무섭다
무섭다 در ۳۰ ثانیه
- 무섭다 (museopda) is an adjective meaning 'to be scary' or 'to be scared'.
- It follows the ㅂ-irregular rule, changing to '무서워' before vowels.
- The thing causing fear takes the subject particle 이/가.
- Use '무서워하다' when talking about someone else's fear.
The Korean word 무섭다 (museopda) is a primary adjective used to describe the sensation of fear or the quality of being frightening. Unlike English, which often distinguishes between 'I am scared' (a state of being) and 'It is scary' (a quality of an object), Korean uses this single adjective to cover both semantic fields. When you say '무서워요' (museowoyo), you could be saying 'I am afraid' or 'It is terrifying,' depending entirely on the context and the particles used. This versatility makes it one of the first emotional descriptors a learner encounters at the A1 level. It captures everything from the primal fear of the dark to the social anxiety of a stern superior.
- Core Meaning
- To be fearful, frightening, or scary. It describes an internal emotional state or an external threatening quality.
- Grammatical Category
- Adjective (Descriptive Verb). In Korean, adjectives function like verbs and can serve as the predicate of a sentence without an extra 'to be' verb.
귀신이 무섭다. (Ghosts are scary / I am scared of ghosts.)
In daily life, Koreans use '무섭다' in a wide variety of situations. It isn't just for horror movies. You might hear it when someone looks at a steep hiking trail, when a student talks about a strict teacher, or even when describing the rapidly rising cost of living (물가가 무섭다). The ㅂ-irregular nature of this word is crucial for learners to master; the 'ㅂ' changes to '우' when meeting a vowel, resulting in '무서워' rather than '무섭어'. This phonetic shift is a hallmark of the word's usage in spoken conversation.
혼자 있는 게 무서워요. (I am scared of being alone.)
- Intensity Levels
- 무섭다 covers a broad spectrum. It can range from a mild 'creepy' feeling to absolute 'terror'. Intensifiers like '정말' (really) or '너무' (too/very) are frequently paired with it.
Culturally, the word often appears in the context of 'K-Horror' or ghost stories (공포 영화). However, it also has a metaphorical use. When someone says a person is '무서운 사람' (a scary person), they might mean that the person is highly competent, relentless, or intimidatingly successful, not necessarily that they are a monster. This nuance is important for intermediate learners to grasp as it moves beyond literal fear into the realm of respect and intimidation.
그 선생님은 정말 무서워요. (That teacher is really scary/strict.)
Using 무섭다 correctly requires understanding the ㅂ-irregular conjugation. Because the stem ends in 'ㅂ', the 'ㅂ' transforms into '우' when followed by a suffix starting with a vowel. For example, in the polite present tense, 무섭 + 어요 becomes 무서워요. This rule applies across various tenses and levels of politeness. Mastering this conjugation is essential because '무섭다' is a high-frequency word used in almost every conversational context involving emotion or evaluation of a situation's safety.
- Present Tense Conjugations
- Formal Polite: 무섭습니다 (museopseumnida)
Informal Polite: 무서워요 (museowoyo)
Casual: 무서워 (museoweo)
밤길이 무서워서 택시를 탔어요. (I took a taxi because the night road is scary.)
Another key aspect is the particle usage. In the sentence 'I am scared of dogs,' the Korean structure is 'Dogs are scary (to me).' Therefore, 'dog' takes the subject particle '이/가'. Example: '강아지가 무서워요.' If you want to emphasize that *you* are the one feeling this way, you can add '저는' (as for me) at the beginning. This 'Subject + 이/가' pattern is consistent for most descriptive verbs in Korean that translate to 'to be [adjective]' in English.
- Past Tense Conjugations
- Formal Polite: 무서웠습니다 (museoweotseumnida)
Informal Polite: 무서웠어요 (museoweotsseoyo)
Casual: 무서웠어 (museoweotsseo)
어릴 때는 치과가 정말 무서웠어요. (When I was young, the dentist was really scary.)
When using '무섭다' as a modifier before a noun, the 'ㅂ' changes to '운'. So, 'a scary movie' becomes '무서운 영화'. This is a common way to describe nouns. It is also used in the negative form using '안' or '-지 않다'. For example, '안 무서워요' (It's not scary) or '무섭지 않아요' (It is not scary - more formal). Understanding these variations allows you to describe your environment and feelings with precision.
그 소식은 정말 무서운 이야기예요. (That news is a really scary story.)
- Future/Guessing Form
- 무서울 거예요 (It will probably be scary / I will probably be scared). The 'ㅂ' changes to '우' before adding 'ㄹ 거예요'.
The word 무섭다 is ubiquitous in Korean media, particularly in variety shows and dramas. In variety shows like 'Running Man' or 'Knowing Bros,' guests are often put into 'scary' situations—like bungee jumping, haunted houses, or eating strange foods. You will frequently hear the cast members screaming '무서워!' (museoweo!) or '진짜 무섭다!' (jinja museopda!) to express their genuine or exaggerated terror. This real-time usage highlights the word as a visceral reaction to immediate stimuli.
- Variety Shows
- Used as a common exclamation when facing challenges or pranks. It's often subtitled in large, trembling fonts to emphasize the emotion.
놀이기구가 너무 무서워서 못 타겠어요! (The amusement park ride is too scary, so I can't ride it!)
In Korean cinema, specifically the horror genre known as 'K-Horror,' the word is central. Characters discuss '무서운 이야기' (scary stories) or describe a '무서운 분위기' (scary atmosphere). Beyond the literal supernatural, you'll hear it in thrillers to describe a '무서운 범죄자' (scary criminal). The word is used to build tension and convey the stakes of the plot. In news broadcasts, you might hear it in a more metaphorical sense, such as '무서운 속도로 확산되다' (spreading at a frightening speed), used for viruses or social trends.
- News & Media
- Used metaphorically to describe rapid, overwhelming, or threatening changes in society, economy, or nature.
요즘 물가가 무섭게 오르고 있습니다. (Lately, prices are rising at a frightening rate.)
In family life, parents might use it playfully or seriously with children: '자꾸 울면 무서운 아저씨가 잡아간다' (If you keep crying, the scary man will take you away)—a common, though perhaps outdated, parenting trope. Friends also use it when talking about social situations, like a '무서운 선배' (an intimidating senior student) or a '무서운 상사' (a scary boss). It's a word that bridges the gap between physical fear and social intimidation, making it essential for navigating Korean social hierarchies.
세상은 정말 무서운 곳이에요. (The world is truly a scary place.)
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 무섭다 is treating it like an English verb. In English, we say 'I fear snakes.' In Korean, '무섭다' is an adjective, so the 'snake' is the subject of the sentence, not the object. Beginners often try to use the object particle '-을/를' with the thing they fear, which is grammatically incorrect. You must use the subject particle '-이/가' instead. For example, '뱀을 무서워요' is wrong; '뱀이 무서워요' is correct.
- Mistake 1: Wrong Particles
- Incorrect: 거미를 무서워요 (Geomireul museowoyo)
Correct: 거미가 무서워요 (Geomiga museowoyo)
천둥 소리가 무서워요. (I am scared of the sound of thunder / Thunder is scary.)
Another common error involves the ㅂ-irregular conjugation. Some learners forget to change the 'ㅂ' and say '무섭어요' (museopeoyo) instead of '무서워요' (museowoyo). This is a fundamental rule that applies to many common adjectives like '덥다' (hot) and '춥다' (cold). Practice the transition from 'ㅂ' to '우' until it becomes second nature. Additionally, remember that adjectives in Korean do not need the verb '이다' (to be). Saying '무서워요 이다' is a redundant and incorrect construction.
- Mistake 2: Conjugation Errors
- Incorrect: 무섭어 (Museopeo), 무섭아요 (Museopayo)
Correct: 무서워 (Museoweo), 무서워요 (Museowoyo)
그 영화는 하나도 안 무서웠어요. (That movie wasn't scary at all.)
A more subtle mistake is using '무섭다' for a third person's feelings. In Korean, descriptive verbs (adjectives) usually only describe the speaker's own feelings or the general state of things. If you want to say 'Minsu is scared,' you should use the verb form '무서워하다' (museoweohada). Saying '민수는 무서워요' usually means 'Minsu is a scary person,' not that Minsu is currently feeling fear. This distinction is vital for clear communication.
제 친구는 귀신을 무서워해요. (My friend is scared of ghosts.)
While 무섭다 is the most common word for 'scary,' Korean has several other words that offer more specific nuances. Understanding these can elevate your Korean from basic to advanced. For instance, '두렵다' (duryeopda) is often used for a more profound, abstract, or long-term fear, such as the fear of failure or the future. While '무섭다' is visceral and immediate, '두렵다' is more psychological and heavy. Another alternative is '무시무시하다' (musimusihada), which means 'terrifying' or 'horrendous,' used for things that are exceptionally scary.
- 무섭다 vs 두렵다
- 무섭다: Immediate, physical fear (e.g., of a spider).
두렵다: Abstract, existential fear (e.g., of the unknown).
실패하는 것이 두려워요. (I am afraid of failing.)
For a 'creepy' or 'chilling' feeling, Koreans use '섬뜩하다' (seomtteukhada). This describes the sudden shiver you get when something is eerie. If you want to say something is 'frightening' in a more intense way, '공포스럽다' (gongposeureopda) is the adjective form of 'terror' (공포). In slang, you might hear '겁나다' (geomnada), which literally means 'fear arises.' This is very common in casual speech, often used to say 'I'm scared' or as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' (e.g., '겁나 비싸다' - extremely expensive).
- Other Related Terms
- 섬뜩하다: Chilling or eerie.
무시무시하다: Dreadful or terrifying.
겁나다: To be scared (often used in casual speech).
그 이야기는 들을수록 섬뜩해요. (That story gets creepier the more I hear it.)
Finally, the word '소름 끼치다' (soreum kkichida) means 'to get goosebumps.' It is frequently used alongside '무섭다' to describe the physical reaction to being scared. When comparing these words, remember that '무섭다' is the safest, most versatile choice for most daily situations. The others are like spices—use them when you want to add a specific flavor of fear to your description.
그의 실력이 무서울 정도로 늘었어요. (His skills have improved to a scary degree.)
چقدر رسمی است؟
نکته جالب
In Middle Korean, many adjectives ending in 'ㅂ' followed a similar irregular pattern, which has survived into modern Korean as the ㅂ-irregular conjugation. This makes '무섭다' part of a very old and stable linguistic group.
راهنمای تلفظ
- Pronouncing 'ㅂ' as a full 'b' sound in the middle of the word. It should be a closed, unreleased stop.
- Forgetting the tensing of the final '다' into 'tta'.
- Failing to apply the ㅂ-irregular rule in conjugation (saying 'museopeo' instead of 'museoweo').
- Confusing the 'eo' (ㅓ) sound with 'o' (ㅗ).
- Over-aspirating the 'm' (ㅁ) sound.
سطح دشواری
The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.
Requires knowledge of the ㅂ-irregular conjugation.
Must remember to use the correct particle (이/가) instead of the object particle.
Easily identified by its distinctive 'mu-seo-wo' sound in speech.
بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟
پیشنیازها
بعداً یاد بگیرید
پیشرفته
گرامر لازم
ㅂ-Irregular Adjectives
무섭다 + 어요 -> 무서워요 (The ㅂ changes to 우).
Adjective to Verb conversion (-아/어하다)
무섭다 -> 무서워하다 (Used to describe someone else's feelings).
Subject Particle with Descriptive Verbs
귀신이 무섭다 (Use 이/가 for the object of fear).
Modifier form of Adjectives (-ㄴ/은)
무섭다 -> 무서운 이야기 (Noun modification).
Adverbial form (-게)
무섭게 생기다 (To look scary).
مثالها بر اساس سطح
강아지가 무서워요.
I am scared of dogs.
Uses the subject particle '가' for the thing that is scary.
이 영화는 안 무서워요.
This movie is not scary.
Uses '안' before the adjective for negation.
밤이 너무 무서워요.
The night is very scary.
Uses '너무' as an intensifier.
거미가 무서웠어요.
I was scared of the spider.
Past tense conjugation: 무서웠어요.
귀신이 무서워?
Are you scared of ghosts?
Casual question form (Panmal).
치과가 정말 무서워요.
The dentist is really scary.
Subject '치과' (dentist's office) is scary.
혼자 있으면 무서워요.
I'm scared when I'm alone.
Uses '-으면' (if/when) connector.
무서운 이야기 해주세요.
Please tell me a scary story.
Modifier form: 무서운 + Noun.
천둥 소리가 무서워서 잠을 못 잤어요.
I couldn't sleep because the sound of thunder was scary.
Uses '-아서' to show cause and effect.
그 선생님은 조금 무서운 편이에요.
That teacher is on the scary side.
Uses '-는 편이다' to express a tendency.
높은 곳이 무서우면 올라가지 마세요.
If you are scared of high places, don't go up.
Conditional '-(으)면' and negative command '-지 마세요'.
동생이 주사를 무서워해요.
My younger sibling is scared of shots.
Uses '무서워하다' for a third person's feelings.
무서운 꿈을 꾸었어요.
I had a scary dream.
Modifier '무서운' describing '꿈' (dream).
이 놀이기구는 하나도 안 무서워요.
This ride isn't scary at all.
Uses '하나도 안' (not at all).
길을 잃어서 너무 무서웠어요.
I was so scared because I got lost.
Past tense with a reason clause.
무서운 영화를 같이 볼까요?
Shall we watch a scary movie together?
Suggestive ending '-(으)ㄹ까요?'.
발표하는 것이 무서울 때가 있어요.
There are times when I'm scared of giving a presentation.
Uses '-ㄹ 때' (when/time).
실패할까 봐 무서워서 시작을 못 하겠어요.
I'm scared I might fail, so I can't start.
Uses '-을까 봐' (afraid that...).
그 사람은 화를 내면 정말 무서워요.
That person is really scary when they get angry.
Conditional usage describing a person's character.
분위기가 너무 무서워서 그냥 나왔어요.
The atmosphere was so scary that I just left.
Describing '분위기' (atmosphere) as the subject.
세상이 무서운 속도로 변하고 있어요.
The world is changing at a frightening speed.
Metaphorical use with '속도' (speed).
무서워하지 말고 천천히 말해 보세요.
Don't be scared and try to speak slowly.
Negative imperative '무서워하지 말고'.
뉴스에서 무서운 소식을 들었어요.
I heard some scary news on the news.
Modifier '무서운' describing '소식' (news/word).
혼자 여행하는 게 무서울 수도 있어요.
It might be scary to travel alone.
Uses '-ㄹ 수도 있다' (could/might be).
그의 무서운 집념이 결국 성공을 이끌어냈다.
His frightening tenacity eventually led to success.
Metaphorical '무서운' meaning 'intense' or 'relentless'.
물가가 무섭게 올라서 생활비가 부족해요.
Prices are rising frighteningly, so I'm short on living expenses.
Adverbial form '무섭게' modifying the verb '오르다'.
그녀는 일할 때만큼은 정말 무서운 사람이에요.
She is a truly scary person, at least when she is working.
Using '무섭다' to describe professional intensity.
아무리 무서워도 포기하지 않을 거예요.
No matter how scared I am, I won't give up.
Uses '아무리 -어도' (no matter how...).
아이들이 무서워할까 봐 사실대로 말하지 못했다.
I couldn't tell the truth for fear the children would be scared.
Third-person form '무서워하다' with 'ㄹ까 봐'.
그 영화의 반전은 정말 소름 끼치도록 무서웠다.
The plot twist of that movie was scary enough to give me goosebumps.
Uses '소름 끼치도록' (to the point of goosebumps).
전쟁이라는 무서운 현실을 직시해야 합니다.
We must face the scary reality of war.
Describing a heavy social reality.
그의 눈빛이 너무 무서워서 고개를 돌렸다.
His gaze was so scary that I turned my head away.
Describing '눈빛' (the look in one's eyes).
침묵이 때로는 어떤 외침보다 더 무서울 수 있다.
Silence can sometimes be scarier than any shout.
Abstract comparison using '보다 더' (more than).
인간의 무서운 욕망이 자연을 파괴하고 있다.
Humanity's frightening greed is destroying nature.
Describing '욕망' (desire/greed) as frightening.
그 작가는 인간 심리의 무서운 단면을 잘 묘사한다.
That author depicts the scary facets of human psychology well.
Literary usage in a critique context.
기술의 발전이 무서울 정도로 빠르게 진행되고 있다.
Technological advancement is proceeding at a frighteningly fast pace.
Standard phrase '무서울 정도로' (to a scary degree).
무서운 기세로 몰아치는 파도 앞에 인간은 무력했다.
Humans were helpless before the waves crashing with a scary force.
Describing '기세' (force/momentum).
그의 말 한마디에는 무서운 진실이 숨겨져 있었다.
A scary truth was hidden in his single word.
Modifier '무서운' describing '진실' (truth).
권력의 무서움을 모르는 사람은 위험하다.
A person who does not know the scarier side of power is dangerous.
Noun form '무서움' (scaryness/fear).
어둠 속에서 무서운 환영을 본 것만 같았다.
It felt as if I had seen a scary phantom in the darkness.
Uses '-ㄴ 것만 같다' (it feels just like...).
역사의 무서운 심판을 피할 수는 없을 것이다.
One will not be able to avoid the scary judgment of history.
Metaphorical use of '심판' (judgment).
그의 침착함 뒤에 숨겨진 무서운 칼날을 보았다.
I saw the scary blade hidden behind his calmness.
Symbolic use of '칼날' (blade) for hidden danger.
무서운 집착은 사랑이 아니라 중독에 가깝다.
Scary obsession is closer to addiction than love.
Philosophical distinction between obsession and love.
대중의 무서운 무관심이 한 예술가를 죽음으로 몰아넣었다.
The frightening indifference of the public drove an artist to death.
Describing '무관심' (indifference) as frightening.
자연의 무서운 섭리 앞에 인간은 겸손해질 수밖에 없다.
Humans have no choice but to be humble before the scary providence of nature.
High-level concept '섭리' (providence).
그 정치가의 무서운 통찰력은 적들조차 경외하게 만든다.
That politician's frightening insight makes even their enemies feel awe.
Using '무서운' to describe positive but intimidating traits.
우리는 가끔 스스로의 무서운 이면을 마주하게 된다.
We sometimes come face to face with our own scary inner sides.
Existential '이면' (hidden side/inner self).
무서운 고독 속에서 그는 마침내 자아를 발견했다.
In frightening solitude, he finally discovered his true self.
Describing '고독' (solitude) as frightening.
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
— I'm scared to death. Used to emphasize extreme fear.
시험 결과가 나올까 봐 무서워 죽겠어요.
— What are you scared of? Used to challenge someone's fear.
겨우 이거 가지고 뭐가 무서워?
— To be fearless. Literally 'there is nothing scary'.
그는 무서운 게 없는 사람처럼 행동한다.
— A scary story. Common during summer or campfires.
우리 무서운 이야기 하나씩 할까?
— To have a scary face/expression. Often used for stern people.
인상이 좀 무서운 편이라 오해를 받아요.
— To not know how scary something is. Used for reckless people.
그는 세상 무서운 줄 모르고 까분다.
— To tremble with fear.
그는 무서워서 벌벌 떨고 있었다.
— A scary momentum or force.
태풍이 무서운 기세로 다가오고 있다.
— A scary or intimidating person.
그는 화나면 정말 무서운 사람이에요.
— Don't be scared. Common comforting phrase.
괜찮아, 무서워하지 마.
اغلب اشتباه گرفته میشود با
This is a verb. Use it for other people's feelings (He is scared) or when fear is an active process. Use '무섭다' for your own feelings or to describe something scary.
More formal and abstract. Use for fear of the future, God, or failure. '무섭다' is for physical or immediate threats.
Means 'boring.' Sometimes learners confuse 'scary' and 'boring' when talking about movies. Ensure you use '무섭다' for horror!
اصطلاحات و عبارات
— Scarier than a tiger. Used for something truly terrifying, historically tax collectors or stern parents.
그 선생님은 호랑이보다 무서워요.
Colloquial— Scarier than a ghost. Used to emphasize fear.
엄마가 화내면 귀신보다 무서워요.
Casual— To recognize the danger or authority of someone/something.
이제야 내 무서운 줄 알겠느냐?
Dramatic/Historical— Frightening no matter how closely you look. Used for undeniable threats.
그 범죄는 눈을 씻고 봐도 무서운 일이다.
Journalistic— To be naive or reckless (not knowing the world's dangers).
철없는 아이들은 세상 무서운 줄 모른다.
Neutral— To be too scared to speak.
무서워서 입이 안 떨어지더라고요.
Casual— To develop at a frightening speed (often positive but overwhelming).
한국 경제는 무서운 속도로 발전했다.
Formal— To wield a scary blade (metaphor for power or strict measures).
정부는 부패 척결의 무서운 칼날을 휘둘렀다.
Literary/Political— Scary endurance or late-game strength.
그 팀은 무서운 뒷심으로 역전승을 거두었다.
Sports— A terrifying silence (pregnant with danger or tension).
방 안에는 무서운 침묵만이 감돌았다.
Literaryبهراحتی اشتباه گرفته میشود
Both translate to 'to be afraid' in English.
무섭다 is for immediate, concrete, or external threats (spiders, ghosts). 두렵다 is for internal, psychological, or abstract concerns (the future, failure).
거미가 무섭다 (Spider is scary) vs 미래가 두렵다 (I fear the future).
They come from the same root.
무섭다 is an adjective (describes a state or quality). 무서워하다 is a verb (describes an action or a third person's emotion).
나는 개가 무섭다 (I am scared of dogs) vs 민수는 개를 무서워한다 (Minsu is scared of dogs).
Both mean scary.
무시무시하다 is much stronger, like 'terrifying' or 'horrendous.'
무시무시한 괴물을 보았다 (I saw a terrifying monster).
Both relate to fear.
섬뜩하다 is specifically for a 'chilling' or 'eerie' feeling that makes your skin crawl.
그의 웃음소리가 섬뜩했다 (His laughter was chilling).
Both mean 'to be scared'.
겁나다 is more informal and emphasizes the 'arising' of fear (겁).
혼자 가기 겁나요 (I'm scared to go alone).
الگوهای جملهسازی
[Noun]이/가 무서워요.
개가 무서워요.
안 무서워요.
저는 안 무서워요.
무서운 [Noun]
무서운 영화를 봤어요.
무서워서 [Action]
무서워서 집에 갔어요.
[Action]ㄹ까 봐 무서워요.
넘어질까 봐 무서워요.
무서울 정도로 [Adjective/Verb]
무서울 정도로 똑똑해요.
무서운 기세로 [Verb]
무서운 기세로 달려왔어요.
무서운 섭리/이면
자연의 무서운 섭리를 깨달았다.
خانواده کلمه
اسمها
فعلها
صفتها
مرتبط
نحوه استفاده
Very High. It is one of the top 500 most used words in the Korean language.
-
Using 을/를 with 무섭다
→
Using 이/가 with 무섭다
무섭다 is an adjective, so it cannot have a direct object. The thing causing fear is the subject.
-
Conjugating as 무섭어요
→
Conjugating as 무서워요
This is a ㅂ-irregular adjective. The ㅂ must change to 우 before adding -어요.
-
Saying '민수는 무서워요' to mean 'Minsu is scared'
→
Saying '민수는 무서워해요'
Descriptive verbs like 무섭다 generally only apply to the speaker. For others, use the -어하다 form.
-
Using 무섭다 for abstract fear of failure
→
Using 두렵다 for abstract fear
While 무섭다 can be used, 두렵다 is much more natural for psychological or existential fears.
-
Adding '이다' (to be) to 무서워요
→
Just saying 무서워요
In Korean, adjectives already include the 'to be' meaning. '무서워요' means 'is scary'.
نکات
Master the ㅂ-Irregular
Remember that '무섭다' follows the same pattern as '춥다' (cold) and '덥다' (hot). Practice them together to master the ㅂ -> 우 change.
Subject vs Object
Think of '무섭다' as 'to be scary.' If you say 'Dogs are scary,' it naturally explains why you use the subject particle '가' (강아지가 무서워요).
Third Person Rule
When talking about someone else's fear, always use '무서워하다.' Using '무섭다' for others sounds like you are describing their character, not their feelings.
Intimidation
Don't be surprised if someone calls a successful person '무서운 사람.' It's often a sign of respect for their relentless drive.
Use '겁나다' casually
If you want to sound more like a native in casual settings, try using '겁나(요)' instead of '무서워(요)' occasionally.
Modifier Form
The modifier form is '무서운.' Use it to describe nouns: '무서운 영화' (scary movie), '무서운 꿈' (scary dream).
Catch the Exclamation
In Korean media, '무서워!' is often shouted. Listen for the lack of '요' in high-stress, casual situations.
K-Horror context
Watch a Korean horror movie with subtitles. You will see '무섭다' used in many different ways throughout the film.
Economic 'Fear'
Learn the phrase '물가가 무섭다' (Prices are scary). It's a very common way to complain about inflation in Korea.
Tensed 'Da'
Make sure the '다' at the end of '무섭다' is pronounced like 'tta.' This tensing happens after the 'p' sound.
حفظ کنید
روش یادسپاری
Imagine a 'Moo' (cow) that is 'Seop' (sopping) wet and looks like a ghost. You would be '무섭다' (scared) of the 'Moo-Seop' ghost!
تداعی تصویری
Visualize a dark hallway where the shadows look like the Korean characters 'ㅁ' and 'ㅅ'. The feeling of walking down that hallway is '무섭다'.
شبکه واژگان
چالش
Try to list three things that were '무서웠어요' to you when you were a child, using the past tense. Then list one thing that is '무서워요' now.
ریشه کلمه
The word '무섭다' is a native Korean word (pure Korean). It has been used since Middle Korean in forms like '무셥다' (musyepda). The core root relates to the feeling of dread or being overwhelmed by something threatening.
معنای اصلی: To feel fear or to be in a state where one's heart trembles due to a threat.
Koreanicبافت فرهنگی
Avoid using '무섭다' to describe people from specific groups or backgrounds, as it can be offensive. Stick to describing actions, atmospheres, or specific intimidating traits in a professional context.
English speakers often mix up 'scared' and 'scary.' In Korean, you only need one word, but the subject of the sentence is always the thing that causes the fear.
تمرین در زندگی واقعی
موقعیتهای واقعی
Watching a horror movie
- 이 영화 너무 무서워요.
- 무서운 장면이 나와요.
- 무서워서 눈을 감았어요.
- 하나도 안 무서워요.
Talking about phobias
- 저는 거미가 무서워요.
- 높은 곳이 무서워요.
- 좁은 곳은 안 무서워요.
- 무엇이 가장 무서워요?
Walking home late at night
- 밤길이 너무 무서워요.
- 누가 따라올까 봐 무서워요.
- 무서우니까 같이 가요.
- 골목이 무섭게 생겼어요.
Describing a strict person
- 우리 부장님은 정말 무서워요.
- 선생님이 무서워서 숙제를 다 했어요.
- 무서운 표정을 짓고 있어요.
- 그 사람은 화나면 무서워요.
Economic concerns
- 물가가 무서운 줄 모르고 올라요.
- 세금 오르는 게 무서워요.
- 집값이 무서운 속도로 뛰고 있어요.
- 세상 무서운 줄 알아야지.
شروعکنندههای مکالمه
"가장 무서워하는 게 뭐예요? (What are you most scared of?)"
"최근에 본 영화 중에 뭐가 제일 무서웠어요? (Of the movies you've seen recently, which was the scariest?)"
"어릴 때 귀신이 무서웠어요? (Were you scared of ghosts when you were young?)"
"번지점프 하는 거 무섭지 않아요? (Isn't bungee jumping scary?)"
"한국에서 밤에 혼자 다니는 거 무서워요? (Is it scary to walk alone at night in Korea?)"
موضوعات نگارش
내가 가장 무서워하는 세 가지와 그 이유에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the three things you are most scared of and the reasons why.)
살면서 가장 무서웠던 순간은 언제였나요? (When was the scariest moment in your life?)
무서운 영화를 좋아하는 편인가요, 아니면 싫어하는 편인가요? (Do you tend to like scary movies or dislike them?)
미래에 대해 무서운 점이 있다면 무엇인가요? (If there is anything scary about the future, what is it?)
무서운 사람을 만났을 때 어떻게 대처하나요? (How do you deal with it when you meet a scary person?)
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYou say '무서워요' (museowoyo) in polite speech or '무서워' (museoweo) in casual speech. Note that you don't need to say 'I' if it's clear from the context.
It is an adjective (descriptive verb). This means it describes a state or quality and doesn't take an object particle like '-을/를'.
Because '무섭다' is a ㅂ-irregular word. When the stem ends in 'ㅂ' and meets a vowel, the 'ㅂ' changes to '우'. So, '무섭' + '어요' becomes '무서워요'.
Always use the subject particle '이' or '가'. For example, '귀신이 무서워요' (Ghosts are scary / I'm scared of ghosts).
Yes. '무서운 사람' can mean someone who looks scary, someone who is very strict, or someone who is intimidatingly talented.
Use '무섭다' for yourself or to say something is scary. Use '무서워하다' for other people (e.g., 'My friend is scared').
You can say '안 무서워요' (an museowoyo) or '무섭지 않아요' (museopji anayo).
Yes, you say '높은 곳이 무서워요' (I'm scared of high places).
Not exactly 'awesome,' but it can mean 'intimidatingly good' or 'frighteningly fast' in a metaphorical sense.
The past tense is '무서웠어요' (museoweotsseoyo) in polite speech.
خودت رو بسنج 180 سوال
Translate to Korean: 'I am scared of dogs.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate to Korean: 'The movie was not scary.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Write a sentence using '무서운 이야기'.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate to Korean: 'I'm scared because it's dark.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate to Korean: 'My friend is scared of spiders.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Write a sentence using '무서운 속도'.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate to Korean: 'I am afraid of failing the exam.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Write a sentence using '무서운 사람' to describe a strict boss.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate to Korean: 'Don't be scared and speak slowly.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Write a sentence using '물가가 무섭게 오르다'.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'It was a terrifying dream.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'I can't go alone because it's scary.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'Are you scared of ghosts?'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'He has a scary face.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'I was so scared I couldn't move.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Write a sentence about the fear of the future.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'That movie wasn't scary at all.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'The atmosphere is frightening.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'I had a scary experience.'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Translate: 'Why are you scared?'
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
Describe a scary movie you have seen using '무서워요'.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Say 'I am scared of spiders' in Korean.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Explain why you are scared of something using '무서워서'.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Ask a friend if they are scared of the dark.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Comfort a child who is scared of a ghost.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Describe a strict teacher you had.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Talk about something that is changing at a 'scary speed'.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Say 'I'm scared to death' in Korean.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Describe the atmosphere of a haunted house.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Say 'It will probably be scary' in Korean.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Use '무서울 정도로' in a sentence about someone's talent.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Describe your scariest dream.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Say 'I am not scared at all' in Korean.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Explain the difference between '무섭다' and '두렵다' to a friend.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
React to a jump scare in Korean.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Ask 'What are you scared of?'
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Describe a time you were scared but survived.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Say 'The night road is scary' in formal speech.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Use '섬뜩하다' in a sentence.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Talk about a 'scary news' story you heard.
این را بلند بخوانید:
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Listen to: '아, 진짜 무서워! 저리 가!' What is the speaker feeling?
Listen to: '이 영화는 하나도 안 무서워요.' Is the person scared?
Listen to: '무서운 꿈을 꿨나 봐요. 아이가 울고 있어요.' Why is the child crying?
Listen to: '시험 결과가 무서워서 못 보겠어요.' Why can't the speaker look at the results?
Listen to: '물가가 너무 무섭게 오르네요.' What is the speaker talking about?
Listen to: '그 선생님은 화나면 정말 무서워요.' When is the teacher scary?
Listen to: '무서워하지 말고 이리 와.' What is the speaker telling someone to do?
Listen to: '무서운 속도로 발전하는 기술에 놀랐어요.' What surprised the speaker?
Listen to: '어릴 때는 치과가 왜 그렇게 무서웠을까요?' What does the speaker wonder about?
Listen to: '무서운 분위기가 느껴져요.' What is the speaker sensing?
Listen to: '하나도 안 무서워!' Who is this likely said to?
Listen to: '무서운 줄 알아야지!' What is the tone of this sentence?
Listen to: '밤길이 무서우니 조심하세요.' What is the speaker's warning?
Listen to: '무서운 영화 볼래?' What is the speaker suggesting?
Listen to: '저 사람이 제일 무서워요.' Who is the scariest?
/ 180 درست
نمره کامل!
Summary
The word 무섭다 is a versatile adjective that covers both 'being scared' and 'being scary.' To say 'I'm scared of spiders,' you say '거미가 무서워요' (Spiders are scary). Always remember the ㅂ-irregularity: 무섭다 + 어요 = 무서워요.
- 무섭다 (museopda) is an adjective meaning 'to be scary' or 'to be scared'.
- It follows the ㅂ-irregular rule, changing to '무서워' before vowels.
- The thing causing fear takes the subject particle 이/가.
- Use '무서워하다' when talking about someone else's fear.
Master the ㅂ-Irregular
Remember that '무섭다' follows the same pattern as '춥다' (cold) and '덥다' (hot). Practice them together to master the ㅂ -> 우 change.
Subject vs Object
Think of '무섭다' as 'to be scary.' If you say 'Dogs are scary,' it naturally explains why you use the subject particle '가' (강아지가 무서워요).
Third Person Rule
When talking about someone else's fear, always use '무서워하다.' Using '무섭다' for others sounds like you are describing their character, not their feelings.
Intimidation
Don't be surprised if someone calls a successful person '무서운 사람.' It's often a sign of respect for their relentless drive.
مثال
귀신이 너무 무서워요.
محتوای مرتبط
این کلمه در زبانهای دیگر
قواعد دستوری مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر emotions
받아들이다
A2پذیرفتن، قبول کردن.
아파하다
A2احساس درد یا غم کردن (معمولاً در مورد دیگران).
감탄스럽다
A2صبر و شکیبایی او در این شرایط سخت واقعاً ستودنی است.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2تحسین کردن یا شگفتزده شدن؛ ابراز شگفتی از چیزی زیبا یا فوقالعاده.
기특하다
B1قابل ستایش برای یک کار خوب یا فکر پخته.
충고
B1راهنمایی یا توصیههایی که در رابطه با اقدامات آینده ارائه میشود؛ نصیحت صادقانه.
애정
B1علاقه؛ یک احساس ملایم از دوست داشتن یا دلبستگی.
애틋하다
B2عشق لطیف و حسرتبار آنها همه را تحت تأثیر قرار داد.
살갑다
B22