울 정도로 강해요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What idiom is used? '귀가 따갑도록 들었어.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the object: '따가운 일침을 가했다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What is the speaker warning about? '조금 따가울 거예요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the body part: '피부가 따가워요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Is the gaze positive or negative? '따가운 시선.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What season is likely? '바람이 따가워요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the conjugation: '따가우니까'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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