At the A1 level, you don't need to use '성내다' frequently, but it's helpful to recognize it as a word for 'getting angry.' You should focus on the simple meaning: someone is not happy and is showing it. Think of it as a synonym for '화내다' (to be angry). You might see it in simple storybooks. The most important thing is to know that it is a verb and describes a feeling. You can remember it by the sound 'seong,' which sounds a bit like 'strong'—a strong feeling of being mad. Just remember: if someone is '성내다,' they are upset!
At the A2 level, you should start to distinguish '성내다' from other words. You can use it to describe people's reactions in simple stories or when writing about feelings. You should know how to conjugate it: '성내요' (polite), '성냈어요' (past), and '성내지 마세요' (don't get angry). At this level, you can use it to describe a teacher or a parent getting upset. It's a good word to add variety to your vocabulary so you don't always use '화내다.' Try using it with the particle '-에게' to show who the person is angry at.
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance that '성내다' is slightly more literary or formal than '화내다.' You can use it in written assignments or when giving a presentation about a character in a book. You should also be familiar with the noun form '성' (temper) and how it combines with '내다.' You can use adverbs like '갑자기' (suddenly) or '자주' (often) with '성내다' to describe personality types. For instance, '그는 성내는 성격이다' (He has a temperamental personality). This level requires you to understand the context where '성내다' is more appropriate than '화내다.'
At the B2 level, you should be able to identify '성내다' in complex texts, such as news reports or literature. You should understand how it differs from '분노하다' (to be outraged) and '노하다' (formal anger). You can use it to discuss emotional management or social interactions. You should also recognize it in various grammatical forms like '-기 일쑤다' (prone to) or '-ㄹ 정도로' (to the extent of). At this level, you should be sensitive to the tone it sets—a bit more traditional and descriptive. You might use it to describe a character's tragic flaw in an essay.
At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of '성내다.' You understand its etymological roots and its place in the history of the Korean language. you can use it to discuss the nuances of emotional expression in Korean culture. You should be able to use it in high-level academic writing or literary criticism. You understand that '성' refers to one's innate nature, so '성내다' implies a release of that nature. You can also use related idiomatic expressions and understand the subtle difference between '성내다' and '역정 내다' (anger of an elder).
At the C2 level, you use '성내다' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of its archaic feel in certain contexts and use it intentionally to evoke a specific atmosphere. You can analyze its use in classical poetry or pre-modern literature. You understand the philosophical implications of '성' in Neo-Confucian thought and how that influences the word's usage. You can effortlessly switch between '성내다,' '화내다,' '분노하다,' and '노하다' depending on the exact register, audience, and emotional weight required for the discourse.

성내다 en 30 secondes

  • A verb meaning to get angry or flare up.
  • More literary and formal than the common '화내다'.
  • Derived from '성' (temper) and '내다' (to put out).
  • Often used with the particle '-에게' for the target of anger.
The Korean verb 성내다 (seong-naeda) is a classic and nuanced way to describe the act of getting angry, flaring up, or showing displeasure. While many beginners first learn the word 화내다 (hwan-naeda), understanding 성내다 provides a deeper look into the linguistic history of Korean emotions. The word is a combination of the noun '성' (seong), which refers to one's temper, nature, or anger, and the verb '내다' (naeda), which means to produce, release, or bring out. Therefore, 성내다 literally translates to 'bringing out one's temper.'
Linguistic Nuance
Compared to the more common '화내다', '성내다' often carries a slightly more literary or traditional tone. It evokes an image of a sudden flare of temper rather than a long-sustained rage.
In modern conversation, you might hear it used by older generations or in literature to describe a character's sudden irritation. It is particularly effective when describing a reaction that is immediate and visible.

작은 일에도 쉽게 성내는 성격이라 친구가 별로 없어요.

This sentence illustrates a personality trait where someone 'flares up' easily over small things. Understanding this word also helps in reading classic Korean novels or watching historical dramas (Sageuk), where characters frequently use it to express their indignation.
Contextual Usage
It is often used in the negative imperative form '성내지 마세요' (Don't get angry) to calm someone down who has suddenly become visibly upset.

그는 갑자기 성내며 방을 나갔다.

Here, the word describes a sudden, physical manifestation of anger—leaving the room while flaring up. It captures both the emotion and the action of expressing it.
Using 성내다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as an active verb. It typically follows the subject who is experiencing the anger. Because it describes an action of 'releasing' temper, it is often paired with particles that indicate the reason for the anger or the person toward whom the anger is directed.
Grammar Pattern: Subject + Object + 에게/한테 + 성내다
This structure is used when someone is getting angry AT another person. For example: '어머니는 나에게 성내셨다' (Mother got angry at me).
When you want to describe the cause of the anger, you can use the '-아/어서' (because) connector.

약속 시간에 늦어서 선생님께서 성내셨어요.

In this example, the teacher flared up because the student was late. Note the use of the honorific '-시-' (성내셨어요), which is necessary when speaking about a superior. You can also use it with adverbs to describe the intensity of the anger.
Adverbial Pairings
'몹시 성내다' (to be extremely angry), '버럭 성내다' (to suddenly flare up), '공연히 성내다' (to get angry for no reason).

그는 아무런 이유 없이 성내기 일쑤였다.

This sentence uses the '-기 일쑤다' pattern, meaning someone is 'prone to' or 'constantly' flaring up without reason. It shows how the verb can be adapted into various complex sentence structures to describe personality traits and habitual actions.
While '성내다' might not be the most common word in a Seoul cafe among teenagers, it is deeply embedded in the Korean linguistic psyche and appears in several specific contexts.
Literature and Formal Writing
In novels and essays, '성내다' is preferred over '화내다' because it sounds more descriptive and less colloquial. It paints a picture of the internal '성' (temper) manifesting externally.
You will also encounter it in historical dramas. When a King or a high-ranking official is displeased, the script will almost certainly use '성내다' or its honorific forms.

왕께서 크게 성내시어 아무도 입을 열지 못했다.

In this context, the word carries the weight of authority. Another place you hear this word is in traditional proverbs and idiomatic expressions. For example, '성내는 사람이 손해다' (The one who gets angry is the one who loses).
Parental and Elder Speech
Grandparents or parents might use this word when scolding children, as it sounds a bit more stern and 'proper' than the slangy or very casual ways of expressing anger.

어른 앞에서 그렇게 성내면 못쓴다.

This is a typical scolding phrase, meaning 'It is not good to flare up like that in front of your elders.' It emphasizes social etiquette and the inappropriate display of temper.
The most common mistake learners make with 성내다 is confusing it with 화내다 or 노하다. While they all mean 'to be angry,' their registers and usage frequencies differ significantly.
Mistake: Overusing it in Casual Conversation
If you say '나 지금 성냈어!' to a friend, it might sound a bit dramatic or like you're reading from a book. In casual settings, '나 화났어' or '화내지 마' is much more natural.
Another error is failing to use the correct particles. Since '성' is technically a noun meaning temper, some learners try to say '성을 내다' (separating them). While this is grammatically correct and actually the origin of the word, in modern Korean, it is almost always used as the combined verb '성내다'.

Incorrect: 그는 나를 성냈다.
Correct: 그는 나에게 성냈다.

As shown, you cannot use the object particle '-를' for the person you are angry at; you must use the dative particle '-에게' or '-한테'.
Confusion with '노하다' (Nohada)
'노하다' is extremely formal/archaic (used for Kings or Gods). Using '노하다' in daily life is a mistake unless you are joking. '성내다' sits in the middle—more formal than '화내다' but less archaic than '노하다'.

Mistake: 친구가 노하셨다 (Too formal/weird).
Better: 친구가 성냈다 (Still a bit formal, but okay).

Understanding these boundaries of register is key to sounding natural in Korean.
To truly master 성내다, you must see how it fits into the broader spectrum of Korean words for anger.
성내다 vs. 화내다 (Hwan-naeda)
'화내다' is the most common and versatile word. '성내다' is more literary and focuses on the 'flare-up' of temper. If '화내다' is 'to get mad,' '성내다' is 'to show one's ire.'
성내다 vs. 분노하다 (Bunno-hada)
'분노하다' is a much stronger word, often translated as 'to be outraged' or 'to feel wrath.' It is used for social issues or deep-seated fury, whereas '성내다' is often for personal, immediate irritation.

불의를 보고 분노하다 (To be outraged at injustice) vs. 아이에게 성내다 (To flare up at a child).

성내다 vs. 짜증내다 (Jjajeung-naeda)
'짜증내다' means 'to be annoyed' or 'to fret.' It is a lower intensity than '성내다'. While '성내다' involves a release of temper, '짜증내다' is more about being grumpy or irritated.

그는 역정(을) 내다 (To get angry - very formal/honorific for elders).

'역정 내다' is another alternative often found in literature, specifically used for the anger of an esteemed elder or superior. It is even more formal than '성내다'. By knowing these differences, you can choose the exact word that fits the person, the intensity, and the setting of your story or conversation.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In pre-modern Korean thought, '성' (nature) was something to be cultivated. '성내다' was seen as a failure of self-cultivation because one's raw nature was leaking out uncontrollably.

Guide de prononciation

UK sʌŋ.nɛ.da
US sʌŋ.nɛ.da
The primary stress is usually on the first syllable '성' (seong).
Rime avec
보내다 (bonaeda) 꺼내다 (kkeonaeda) 끝내다 (kkeutnaeda) 흉내다 (hyungnaeda) 힘내다 (himnaeda) 지내다 (jinaeda) 나타내다 (natanaeda) 건내다 (geonnaeda)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing '성' as 'sung' (like the past tense of sing). It should be a more open 'eo' sound.
  • Failing to blend the 'ng' and 'n' smoothly. It's 'seong-naeda', not 'seon-ga-nae-da'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in literature and news, but less so in basic texts.

Écriture 4/5

Requires understanding of register to use naturally.

Expression orale 4/5

'화내다' is usually preferred in speech; '성내다' sounds formal.

Écoute 3/5

Easy to recognize once the root '성' is known.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

화 (Anger) 내다 (To produce) 화내다 (To get angry) 성격 (Personality) 마음 (Heart/Mind)

Apprends ensuite

분노하다 (To be outraged) 노하다 (Archaic anger) 역정 (Elder's anger) 참다 (To endure) 진정하다 (To calm down)

Avancé

희로애락 (Joy, Anger, Sorrow, Pleasure) 칠정 (Seven Emotions) 수양 (Cultivation)

Grammaire à connaître

-지 마세요 (Imperative negation)

성내지 마세요.

-에게/한테 (Target particle)

나에게 성내다.

-시- (Honorific suffix)

선생님께서 성내셨다.

-기 시작하다 (Starting an action)

성내기 시작했다.

-어서/아서 (Reason/Cause)

늦어서 성냈어요.

Exemples par niveau

1

선생님이 성내요.

The teacher is getting angry.

Present tense, polite style.

2

성내지 마세요.

Please don't get angry.

Negative imperative form.

3

그는 자주 성내요.

He gets angry often.

Adverb '자주' modifying the verb.

4

왜 성내요?

Why are you getting angry?

Interrogative sentence.

5

아빠가 성냈어요.

Dad got angry.

Past tense.

6

나는 성내지 않아요.

I don't get angry.

Long-form negation.

7

친구에게 성내지 마.

Don't get angry at your friend.

Informal negative imperative.

8

그녀는 성내고 있어요.

She is getting angry (right now).

Present progressive tense.

1

어머니는 나에게 성내셨다.

Mother got angry at me.

Honorific '-시-' used for mother.

2

작은 일에 성내지 마세요.

Don't get angry over small things.

Particle '-에' indicating the reason.

3

그는 갑자기 성내며 일어났다.

He suddenly flared up and stood up.

Connector '-며' indicating simultaneous actions.

4

성내는 얼굴이 무서워요.

An angry face is scary.

Noun-modifying form '-는'.

5

동생이 장난을 쳐서 성냈어요.

I got angry because my younger sibling played a prank.

Connector '-어서' showing cause.

6

배가 고프면 쉽게 성내게 돼요.

If I'm hungry, I end up getting angry easily.

Pattern '-게 되다' showing a change of state.

7

성내지 말고 말로 하세요.

Don't flare up; speak with words.

Connector '-지 말고' (instead of doing X).

8

누가 너에게 성냈니?

Who got angry at you?

Question form '-니' for close relationships.

1

그는 자신의 실수를 보고 성내기 시작했다.

He started to flare up after seeing his own mistake.

Pattern '-기 시작하다' (start to).

2

성내기보다는 차분히 대화하는 것이 좋다.

It is better to talk calmly rather than getting angry.

Pattern '-기보다는' (rather than).

3

그녀는 성내는 법을 모르는 사람처럼 보였다.

She looked like a person who didn't know how to get angry.

Pattern '-는 법' (way/how to).

4

아무리 성내도 문제는 해결되지 않는다.

No matter how much you flare up, the problem won't be solved.

Pattern '아무리 -어도' (no matter how much).

5

그는 화가 나면 버럭 성내곤 한다.

He tends to suddenly flare up when he's mad.

Pattern '-곤 하다' (habitual action).

6

성내는 목소리가 복도까지 들렸다.

The sound of flaring up could be heard all the way to the hallway.

Noun-modifying form for '목소리'.

7

그녀가 성내지 않도록 조심해야 해요.

You must be careful so that she doesn't get angry.

Pattern '-도록' (so that/in order to).

8

왜 그렇게 성내는지 이유를 모르겠어요.

I don't know the reason why you are flaring up like that.

Indirect question '-는지'.

1

그의 성내는 성격 때문에 주변 사람들이 힘들어한다.

Because of his temperamental personality, people around him suffer.

Noun-modifying form '-는' used with '성격'.

2

부모님께 성내는 것은 예의가 아니다.

It is not polite to flare up at your parents.

Gerund '-는 것' as a subject.

3

그는 억울한 누명을 쓰고 성내며 항의했다.

He was falsely accused and protested while flaring up.

Participle '-며' for simultaneous action.

4

성내고 싶을 때는 심호흡을 해 보세요.

Try taking a deep breath when you want to flare up.

Pattern '-고 싶다' (want to).

5

그녀는 성내기는커녕 오히려 웃음을 터뜨렸다.

Far from getting angry, she actually burst out laughing.

Pattern '-기는커녕' (far from/instead of).

6

성내지 않고는 못 배길 상황이었다.

It was a situation where one couldn't help but flare up.

Pattern '-지 않고는 못 배기다' (cannot help but).

7

그가 성내는 것을 보니 정말 화가 난 모양이다.

Seeing him flare up, it seems he is truly angry.

Pattern '-ㄴ 모양이다' (it seems that).

8

사소한 오해로 인해 성내게 된 점 사과드립니다.

I apologize for flaring up due to a minor misunderstanding.

Pattern '-게 된 점' (the fact that I became...).

1

문학 작품 속에서 주인공이 성내는 장면은 갈등의 정점을 보여준다.

In literary works, the scene where the protagonist flares up shows the peak of conflict.

Complex sentence structure with literary context.

2

그는 평소 온화하지만 한 번 성내면 걷잡을 수 없다.

He is usually gentle, but once he flares up, he is uncontrollable.

Pattern '-면 걷잡을 수 없다' (uncontrollable if...).

3

성내다라는 단어는 화내다보다 더 깊은 감정의 배출을 암시한다.

The word 'seong-naeda' suggests a deeper discharge of emotion than 'hwa-naeda'.

Quotation '-라는' used for a word definition.

4

권력자가 성내면 그 파장은 걷잡을 수 없이 커진다.

When a person in power flares up, the ripple effect grows uncontrollably.

Conditional '-면' with social context.

5

그는 자신의 무능함에 대해 스스로에게 성내고 있었다.

He was flaring up at himself for his own incompetence.

Reflexive '스스로에게' (at himself).

6

성내지 말고 이성적으로 판단해야 할 때입니다.

It is time to judge rationally instead of flaring up.

Adverbial '이성적으로' (rationally).

7

그녀의 성내는 태도는 오히려 그녀의 약함을 드러낸다.

Her angry attitude actually reveals her weakness.

Noun-modifying form '-는' with '태도'.

8

과거의 문헌에서는 '성내다'를 통해 인간의 본성을 논했다.

In past literature, human nature was discussed through the act of 'flaring up'.

Instrumental particle '-를 통해' (through).

1

성내다의 어원을 살펴보면 '성(性)'이 밖으로 '나는' 것임을 알 수 있다.

Looking at the etymology of 'seong-naeda', we can see that it means one's nature (性) is coming out.

Explaining the Hanja origin within the Korean word.

2

그의 성내는 행위는 억눌린 무의식의 표출이라 할 수 있다.

His act of flaring up can be called an expression of a suppressed unconscious.

Formal '이라 할 수 있다' (can be said to be).

3

성내지 않음으로써 평정심을 유지하는 것이 도의 길이다.

Maintaining equanimity by not flaring up is the path of the Tao.

Instrumental gerund '-함으로써' (by doing).

4

그는 대중의 성내는 목소리를 정치적 동력으로 이용했다.

He used the angry voices of the public as political momentum.

Metaphorical use of '성내는 목소리'.

5

성내다라는 행위 자체가 이미 이성적 통제를 벗어났음을 의미한다.

The act of flaring up itself means that rational control has already been lost.

Subject clause ending in '-음을 의미한다'.

6

고전 소설에서 영웅이 성내면 천지가 진동한다고 묘사되곤 한다.

In classic novels, it is often described that when a hero flares up, heaven and earth tremble.

Passive form '묘사되곤 한다'.

7

성내고 분노하는 것만으로는 세상을 바꿀 수 없다.

The world cannot be changed just by flaring up and being outraged.

Compound subject with '-만으로는'.

8

그는 성내는 기색을 전혀 보이지 않은 채 조용히 물러났다.

He withdrew quietly without showing any sign of flaring up.

Pattern '-ㄴ 채' (in the state of).

Collocations courantes

버럭 성내다
갑자기 성내다
몹시 성내다
공연히 성내다
부모님께 성내다
성내는 기색
성내기 일쑤다
크게 성내다
자주 성내다
성내며 말하다

Phrases Courantes

성낼 일도 아니다

— It's not something to get angry about.

그건 그렇게 성낼 일도 아니야.

성내면 손해다

— Getting angry only hurts you (it's your loss).

성내면 손해니까 그냥 참아.

성내기 전에

— Before getting angry.

성내기 전에 먼저 사정을 들어보세요.

성내는 이유

— The reason for getting angry.

네가 성내는 이유를 모르겠어.

성내지 말고

— Don't get angry and (do something else instead).

성내지 말고 차근차근 말해봐.

성내지 않기로 약속하다

— To promise not to get angry.

우리 서로 성내지 않기로 약속하자.

성낼 만하다

— It is understandable that one gets angry.

그 상황이라면 누구라도 성낼 만했다.

성내지 않을 수 없다

— Cannot help but get angry.

그의 무례함에 성내지 않을 수 없었다.

성내고 싶지 않다

— Don't want to get angry.

나도 너한테 성내고 싶지 않아.

성내는 법이 없다

— Never gets angry.

그는 좀처럼 성내는 법이 없다.

Souvent confondu avec

성내다 vs 성나다

'성나다' is the state of being angry (passive), while '성내다' is the act of expressing it (active).

성내다 vs 화나다

'화나다' is 'to be angry' (feeling), whereas '성내다' is 'to get angry' (action).

성내다 vs 신경질 내다

This means to be neurotic or throw a tantrum, which is more specific than the general '성내다'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"성(을) 내다"

— To release temper. The original noun+verb form.

그는 사소한 일에 성을 냈다.

Neutral
"불같이 성내다"

— To get angry like a fire (very suddenly and intensely).

그는 불같이 성내며 화를 참지 못했다.

Literary
"버럭 성을 내다"

— To suddenly and loudly flare up.

그는 질문에 답하지 않고 버럭 성을 냈다.

Neutral
"성내어 덤비다"

— To attack or approach someone in a fit of anger.

그는 성내어 덤비는 적을 가볍게 피했다.

Literary
"성을 돋우다"

— To provoke someone's anger.

그의 말투가 내 성을 돋우었다.

Neutral
"성을 풀다"

— To release or alleviate one's anger.

맛있는 것을 먹으며 성을 풀었다.

Neutral
"성질(을) 내다"

— A more colloquial and slightly negative way to say 'lose one's temper'.

성질 좀 내지 마!

Informal
"노기(가) 등등하다"

— To be in a towering rage (literally: anger is rising high).

그는 노기가 등등하여 소리를 질렀다.

Formal
"안색이 변하며 성내다"

— To flare up with one's facial expression changing.

그녀는 안색이 변하며 성을 냈다.

Literary
"성내어 꾸짖다"

— To scold someone while being angry.

선생님은 숙제를 안 해온 학생을 성내어 꾸짖었다.

Formal

Facile à confondre

성내다 vs 화내다

Both mean to get angry.

'화내다' is common and colloquial; '성내다' is literary and implies a flare-up.

친구한테 화내지 마. / 왕께서 크게 성내셨다.

성내다 vs 노하다

Both are formal words for anger.

'노하다' is archaic/royal; '성내다' is literary but still used in modern contexts.

임금님이 노하셨다. / 선생님이 성내셨다.

성내다 vs 분노하다

Both describe anger.

'분노하다' is intense outrage (often social); '성내다' is personal irritation.

국민들이 분노했다. / 그는 동생에게 성냈다.

성내다 vs 짜증내다

Both involve negative emotional release.

'짜증내다' is lower intensity (annoyance); '성내다' is higher intensity (anger).

날씨가 더워 짜증난다. / 무례한 태도에 성냈다.

성내다 vs 역정 내다

Both are used for superiors' anger.

'역정 내다' is more honorific and formal than '성내다'.

할아버지께서 역정을 내셨다. / 아버지가 성내셨다.

Structures de phrases

A1

Subject + 성내요.

동생이 성내요.

A2

Subject + Person + 에게 + 성내요.

아빠가 나에게 성내요.

B1

Subject + 성내지 마세요.

제발 성내지 마세요.

B1

Subject + 성내기 시작했다.

그는 갑자기 성내기 시작했다.

B2

Subject + 성내는 + Noun

성내는 성격은 좋지 않다.

B2

Subject + 성내기 일쑤다.

그는 사소한 일에 성내기 일쑤다.

C1

Subject + 성내기보다는 + Action

성내기보다는 먼저 사과했다.

C2

Subject + 성내는 기색도 없이 + Action

그는 성내는 기색도 없이 방을 나갔다.

Famille de mots

Noms

성 (Temper/Anger)
성미 (Nature/Disposition)
성질 (Temperament/Character)

Verbes

성나다 (To be angry - passive state)
성내다 (To get angry - active action)

Adjectifs

성난 (Angry - modifying noun)
성급하다 (Hasty/Impatient)

Apparenté

화 (Anger)
분노 (Wrath)
노여움 (Displeasure)
역정 (Anger of an elder)
짜증 (Irritation)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Moderate (High in literature/media, low in casual speech)

Erreurs courantes
  • Using the object particle '-를' with the person. 그는 나에게 성냈다.

    '성내다' is not a transitive verb that takes the person as a direct object. Use the dative particle '-에게'.

  • Using '성내다' in a very casual text to a friend. 나 지금 화났어.

    '성내다' can sound overly formal or dramatic in a simple text message.

  • Confusing '성내다' with '성나다'. 그는 성을 냈다. / 파도가 성났다.

    '성내다' is the action of getting angry; '성나다' is the state of being angry/rough.

  • Using '노하다' for a friend. 친구가 성냈다.

    '노하다' is only for kings or very high superiors. Using it for a friend is a major register error.

  • Forgetting the honorific '-시-' for elders. 할아버지가 성내셨다.

    When an elder flares up, you must use the honorific form to be polite.

Astuces

Use in Writing

When writing a story, use '성내다' to describe a character's sudden outburst to make the prose more vivid.

Choose '화내다' for Friends

In a cafe with friends, '화내다' is much more natural. '성내다' might make you sound like a character in a book.

Particle Check

Always use '-에게' or '-한테' for the person you are angry at. Never use '-를'.

Historical Dramas

Watch Sageuks (historical dramas) to hear '성내다' used in its most traditional and powerful contexts.

The Erupting Volcano

Think of '성' as the lava inside and '내다' as the eruption. A volcano '성내다' (flares up).

Word Family

Learn '성격' (personality) and '성질' (temper) alongside '성내다' to see how the root '성' works.

Smooth Transition

Practice saying 'seong-naeda' quickly so the 'ng' and 'n' sounds blend naturally without a pause.

Listen for the Honorific

When you hear '성내셨다', you know the person getting angry is someone respected or older.

Intensity Matters

Remember that '성내다' is stronger than '짜증내다' but weaker than '분노하다'.

Root Meaning

Knowing that '성' means 'nature' helps you understand that '성내다' is about showing your true, raw feelings.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

'Seong' (성) sounds like 'Song'. Imagine a singer who is so angry they start a loud, angry 'Song' (성) and '내다' (let it out).

Association visuelle

Imagine a volcano (your temper/성) erupting (letting out/내다). The lava is the anger being released.

Word Web

성 (Nature) 내다 (Release) 화내다 (Common) 분노 (Strong) 노하다 (Formal) 성격 (Personality) 인성 (Humanity) 성질 (Temper)

Défi

Try to use '성내다' instead of '화내다' the next time you write a journal entry about a character in a book or a movie.

Origine du mot

The word is a combination of the Sino-Korean noun '성' (性 - seong), meaning 'nature' or 'temperament,' and the native Korean verb '내다' (naeda), meaning 'to produce' or 'to release.'

Sens originel : To bring out one's innate nature or temper.

Koreanic (Native verb) + Sino-Korean (Noun).

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use '성내다' toward a boss or a much older person unless you are describing their action to someone else. It can sound a bit disrespectful if used in the wrong way.

In English, we say 'lose one's temper' or 'flare up.' '성내다' captures both of these. English speakers might find it similar to 'showing one's ire.'

The concept of '성' (Nature) in Neo-Confucianism. Classic Korean literature like 'Chunhyangjeon' where officials flare up. Historical K-Dramas where kings shout '어찌하여 성내느냐!' (Why do you flare up!)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At home

  • 부모님께 성내지 마.
  • 동생이 성내고 있어요.
  • 사소한 일로 성내지 마세요.
  • 엄마가 성내기 전에 숙제해.

At school

  • 선생님께서 성내셨어요.
  • 친구에게 성내면 안 돼요.
  • 성내지 말고 조용히 하세요.
  • 시험 성적 때문에 성냈어요.

In literature

  • 주인공이 크게 성내며...
  • 그의 성내는 얼굴이 묘사되었다.
  • 성내어 앞장서다.
  • 하늘이 성내어 비가 내렸다.

In a relationship

  • 왜 나한테 성내?
  • 성내지 말고 대화하자.
  • 오해해서 성냈어. 미안해.
  • 성내는 모습도 예뻐? (Joking)

Self-reflection

  • 나는 왜 이렇게 자주 성낼까?
  • 성내지 않기로 다짐했다.
  • 성내는 습관을 고치고 싶다.
  • 성내고 나면 후회한다.

Amorces de conversation

"최근에 누군가에게 성낸 적이 있어요?"

"작은 일에도 쉽게 성내는 편인가요?"

"성내는 사람을 보면 어떤 기분이 들어요?"

"화내는 것과 성내는 것의 차이가 뭐라고 생각해요?"

"성내지 않고 화를 참는 방법이 있나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 내가 성냈던 순간에 대해 써보세요.

내가 성내지 않으려고 노력하는 이유는 무엇인가요?

누군가 나에게 성냈을 때 나의 반응은 어떠했나요?

성내는 성격을 고치기 위한 계획을 세워보세요.

문학 작품 속에서 가장 인상 깊었던 '성내는 장면'은 무엇인가요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is less common than '화내다' in casual talk. You might hear it from older people or in formal situations. Using it with friends can sound a bit dramatic.

'성내다' is an active verb (to release anger), while '성나다' is a state (to be angry). For example, '성난 파도' means 'angry waves' (state).

You can use the honorific form '성내시다' to describe your boss's anger to someone else, but it's better to use more professional terms in a direct corporate setting.

You can say '성내지 마세요' (polite) or '성내지 마' (informal).

Yes, it comes from the Hanja '性' meaning nature or character. It implies your 'nature' is flaring up.

Common adverbs include '버럭' (suddenly), '몹시' (greatly), '공연히' (for no reason), and '자주' (often).

It is generally used as an intransitive verb, but because it contains the object '성' (temper), it functions like 'to release temper.'

Yes, you can use it to personify animals, like '성난 황소' (an angry bull).

Because of its etymological roots and its frequent use in classic Korean literature and historical dramas.

The noun form is '성냄' or '성내기', but the root noun '성' (temper) is often used on its own.

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '성내다' in the past tense about a teacher.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Please don't get angry at me.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use '버럭' and '성내다' in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence explaining why you got angry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a formal sentence describing a manager flaring up.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

'성내지 마세요'를 정중하게 말해보세요.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

'Why are you angry?'를 '성내다'를 사용하여 물어보세요.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

'My father got angry'를 높임말(honorific)로 말해보세요.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

'Don't flare up at me'를 친구에게 말하듯 해보세요.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

'He suddenly flared up'을 말해보세요.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내지 마세요) What is the speaker asking?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 왜 저한테 성내세요?) To whom is the anger directed?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 아버지가 몹시 성내셨다) How angry was the father?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내기 일쑤예요) Is this a one-time event or a habit?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내는 기색이 없었다) Did the person look angry?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I flared up because of the secret.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't get angry over a joke.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The teacher flared up at the student.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use '자주' and '성내다' to describe a character.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using the connector '-면서' (while).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry for flaring up.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'He is an angry person.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I won't get angry anymore.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Why are you getting angry at me?'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The king was very angry.' (Formal)

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 버럭 성을 냈다) What adverb was used?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성낼 만한 일이다) Is the anger justified?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내지 않기로 했잖아) What was the agreement?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 공연히 나한테 성내지 마) Who is the person angry at?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내고 나서 후회했다) What happened after the anger?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't get angry for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The sea was angry.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I am prone to getting angry.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Why did you get angry at your brother?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '성내다' in a formal way.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Don't get angry at small things.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I flared up.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Why are you flaring up all of a sudden?'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry I flared up earlier.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'It's a scary angry face.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성낼 필요 없어요) Is there a need to get angry?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 그가 성낼 만했다) Was his anger reasonable?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내지 말고 말해봐) What should the person do instead of getting angry?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내는 소리가 들려요) What is the speaker hearing?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

(Audio: 성내면 너만 손해야) Who loses if they get angry?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'The King flared up.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Don't get angry at the child.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '성내다' and '이유'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'He flared up and left the room.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'It is better not to get angry.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I will not flare up anymore.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Why are you angry at me?' (Informal)

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'A person who flares up easily.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Don't get angry, just talk.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry I flared up at you.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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