When something has a strong, unpleasant taste like coffee without sugar or some types of medicine, in Korean, you say it is 써요. This word describes the taste of bitterness. For example, if you drink a very strong cup of black coffee, you would say it 써요. It's a common word to describe a specific taste.
When you're describing the taste of something in Korean, 써요 (sseoyo) is the word you'll use to say it's bitter. It's a common and practical adjective for everyday situations.
You might use it to describe coffee without sugar, certain vegetables like bitter melon, or even some medicines.
It's important to remember that this form, 써요, is the polite present tense. You'll hear and use it frequently.
When you want to say something tastes bitter in Korean, you use the adjective 써요 (sseoyo). This is the polite form of the verb. You'll often hear this when someone tastes something like strong coffee, certain herbs, or some medicines.
For example, if you try a new tea and it has a bitter taste, you might say, "이 차 써요" (I cha sseoyo), meaning "This tea is bitter."
It's a very practical word to know, especially when describing food and drinks.
When discussing flavors in Korean, an important adjective to know is 쓰다 (sseuda), meaning 'to be bitter.' You'll often hear it in its conjugated form, 써요 (sseoyo), especially in polite speech.
This word is used for anything that has a bitter taste, like coffee without sugar, certain vegetables, or even some medicines.
It's a very straightforward and common expression for describing this particular flavor profile.
For example, you might say "이 커피 써요" (This coffee is bitter).
When discussing flavors, 써요 is used to describe something as bitter. Think of coffee without sugar, dark chocolate, or some types of vegetables. It's a common adjective to express this taste sensation.
While often used literally for taste, it can sometimes be used metaphorically in Korean to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation, similar to how we might say something is a 'bitter pill to swallow' in English. However, for everyday A2 usage, focus on its primary meaning related to taste.
When you're talking about something having a bitter taste, like coffee without sugar or some types of vegetables, the word you'll often use is 써요. This is the polite present tense form of the descriptive verb 쓰다, which means 'to be bitter.'
It's a straightforward way to express that particular taste. For example, if you taste something and it's bitter, you can simply say '써요!' or '이 커피 써요' (This coffee is bitter).
§ Common Mistakes with 써요
Many English speakers learning Korean make similar mistakes when using adjectives, and 써요 (it's bitter) is no exception. Let's look at a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing 써요 with 쓰다 (to write/to use)
This is perhaps the most frequent mistake. The Korean language has several homonyms – words that sound the same but have different meanings and sometimes different spellings (though not always in their base form). The base form of 'it's bitter' is 쓰다. The base form of 'to write' is also 쓰다. And the base form of 'to use' is also 쓰다! When conjugated to the polite formal present tense, all three become 써요.
- DEFINITION
- 쓰다 (adjective): to be bitter
- DEFINITION
- 쓰다 (verb): to write
- DEFINITION
- 쓰다 (verb): to use
The key to distinguishing these lies in the context of the sentence. Are you talking about the taste of something? Then it's 'bitter.' Are you holding a pen? Then it's 'to write.' Are you discussing how to operate something? Then it's 'to use.'
이 커피는 정말 써요. (This coffee is really [bitter].)
저는 매일 일기를 써요. (I [write] a diary every day.)
이 펜을 써요. (Please [use] this pen.)
§ Mistake 2: Incorrectly using it to describe people or situations
In English, we might say a situation is 'bitter' in a figurative sense, meaning difficult or unpleasant. However, 써요 (it's bitter) in Korean is almost exclusively used for taste or sometimes for the literal chemical bitterness of something (like medicine). You generally wouldn't use it to describe a person's personality or a bad experience.
- WRONG
- 그 사람은 너무 써요. (He is too bitter.) - This sounds very unnatural.
- WRONG
- 그 경험은 정말 썼어요. (That experience was really bitter.) - Again, sounds unnatural for an experience.
Instead, you would use different adjectives for people or situations. For a person, you might say 싫어요 (I don't like him/her), 차가워요 (cold), or 화가 났어요 (angry). For a situation, you'd use 어려워요 (difficult), 힘들어요 (hard), or 나빴어요 (bad).
이 약은 써요. (This medicine is [bitter].)
§ Mistake 3: Overusing it when other taste adjectives are more appropriate
Sometimes learners default to 써요 when they mean something is unpleasant tasting, but not specifically bitter. Korean has a rich vocabulary for tastes, just like English. For instance:
매워요 (maewoyo): It's spicy.
짜요 (jjayo): It's salty.
셔요 (syeoyo): It's sour.
달아요 (darayo): It's sweet.
싱거워요 (singgeowoyo): It's bland/tasteless.
While something might have a bitter undertone, if its primary characteristic is spicy or sour, use the more precise adjective.
이 음식은 너무 매워요. (This food is too [spicy].)
이 레몬은 정말 셔요. (This lemon is really [sour].)
How Formal Is It?
"이 약은 매우 씁니다. (This medicine is very bitter.)"
"커피가 좀 써요. (The coffee is a bit bitter.)"
"이거 너무 써. (This is too bitter.)"
"야채가 써요. (The vegetables are bitter.)"
"완전 쓰다! (It's totally bitter!)"
रोचक तथ्य
The root '쓰-' (sseu-) is also used in other words related to unpleasantness, like '쓰라리다' (sseu-ra-ri-da - to be stinging/sore).
कठिनाई स्तर
short
short
short
short
आगे क्या सीखें
पूर्वापेक्षाएँ
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
커피가 써요.
Coffee is bitter.
이 약은 써요.
This medicine is bitter.
맥주가 좀 써요.
The beer is a little bitter.
인삼은 써요.
Ginseng is bitter.
이 차는 써요.
This tea is bitter.
술이 써요.
Alcohol is bitter.
그 맛은 써요.
That taste is bitter.
자몽은 써요.
Grapefruit is bitter.
커피가 써요.
Coffee is bitter.
이 약은 써요.
This medicine is bitter.
맥주가 좀 써요.
The beer is a little bitter.
맛이 써요.
The taste is bitter.
오늘은 커피가 더 써요.
Today, the coffee is more bitter.
이 나물은 써요.
This wild vegetable is bitter.
어떤 약은 정말 써요.
Some medicines are really bitter.
녹차는 보통 써요.
Green tea is usually bitter.
이 약은 좀 써요. 물이랑 같이 드세요.
This medicine is a bit bitter. Drink it with water.
커피가 너무 써요. 설탕 좀 넣어줄래요?
The coffee is too bitter. Can you add some sugar?
인생은 달콤하기도 하고 쓰기도 해요.
Life is both sweet and bitter.
그녀의 표정이 썼다. 무슨 일이 있었을까?
Her expression was bitter. What could have happened?
소주는 원래 좀 써요. 처음 마시는 사람은 놀랄 수도 있어요.
Soju is originally a bit bitter. People trying it for the first time might be surprised.
쓴맛이 나는 채소도 건강에 좋대요.
Vegetables that taste bitter are said to be good for health.
시험 결과가 좋지 않아서 쓴맛을 보았다.
The exam results weren't good, so I tasted bitterness (experienced disappointment).
Literally 'tasted a bitter taste', idiomatically means to experience disappointment.
그 경험은 저에게 쓴 교훈을 주었어요.
That experience gave me a bitter lesson.
이 약은 맛이 너무 써서 먹기 힘들어요.
This medicine tastes too bitter, so it's hard to take.
커피를 너무 진하게 끓여서 맛이 좀 써요.
I brewed the coffee too strong, so it tastes a bit bitter.
인생이 때로는 쓰지만, 단맛도 있기 마련이죠.
Life is sometimes bitter, but there's also sweetness.
그녀의 표정이 쓴 걸 보니 무슨 안 좋은 일이 있었나 봐요.
Her expression looks bitter, so something bad must have happened.
이 채소는 몸에 좋다고 하지만 맛이 좀 써요.
They say this vegetable is good for you, but it tastes a bit bitter.
술이 써서 잘 못 마시겠어요.
The alcohol is bitter, so I can't drink it well.
아픈 기억은 늘 쓰지만, 시간이 지나면 괜찮아질 거예요.
Painful memories are always bitter, but they will get better with time.
그는 쓴 얼굴로 나를 바라보며 한숨을 쉬었어요.
He looked at me with a bitter face and sighed.
이 약은 효과는 좋은데, 정말 써요.
This medicine is effective, but it's really bitter.
효과는 좋은데: '효과' (effect) + '는' (topic particle) + '좋다' (good) + '-은데' (but/although). Describes a contrast.
인생은 때때로 써요, 하지만 그 속에서 우리는 강해집니다.
Life is sometimes bitter, but we grow stronger within it.
때때로: 'sometimes'. 그 속에서: '그' (that) + '속' (inside) + '-에서' (in/at). We grow stronger in it.
그의 마지막 말은 그녀의 마음에 쓰게 남았습니다.
His last words remained bitter in her heart.
쓰게 남았습니다: '쓰다' (bitter) + '-게' (adverbial suffix) + '남다' (to remain) + '-았습니다' (past tense, polite). Remained bitterly.
쓴 커피를 좋아하는 사람이 있는가 하면, 단 커피를 선호하는 사람도 있어요.
While some people like bitter coffee, others prefer sweet coffee.
있는가 하면: '있다' (to exist) + '-는가 하면' (while/whereas). Used to express a contrast or comparison.
실패는 쓰지만, 성공의 어머니라고 하죠.
Failure is bitter, but they say it's the mother of success.
성공의 어머니라고 하죠: '성공' (success) + '의' (of) + '어머니' (mother) + '-라고 하다' (to say that) + '-죠' (informal contraction of '지요', expressing shared knowledge).
오랜만에 마신 녹차는 평소보다 훨씬 더 써요.
The green tea I drank after a long time is much more bitter than usual.
오랜만에: '오랜' (long time) + '-만에' (after a period of time). 평소보다: '평소' (usual) + '-보다' (than).
저는 쓴맛을 싫어해서 쑥갓 같은 채소는 잘 못 먹어요.
I don't like bitter tastes, so I can't eat vegetables like crown daisy well.
쓴맛을 싫어해서: '쓴맛' (bitter taste) + '을' (object particle) + '싫어하다' (to dislike) + '-어서' (because/so). 잘 못 먹어요: '잘' (well) + '못' (cannot) + '먹다' (to eat).
인생의 쓴 경험들이 결국 나를 더 강하게 만들었어요.
The bitter experiences of life ultimately made me stronger.
쓴 경험들: '쓰다' (bitter) + '-ㄴ' (adjectival modifier) + '경험' (experience) + '-들' (plural marker). 결국: 'eventually/ultimately'.
인생은 씁쓸한 초콜릿 같아서 때로는 달콤하고 때로는 써요.
Life is like bitter chocolate, sometimes sweet and sometimes bitter.
Here, '씁쓸하다' (to be bitter/bittersweet) is used to describe the overall nature of life, and '써요' is used to specifically describe the bitter taste.
그 경험은 저에게 쓰디쓴 교훈을 주었지만, 덕분에 많이 배웠어요.
That experience gave me a very bitter lesson, but thanks to it, I learned a lot.
'쓰디쓰다' is an intensified form of '쓰다', meaning 'very bitter' or 'extremely bitter'. It's often used metaphorically for harsh experiences.
이 약은 맛은 써요, 하지만 효과는 확실해요.
This medicine tastes bitter, but its effect is certain.
A straightforward use of '써요' to describe the taste of medicine.
실패는 성공의 어머니라고 하지만, 그 과정은 늘 써요.
They say failure is the mother of success, but the process is always bitter.
Here, '써요' is used metaphorically to describe a difficult or unpleasant process.
아메리카노는 써요, 하지만 저는 그 쓴맛을 즐겨요.
Americano is bitter, but I enjoy that bitter taste.
A common use of '써요' to describe the taste of coffee.
정치인의 위선적인 행동에 시민들은 쓴웃음을 지었어요.
Citizens gave a bitter smile at the politician's hypocritical actions.
'쓴웃음' (bitter smile) is a fixed expression using '쓰다' to convey a sense of irony or disappointment.
그의 냉소적인 말투는 때때로 사람들에게 쓴 기분을 안겨줘요.
His cynical way of speaking sometimes gives people a bitter feeling.
'쓴 기분' (bitter feeling) is a metaphorical usage of '쓰다' to describe an unpleasant or resentful emotion.
오랜 기다림 끝에 얻은 승리였지만, 예상치 못한 대가에 쓴맛을 느꼈어요.
It was a victory obtained after a long wait, but I felt a bitter taste due to the unexpected cost.
'쓴맛을 느끼다' (to feel a bitter taste) is a metaphorical expression for experiencing an unpleasant realization or disappointment despite achieving something.
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
This is the dictionary form of the verb that becomes '써요' in the polite present tense. The homonymy is a major point of confusion.
This is the dictionary form of the adjective that also becomes '써요' in the polite present tense. The identical polite present tense forms are what cause the most trouble.
This is the dictionary form of the adjective 'cheap', which becomes '싸요' in the polite present tense. The vowel difference is subtle but important.
व्याकरण पैटर्न
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"입맛이 쓰다"
To have a bitter taste in one's mouth (metaphorically, meaning to feel unpleasant or disappointed)
그 소식을 들으니 입맛이 쓰네요.
neutral"쓴맛을 보다"
To experience hardship or bitterness
실패를 통해 쓴맛을 제대로 봤어요.
neutral"쓰디쓴 경험"
A very bitter experience
그것은 저에게 쓰디쓴 경험으로 남았습니다.
neutral"마음이 쓰리다"
To feel heartbroken or pained (literally, 'one's heart is bitter')
친구의 불행에 마음이 쓰리네요.
neutral"쓸개 빠진 사람"
A person without courage or spirit (literally, 'a person who lost their gallbladder' – gallbladder is associated with courage in Korean culture)
그는 쓸개 빠진 사람처럼 행동했어요.
informal"쓴소리"
Bitter words; harsh criticism or advice
선배의 쓴소리가 저에게 큰 도움이 되었어요.
neutral"쓴웃음"
A bitter smile; a wry smile
그의 이야기를 듣고 쓴웃음을 지었어요.
neutral"쓰디쓰다"
To be extremely bitter (emphasizing the bitterness)
약이 쓰디써서 먹기 힘들었어요.
neutral"쓰라린 기억"
Painful or bitter memories
그 사건은 저에게 쓰라린 기억으로 남아있어요.
neutral"약이 쓰다"
Medicine is bitter (often used literally, but can also imply something unpleasant but necessary)
몸에 좋은 약은 입에 쓰다고 하잖아요.
neutralआसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Many beginner Korean learners confuse '써요' (bitter) with '써요' (to use/write). They are homonyms, meaning they sound the same but have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Context is key. If you are talking about taste, '써요' means 'it's bitter'. If you are talking about actions, '써요' means 'I use' or 'I write'.
이 약은 써요. (This medicine is bitter.) 저는 펜을 써요. (I use a pen.) 저는 편지를 써요. (I write a letter.)
As mentioned, it sounds exactly like '써요' (bitter). The verb '쓰다' (to use/write/wear a hat) conjugates to '써요' in the polite present tense.
Again, context. Are you describing a taste or an action? If it's an action, it's about using, writing, or wearing something.
저는 컴퓨터를 써요. (I use a computer.) 모자를 써요. (I wear a hat.)
The sound can be similar to '써요' for new learners, especially without clear pronunciation. The '쉬' sound can sometimes be mistaken for '쓰' if not heard carefully.
'쉬어요' is 'to rest'. It starts with a 'sh' sound, not an 's' sound. Pay attention to the initial consonant.
저는 쉬어요. (I rest.)
This word also sounds very similar to '써요', differing only by the vowel sound. The double 'ㅆ' in '싸요' might also be challenging for some to distinguish initially.
'싸요' means 'it's cheap'. The vowel sound is an 'ah' sound, while '써요' has an 'uh' sound. Listen carefully to the vowel.
이 옷은 싸요. (These clothes are cheap.)
While not as close as the others, some learners might mix up '봐요' with '써요' due to general phonetic similarity and common usage in daily conversation. The 'ㅂ' and 'ㅆ' sounds can be tricky.
'봐요' is 'to see' or 'to look'. It starts with a 'b' sound. '써요' starts with an 's' sound.
영화를 봐요. (I watch a movie.)
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
이거 써요. (Igeo sseoyo.)
이 약 써요. (I yak sseoyo.) This medicine is bitter.
[명사]이/가 써요. ([Myeongsa]i/ga sseoyo.)
커피가 써요. (Keopiga sseoyo.) Coffee is bitter.
너무 써요. (Neomu sseoyo.)
이 차 너무 써요. (I cha neomu sseoyo.) This tea is too bitter.
왜 이렇게 써요? (Wae ireoke sseoyo?)
이 나물 왜 이렇게 써요? (I namul wae ireoke sseoyo?) Why is this vegetable so bitter?
써서 못 먹겠어요. (Sseoseo mot meokgesseoyo.)
너무 써서 못 먹겠어요. (Neomu sseoseo mot meokgesseoyo.) It's too bitter, so I can't eat it.
[명사]은/는 써요. ([Myeongsa]eun/neun sseoyo.)
인삼은 써요. (Insameun sseoyo.) Ginseng is bitter.
맛이 써요. (Masi sseoyo.)
이 음식 맛이 써요. (I eumshik masi sseoyo.) This food tastes bitter.
~지만 써요. (~jiman sseoyo.)
몸에 좋지만 써요. (Mome jotjiman sseoyo.) It's good for the body, but it's bitter.
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Use 써요 to describe something that has a bitter taste. It's a common adjective in Korean.
A common mistake is confusing 써요 with other taste adjectives. Remember, 써요 is specifically for 'bitter'. For example, if you want to say something is spicy, you would use 매워요 (mae-wo-yo), not 써요.
सुझाव
Basic use of 써요
The most common use of 써요 is to describe something that is bitter in taste. Think of coffee, medicine, or certain vegetables.
Context for 써요
You'll often hear 써요 when someone is reacting to a food or drink. For example, '이 커피 써요' (This coffee is bitter).
Don't confuse with 쓰다
While related, '쓰다' (to write/to use/to wear a hat/to be bitter) is the base form. 써요 is the polite present tense adjective form. Make sure you use the correct form in sentences.
Practice with food
Try tasting different foods and saying '이거 써요' (This is bitter) if appropriate. This helps solidify the meaning.
Common bitter foods
Think of common things that are bitter: 커피 (coffee), 약 (medicine), 녹차 (green tea).
Opposite of 써요
The opposite of 써요 is '달아요' (it's sweet). Knowing antonyms helps to build your vocabulary more quickly.
Korean taste descriptions
Koreans often use specific taste adjectives very directly. Learning these is key to describing food experiences in Korea.
Sentence structure for 써요
The structure is usually [Noun]이/가 써요. For example, '김치가 써요' (The kimchi is bitter) if it is.
Figurative use of 쓰다
The base verb '쓰다' can also mean 'to be painful' or 'to be difficult' in a figurative sense, but for A2, focus on the bitter taste.
Listen for 써요
Pay attention when watching K-dramas or listening to Korean conversations. You'll likely hear people describe something as 써요 when they taste something bitter.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of a 'surly' person who always tastes bitter things. 'Surly' sounds a bit like 'sseo'.
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a bright yellow lemon, but instead of sour, it tastes incredibly bitter, making your face scrunch up. The color yellow can remind you of 'sseo-yo'.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Describe three things you've tasted recently using '써요' or its opposite. For example: '이 초콜릿은 안 써요. 달아요!' (This chocolate isn't bitter. It's sweet!)
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
From the Middle Korean 'ᄡᅳ다' (sseu-da).
मूल अर्थ: To be bitter.
Koreanic.सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
In Korean culture, the taste '쓴맛' (sseun-mat - bitter taste) is often associated with hardship, pain, or the less pleasant aspects of life. It can be used metaphorically to describe difficult experiences or feelings, much like in English. For example, a '쓴웃음' (sseun-u-seum) is a bitter smile, indicating a smile made out of resignation or pain rather than genuine happiness.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Describing the taste of food or drink.
- 이 커피는 정말 써요. (This coffee is really bitter.)
- 약이 써서 먹기 힘들어요. (The medicine is bitter, so it's hard to take.)
- 이 나물은 조금 써요. (This wild vegetable is a bit bitter.)
Describing a difficult or unpleasant experience (figurative use).
- 인생은 때때로 써요. (Life is sometimes bitter.)
- 그는 쓴 경험을 많이 했어요. (He's had many bitter experiences.)
- 마음이 써요. (My heart feels bitter/heavy.)
Describing something that feels harsh or painful.
- 쓴소리를 들었어요. (I heard some harsh words/criticism.)
- 그의 말이 썼어요. (His words were harsh/biting.)
- 현실은 썼어요. (Reality was harsh/bitter.)
Referring to a bitter expression or look.
- 쓴웃음을 지었어요. (I gave a bitter smile.)
- 그는 쓴 표정을 지었어요. (He made a bitter expression.)
- 쓴 얼굴을 하고 있었어요. (He had a bitter face.)
Describing a negative emotional state.
- 마음이 써요. (My heart feels bitter/sad.)
- 씁쓸한 기분이에요. (I have a bitter/somber feeling.)
- 쓰린 기억이에요. (It's a bitter/painful memory.)
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"커피를 씁쓸하게 드시는 것을 좋아하세요? (Do you like to drink your coffee bitter?)"
"어떤 음식이 가장 쓰다고 생각하세요? (What food do you think is the most bitter?)"
"최근에 쓴 경험이 있었나요? (Have you had any bitter experiences recently?)"
"쓴 약을 잘 드시는 편이세요? (Are you good at taking bitter medicine?)"
"가끔 쓴소리를 듣는 것이 도움이 된다고 생각하세요? (Do you think hearing harsh words is sometimes helpful?)"
डायरी विषय
최근에 쓴 음식을 먹고 느낀 점을 써보세요. (Write about what you felt after eating bitter food recently.)
살면서 겪었던 쓴 경험 중 가장 기억에 남는 것은 무엇인가요? (What is the most memorable bitter experience you've had in life?)
누군가에게 쓴소리를 들었을 때 어떻게 반응했는지 적어보세요. (Write about how you reacted when someone gave you harsh words/criticism.)
인생이 쓰다고 느껴질 때 어떻게 극복하나요? (How do you overcome it when life feels bitter?)
쓴웃음을 지었던 순간이 있다면 그 상황을 자세히 묘사해보세요. (If there's a moment you gave a bitter smile, describe that situation in detail.)
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालThe base form of 써요 (sseo-yo) is 쓰다 (sseu-da).
You can use 써요 to describe something that tastes bitter. For example, 이 약이 써요 (i yagi sseo-yo) means 'This medicine is bitter.'
Yes, the verb 쓰다 (sseu-da) has several meanings. Besides 'to be bitter,' it can also mean 'to write,' 'to use,' or 'to wear (a hat/glasses).' However, 써요 as an adjective *only* means 'it's bitter.'
써요 (sseo-yo) means 'it's bitter,' like coffee without sugar. 매워요 (mae-wo-yo) means 'it's spicy,' like chili peppers. They describe different tastes.
To make 써요 negative, you can say 안 써요 (an sseo-yo), which means 'it's not bitter.' For example, 이 커피는 안 써요 (i keopineun an sseo-yo) means 'This coffee is not bitter.'
No, 써요 is specifically for taste, meaning 'bitter.' You wouldn't use it to describe a bitter feeling or a bitter experience in the same way you might in English. For those, you'd use different expressions like 씁쓸하다 (sseupsseulhada) for a bittersweet feeling.
써요 is a polite, informal ending ( 해요체 - haeyoche). It's commonly used in everyday conversations. For a more formal situation, you would use 씁니다 (sseup-ni-da).
You can ask 'Is it bitter?' by saying 써요? (sseo-yo?) with a rising intonation. For example, 이 약이 써요? (i yagi sseo-yo?) means 'Is this medicine bitter?'
Besides 써요 (bitter), you might learn 달아요 (da-ra-yo, sweet), 짜요 (jja-yo, salty), 셔요 (syeo-yo, sour), and 매워요 (mae-wo-yo, spicy).
If something is a little bitter, you can use 좀 써요 (jom sseo-yo), meaning 'it's a bit bitter.' For example, 이 차는 좀 써요 (i chaneun jom sseo-yo) means 'This tea is a bit bitter.'
खुद को परखो 96 सवाल
이 약은 맛이 너무 ___.
The sentence is about the taste of medicine, which is often bitter.
커피에 설탕을 넣었는데도 아직 ___.
Even with sugar, coffee can still be bitter.
채소가 좀 ___.
Some vegetables, like certain leafy greens, can be bitter.
이 맥주는 맛이 ___.
Many beers have a bitter taste.
감기약은 보통 맛이 ___.
Cold medicine is often known for its bitter taste.
제가 만든 주스가 너무 ___.
If a juice is made from bitter ingredients, it will be bitter.
Which drink is often described with '써요'?
Coffee is known for its bitter taste, which is described as '써요'.
If something '써요', what kind of taste does it have?
'써요' means 'it's bitter'.
Which of these words has the opposite meaning of '써요'?
The opposite of bitter ('써요') is sweet ('달아요').
초콜릿은 보통 써요. (Chocolate is usually bitter.)
While some dark chocolate can be bitter, milk chocolate is generally sweet. The statement implies most chocolate is bitter, which is not true.
이 약은 써요. (This medicine is bitter.)
Many medicines have a bitter taste, so it's common to describe them with '써요'.
설탕은 써요. (Sugar is bitter.)
Sugar is sweet, not bitter. The word for sweet is '달아요'.
This sentence means 'This coffee is bitter.' The word order is 'This' (이), 'coffee' (커피), 'is bitter' (써요).
This sentence means 'The medicine is bitter.' The word order is 'Medicine' (약이), 'is bitter' (써요).
This sentence means 'That taste is bitter.' The word order is 'That' (그), 'taste' (맛이), 'is bitter' (써요).
이 약은 맛이 너무 ___.
The sentence means 'This medicine tastes too ___'. '써요' (sseoyo) means 'it's bitter', which fits the context of medicine.
커피가 좀 ___ 것 같아요. 설탕을 더 넣을까요?
The sentence means 'I think the coffee is a bit ___'. '써요' (sseoyo) means 'it's bitter', which is a common taste for coffee. The second part of the sentence 'Should I add more sugar?' also suggests bitterness.
아이가 먹기에는 이 채소가 너무 ___.
The sentence means 'This vegetable is too ___ for a child to eat.' '써요' (sseoyo) means 'it's bitter', and some vegetables can be bitter for children.
제 입맛에는 이 차가 너무 ___.
The sentence means 'For my taste, this tea is too ___.' '써요' (sseoyo) means 'it's bitter', which can be a characteristic of some teas.
그 풀은 맛이 아주 ___.
The sentence means 'That grass tastes very ___.' '써요' (sseoyo) means 'it's bitter', and grass is not typically sweet or good-tasting.
약초는 보통 맛이 ___.
The sentence means 'Herbal medicine usually tastes ___.' '써요' (sseoyo) means 'it's bitter', which is a common characteristic of many herbal medicines.
Which of these foods is often described as '써요'?
Coffee often has a bitter taste, which is described as '써요' in Korean.
If something tastes '써요', how does it taste?
'써요' means 'it's bitter'.
You drink a traditional Korean tea and find it '써요'. What does this mean?
Many traditional Korean teas can have a bitter taste, which is '써요'.
A chocolate bar is usually described as '써요'.
Most chocolate bars are sweet, not bitter. Dark chocolate can be bitter, but generally, a 'chocolate bar' implies sweetness.
When you drink medicine, it often tastes '써요'.
Many medicines are known for their bitter taste, so it's common to describe them as '써요'.
The word '써요' can be used to describe something that is very sweet.
'써요' means 'it's bitter', which is the opposite of sweet.
This coffee is bitter.
The medicine is really bitter.
This tea is a bit bitter.
Read this aloud:
이 초콜릿 써요.
Focus: 써요 (sseoyo)
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
인삼은 써요.
Focus: 써요 (sseoyo)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
제 생각에 김치는 써요.
Focus: 써요 (sseoyo)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You just drank some coffee without sugar. Describe how it tastes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
커피가 써요. 설탕이 필요해요.
Your friend offers you a traditional Korean medicine. You try it and it's very bitter. How would you describe the taste?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
한약이 정말 써요.
You are describing a new type of dark chocolate to a friend. What is one way to say it tastes bitter?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
이 초콜릿은 좀 써요.
민준 씨가 커피를 마시고 어떤 맛이 난다고 했나요?
Read this passage:
민준 씨는 아침에 커피를 마셨어요. 설탕을 넣지 않아서 커피가 너무 써요. 민준 씨는 "아, 너무 써!"라고 말했어요.
민준 씨가 커피를 마시고 어떤 맛이 난다고 했나요?
민준 씨는 설탕을 넣지 않은 커피를 마시고 '너무 써!'라고 말했습니다.
민준 씨는 설탕을 넣지 않은 커피를 마시고 '너무 써!'라고 말했습니다.
이 사람이 마신 차의 맛은 어떠했나요?
Read this passage:
친구가 선물해 준 약초 차를 마셨어요. 건강에 좋다고 하는데, 맛이 정말 이상해요. "음... 이건 너무 써요."라고 생각했어요.
이 사람이 마신 차의 맛은 어떠했나요?
약초 차를 마시고 '음... 이건 너무 써요.'라고 생각했습니다.
약초 차를 마시고 '음... 이건 너무 써요.'라고 생각했습니다.
할머니가 몸에 좋다고 하는 채소의 특징은 무엇인가요?
Read this passage:
우리 할머니는 항상 몸에 좋은 채소를 먹으라고 하세요. 특히 쓴맛이 나는 채소가 건강에 좋대요. 예를 들어, 케일이나 씀바귀 같은 채소들이요.
할머니가 몸에 좋다고 하는 채소의 특징은 무엇인가요?
할머니는 '쓴맛이 나는 채소가 건강에 좋대요'라고 말씀하셨습니다.
할머니는 '쓴맛이 나는 채소가 건강에 좋대요'라고 말씀하셨습니다.
'약이 너무 써요' means 'The medicine is too bitter.' We put the subject '약이' first, then '너무' (too/very), and finally the adjective '써요.'
'이 커피는 써요' means 'This coffee is bitter.' '이 커피는' is the subject, and '써요' is the adjective.
'맛이 써요' means 'The taste is bitter.' '맛이' is the subject, and '써요' describes the taste.
Imagine you're trying a new Korean dish. Describe how it tastes, specifically mentioning if anything is bitter. Use '써요' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
이 음식은 좀 써요. 하지만 괜찮아요. 다른 맛도 좋아요. (This food is a bit bitter. But it's okay. The other flavors are also good.)
You are making a cup of coffee. You accidentally added too much sugar, but then you realized it wasn't sugar, it was something else that made the coffee bitter. Describe the situation and the taste of the coffee.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
커피를 만들 때 설탕인 줄 알고 다른 것을 넣었어요. 그래서 커피가 너무 써요. (When I made coffee, I thought it was sugar and put something else in. So the coffee is too bitter.)
You're at a Korean traditional medicine clinic. The doctor gives you some herbal medicine. Describe its taste using '써요'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
한약은 몸에 좋지만 맛이 좀 써요. 그래도 다 마셔야 해요. (Herbal medicine is good for the body, but the taste is a bit bitter. Still, I have to drink it all.)
할머니가 주신 차의 맛은 어땠나요? (How did the tea from grandma taste?)
Read this passage:
오늘 아침에 할머니가 주신 차를 마셨어요. 그 차는 몸에 좋다고 하셨지만, 맛이 정말 써요. 하지만 건강에 좋으니까 다 마셨어요. 내일도 마셔야 할 것 같아요.
할머니가 주신 차의 맛은 어땠나요? (How did the tea from grandma taste?)
The passage clearly states '맛이 정말 써요' which means 'the taste is really bitter'.
The passage clearly states '맛이 정말 써요' which means 'the taste is really bitter'.
이 사람은 왜 음식을 잘 못 먹었나요? (Why couldn't this person eat the food well?)
Read this passage:
친구와 식당에서 새로운 음식을 시켰어요. 친구는 이 음식이 맛있다고 했지만, 저는 맛이 너무 써서 잘 못 먹었어요. 다른 메뉴를 시킬 걸 그랬어요.
이 사람은 왜 음식을 잘 못 먹었나요? (Why couldn't this person eat the food well?)
The sentence '저는 맛이 너무 써서 잘 못 먹었어요' indicates that the food was too bitter for them to eat.
The sentence '저는 맛이 너무 써서 잘 못 먹었어요' indicates that the food was too bitter for them to eat.
이 사람이 먹은 약의 맛은 어땠나요? (How did the medicine this person took taste?)
Read this passage:
어제 약을 먹었어요. 감기약인데, 정말 써요. 물이랑 같이 먹었는데도 쓴 맛이 계속 났어요. 빨리 나으려면 다 먹어야겠죠?
이 사람이 먹은 약의 맛은 어땠나요? (How did the medicine this person took taste?)
The passage says '정말 써요' and '쓴 맛이 계속 났어요', both indicating a bitter taste.
The passage says '정말 써요' and '쓴 맛이 계속 났어요', both indicating a bitter taste.
This sentence means 'My mouth tastes bitter because I took medicine.' 약을 means 'medicine' (object particle), 먹으니까 means 'because I ate/took', 입안이 means 'inside my mouth' (subject particle), and 써요 means 'it's bitter.'
This sentence means 'The coffee was too bitter, so I added sugar.' 커피가 means 'coffee' (subject particle), 너무 means 'too/very', 써서 means 'because it was bitter', 설탕을 means 'sugar' (object particle), and 넣었어요 means 'I added.'
This sentence means 'Even if the vegetables are a little bitter, they are good for your body.' 채소가 means 'vegetables' (subject particle), 조금 means 'a little', 써도 means 'even if it's bitter', 몸에 means 'to the body', and 좋아요 means 'it's good.'
The coffee is very bitter. Please add some sugar.
Sometimes life can feel bitter, right?
I grew more after a very bitter experience.
Read this aloud:
이 약은 써서 먹기 힘들어요.
Focus: 써서
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
그 사건은 저에게 쓴 기억으로 남아있어요.
Focus: 쓴 기억으로
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
쓰지만 몸에 좋은 약이라고 들었어요.
Focus: 쓰지만
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'This medicine is too bitter.' The order is 'Subject + Adverb + Adjective + Verb ending.'
This sentence means 'Why is the coffee so bitter?' The order is 'Subject + Interrogative + Adverb + Adjective + Verb ending.'
This sentence means 'Life is sometimes bitter.' The order is 'Subject + Adverb + Adjective (modifier form) + Noun + Verb.'
그는 인생의 쓴맛을 일찍이 알게 되었다. (He learned the ___ taste of life early on.)
In this context, '쓴맛' (쓴 + 맛) means 'bitter taste', figuratively referring to hardships or difficulties in life. The options are 'sweet', 'spicy', 'bitter', and 'sour'.
아무리 힘들어도 성공을 위해 이 고난을 ___ 해야 한다. (No matter how hard it is, for success, I must ___ this hardship.)
To '감수하다' (감수해야 한다) means to endure or put up with something, often unpleasant. The options are 'enjoy', 'avoid', 'endure/put up with', and 'turn away from'. The phrase '고난을 감수하다' is a common collocation meaning 'to endure hardship'.
정치인의 위선적인 행동에 국민들의 불만이 ___지고 있다. (Public dissatisfaction is ___ due to the hypocritical actions of politicians.)
To '고조되다' (고조되고 있다) means to heighten or escalate. When dissatisfaction builds up, it 'heightens'. The options are 'die down', 'soften', 'heighten/escalate', and 'become faint'.
어떤 일을 할 때, 미리 충분한 준비가 되어 있지 않으면 나중에 반드시 그 대가를 ___게 된다. (When doing something, if you are not sufficiently prepared beforehand, you will surely ___ the price later.)
To '대가를 치르다' (대가를 치르게 되다) means to pay the price or consequences. The options are 'pay/suffer', 'gain', 'share', and 'forget'.
오랜 시간 동안의 노력 끝에 마침내 그는 성공의 ___ 맛을 보았다. (After long hours of effort, he finally tasted the ___ of success.)
'성공의 달콤한 맛' is a common idiom meaning 'the sweet taste of success'. While '써요' means bitter, the opposite is often used to describe success. The options are 'bittersweet', 'sweet', 'spicy', and 'salty'.
삶의 ___ 경험들은 사람을 더욱 단단하게 만든다. (The ___ experiences of life make a person stronger.)
'쓴 경험' (쓴 + 경험) refers to bitter or difficult experiences. These experiences, like '쓴맛', are often associated with making one stronger. The options are 'bland', 'bitter', 'cool/refreshing', and 'sweet/melodious'.
The medicine is too bitter. Drink it with water.
Sometimes life can feel bitter, right?
The coffee is a bit bitter. Could you add a little more sugar?
Read this aloud:
제 생각에 이 차는 좀 써요.
Focus: 써요
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
그녀의 표정은 마치 쓴 약을 먹은 듯했어요.
Focus: 쓴 약을 먹은 듯했어요
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
이 상황이 저에게는 매우 쓰게 느껴집니다.
Focus: 쓰게 느껴집니다
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You're at a traditional Korean market and trying various foods. Describe a new, bitter food you tried and your reaction to it. Use '써요' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
오늘 시장에서 처음 보는 나물을 먹어봤는데, 맛이 정말 써요. 처음에는 좀 놀랐지만, 건강에 좋다고 해서 다 먹었어요. 다음에는 다른 음식을 시도해봐야겠어요.
You are having a conversation with a friend about coffee. Your friend prefers sweet coffee, but you prefer bitter coffee. Explain why you like bitter coffee, using '써요'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
친구야, 나는 네가 단 커피를 좋아하는 걸 알지만, 나는 좀 써요 커피가 더 좋아. 쓴맛이 정신을 맑게 해주고, 커피 본연의 향을 더 잘 느낄 수 있거든. 너도 한번 진한 아메리카노를 마셔봐.
You are describing a particularly challenging experience you had recently. Explain how that experience was 'bitter' in a metaphorical sense, using '써요' in your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
최근에 맡았던 프로젝트는 정말 써요. 예상치 못한 문제들이 계속 발생해서 밤샘 작업을 여러 번 했어요. 하지만 그 쓴 경험 덕분에 많은 것을 배우고 성장할 수 있었어요.
위 글에서 한약이 '써요'와 관련된 내용은 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
한약은 보통 맛이 써요. 하지만 많은 사람들이 건강을 위해 꾸준히 마십니다. 쓴맛 뒤에는 몸에 좋은 효능이 숨어있기 때문입니다. 그래서 한약을 마실 때는 쓴맛을 참는 것이 중요합니다. 한편, 어린아이들은 쓴맛을 싫어해서 한약을 먹이기 어렵습니다.
위 글에서 한약이 '써요'와 관련된 내용은 무엇입니까?
지문에 따르면, 한약은 보통 맛이 쓰지만 많은 사람들이 건강을 위해 꾸준히 마신다고 명시되어 있습니다.
지문에 따르면, 한약은 보통 맛이 쓰지만 많은 사람들이 건강을 위해 꾸준히 마신다고 명시되어 있습니다.
이 글에서 '써요'가 상징하는 것은 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
인생은 달콤할 때도 있지만, 때로는 써요. 실패를 경험하거나 좌절을 겪을 때 우리는 쓴맛을 느낍니다. 하지만 이러한 쓴 경험들이 우리를 더 강하게 만들고, 미래의 성공을 위한 밑거름이 됩니다. 쓴맛을 통해 우리는 삶의 진정한 의미를 깨닫게 됩니다.
이 글에서 '써요'가 상징하는 것은 무엇입니까?
지문에서 '인생은 써요'는 실패를 경험하거나 좌절을 겪을 때 쓴맛을 느낀다고 설명하고 있습니다.
지문에서 '인생은 써요'는 실패를 경험하거나 좌절을 겪을 때 쓴맛을 느낀다고 설명하고 있습니다.
할머니가 '몸에 좋은 약은 입에 쓰다'고 말씀하신 이유는 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
할머니가 끓여주신 약초차는 항상 써요. 어릴 때는 그 쓴맛 때문에 마시기 싫어했지만, 할머니는 늘 '몸에 좋은 약은 입에 쓰다'고 말씀하셨어요. 이제는 그 쓴맛이 할머니의 사랑과 정성을 떠올리게 합니다.
할머니가 '몸에 좋은 약은 입에 쓰다'고 말씀하신 이유는 무엇입니까?
지문에서 할머니는 '몸에 좋은 약은 입에 쓰다'고 말씀하셨는데, 이는 쓴맛 나는 약초차가 몸에 좋다는 의미로 해석됩니다.
지문에서 할머니는 '몸에 좋은 약은 입에 쓰다'고 말씀하셨는데, 이는 쓴맛 나는 약초차가 몸에 좋다는 의미로 해석됩니다.
This sentence expresses a nuanced understanding of life, where despite efforts to make it pleasant, there are inherent bitter aspects. The word order emphasizes the progression from life's general nature to the eventual bitterness.
This sentence reflects on the often-challenging journey to success. The phrase '오랜 노력과 고난으로' (through long effort and hardship) explains why the '맛' (taste) of success can be '써요' (bitter), implying that the hard work itself can be a bitter experience.
This sentence uses '써요' metaphorically to describe the unpleasantness of truth. The structure highlights how people often avoid a truth that is 'too bitter' to face.
/ 96 correct
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Basic use of 써요
The most common use of 써요 is to describe something that is bitter in taste. Think of coffee, medicine, or certain vegetables.
Context for 써요
You'll often hear 써요 when someone is reacting to a food or drink. For example, '이 커피 써요' (This coffee is bitter).
Don't confuse with 쓰다
While related, '쓰다' (to write/to use/to wear a hat/to be bitter) is the base form. 써요 is the polite present tense adjective form. Make sure you use the correct form in sentences.
Practice with food
Try tasting different foods and saying '이거 써요' (This is bitter) if appropriate. This helps solidify the meaning.
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
food के और शब्द
몇 개
A2How many items?
~정도
A1Suffix meaning "about" or "approximately."
추가
A2Addition, extra (e.g., extra order).
~은/는 후에
A2After ~ing; indicates an action that occurs subsequent to another.
중에서
A2Among, out of (selection).
식욕
A2Appetite.
에피타이저
A2An appetizer.
전채
A2Appetizer.
먹음직스럽다
B2To look appetizing, delicious.
사과
A1apple
