고민하다
고민하다 30 सेकंड में
- 고민하다 means to ponder or agonize over a choice or problem, involving active mental effort to find a solution.
- It is different from '걱정하다' (to worry), as it focuses on the decision-making process rather than just the emotion of fear.
- Commonly used with '-을지' (whether to) or '-에 대해' (about), it covers everything from lunch choices to career paths.
- The word implies a level of mental 'suffering' or 'bitterness' as suggested by its Hanja roots (苦悶).
The Korean verb 고민하다 (Gomin-hada) is a cornerstone of daily expression, representing the mental state of wrestling with a decision, a problem, or a personal dilemma. Unlike simple worry, it implies a process of deep thought or 'pondering' to find a solution. The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 고 (苦) meaning 'bitterness' or 'suffering' and 민 (悶) meaning 'agony' or 'distress'. Together, they describe the 'bitter agony' of having to make a choice or solve a difficult situation. In a modern context, it is used for everything from choosing what to eat for lunch to major life decisions like changing careers.
- Primary Nuance
- It suggests an active mental struggle. You aren't just feeling an emotion; you are actively thinking through options.
- Internal Conflict
- Often used when there are two or more competing choices that both have pros and cons.
- Problem Solving
- It carries a connotation of seeking a resolution or a 'way out' of a mental deadlock.
"점심에 무엇을 먹을지 고민하다가 결국 김밥을 먹었어요."
To reach the depth required for mastery, one must understand that 고민하다 is not merely 'worrying' about the future (which is often 걱정하다), but rather the cognitive load of weighing options. When you are in a state of 고민, your brain is working hard. It is the 'thinking' part of stress. For example, if you are worried about an exam because you didn't study, that is 걱정. If you are trying to decide whether to study math or English first, that is 고민.
"진로 문제로 밤새 고민하다 잠이 들었습니다."
- Syntactic Usage
- Commonly paired with the particle '~을/를' (object) or '~에 대해' (about). Also frequently used with the connective '~ㄹ지' (whether to).
Using 고민하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It functions as a regular '하다' verb. In conversation, it often appears in the form of a question or a statement of indecision. Because it involves a process, it is frequently used with duration markers or resultative endings.
1. Grammatical Structures
- [Noun] + 을/를 고민하다: To agonize over [Noun]. (e.g., 선물을 고민하다 - To agonize over a gift)
- [Verb Stem] + 을지 고민하다: To ponder whether to [Verb]. (e.g., 갈지 고민하다 - To ponder whether to go)
- [Noun] + 에 대해 고민하다: To think deeply about [Noun]. (e.g., 미래에 대해 고민하다 - To think deeply about the future)
"새 차를 살지 말지 고민 중이에요."
2. Levels of Formality
Like most Korean verbs, the ending changes based on the social hierarchy. However, the root meaning remains consistent. In professional settings, '고민하다' is often used when discussing strategic challenges or personal development.
- Formal (합쇼체)
- 고민합니다 / 고민하십니까?
- Polite (해요체)
- 고민해요 / 고민하고 있어요.
- Casual (해체)
- 고민해 / 고민 중이야.
When you want to emphasize that the pondering has reached a conclusion, you might use the past tense 고민했다 or the resultative 고민 끝에 (at the end of agonizing). This latter phrase is very common in written Korean and formal speeches to show that a decision was not made lightly.
"많은 고민 끝에 사직서를 제출했습니다."
You will encounter 고민하다 in almost every facet of Korean life. It is a high-frequency word because Korean culture places a high value on careful consideration and the collective impact of individual choices.
1. In K-Dramas and Movies
Characters often have a 'confession scene' or a 'turning point' where they admit their 고민. It’s the standard word for the internal conflict between love and duty, or career and family. You'll hear: "혼자 고민하지 마" (Don't agonize alone).
"그 사람 때문에 밤잠을 설치며 고민했어요."
2. In Counseling and Variety Shows
There are entire TV programs dedicated to '고민 상담' (worry counseling). Shows like 'Hello Counselor' (안녕하세요) feature people bringing their unique or difficult life situations to a panel. The verb is used to describe the act of the guest struggling with their issue.
- Common Variety Show Phrase
- "여러분의 고민을 해결해 드립니다!" (We will solve your worries!)
3. In Daily Shopping and Dining
Because of the sheer variety of choices in modern Korea (especially in cafes and convenience stores), the word is used playfully. '결정 장애' (decision-making disability) is a slang term for someone who 고민s too much over small things.
"메뉴판을 한참 고민하다가 추천 메뉴를 골랐어요."
While 고민하다 is versatile, learners often overextend its use or confuse it with similar-sounding concepts. Understanding the boundaries of this word is key to sounding like a native speaker.
1. 고민하다 vs. 걱정하다
This is the most frequent error. 걱정하다 is about fear, anxiety, and things out of your control. 고민하다 is about choices and things you are trying to figure out. If your mother is sick, you 걱정 (worry) about her. If you are deciding which hospital to take her to, you 고민 (agonize/ponder) over the choice.
- Incorrect
- 시험 점수가 나쁠까 봐 고민해요. (I'm agonizing that my test score might be bad.)
- Correct
- 시험 점수가 나쁠까 봐 걱정돼요. (I'm worried that my test score might be bad.)
2. 고민하다 vs. 생각하다
생각하다 is the broad umbrella for 'to think'. 고민하다 is a specific subset. You can 'think' about a tree, but you don't 'agonize' over a tree unless you're deciding whether to cut it down. Using 고민하다 for neutral thoughts makes you sound overly dramatic.
"내일 날씨를 고민하고 있어요." (X)
3. Overusing the Object Particle
While '문제를 고민하다' is correct, often '문제로 고민하다' (agonizing *due to* a problem) or '문제를 두고 고민하다' (agonizing *over* a problem) sounds more natural in complex sentences.
Korean has a rich vocabulary for mental processes. Distinguishing 고민하다 from its synonyms will elevate your fluency from basic to advanced.
1. 걱정하다 (Geok-jeong-hada)
As mentioned, this is 'to worry' in an emotional sense. It is often passive. You feel worry because of an external threat. 고민하다 is active; you are working on a choice.
2. 갈등하다 (Gal-deung-hada)
This means 'to be in conflict' or 'to waver'. It is very close to 고민하다 but emphasizes the pull between two specific options. If 고민 is the process, 갈등 is the feeling of being torn. It literally comes from the words for 'arrowroot' and 'wisteria' vines tangling together.
"두 회사 사이에서 갈등하고 있어요."
3. 망설이다 (Mang-seol-ida)
This means 'to hesitate'. While 고민하다 is the internal thought process, 망설이다 is the outward delay in action. You 고민 in your head, and then you 망설이다 before pressing the 'send' button.
- 사색하다 (Sa-saek-hada)
- To meditate or contemplate. This is more philosophical and lacks the 'suffering' or 'problem' aspect of 고민.
- 심사숙고하다 (Sim-sa-suk-go-hada)
- To deliberate deeply. This is a formal, four-character idiom (Saja-seong-eo) version of 고민하다 used in business or legal contexts.
How Formal Is It?
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कठिनाई स्तर
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
무엇을 먹을지 고민해요.
I am pondering what to eat.
-을지 고민하다 (pondering whether to/what to)
옷을 고민해요.
I am thinking about the clothes (to wear/buy).
[Noun]을 고민하다
선물을 고민해요.
I am agonizing over a gift.
Direct object '선물'
가고 싶지만 고민해요.
I want to go, but I'm thinking about it.
-지만 (but) + 고민하다
친구랑 같이 고민해요.
I am pondering together with a friend.
-(이)랑 같이 (together with)
너무 고민하지 마세요.
Don't worry/agonize too much.
-지 마세요 (Don't...)
이거 정말 고민돼요.
This is really a struggle (to decide).
고민되다 (passive/state form)
혼자 고민해요.
I am pondering alone.
혼자 (alone)
주말에 어디에 갈지 고민 중이에요.
I am in the middle of pondering where to go this weekend.
-고 있는 중이다 (to be in the middle of)
어떤 신발을 살지 고민했어요.
I agonized over which shoes to buy.
Past tense '고민했다'
한국어 공부 방법을 고민해요.
I am thinking about how to study Korean.
Noun phrase object
생일 파티를 할지 고민이에요.
I am wondering whether to have a birthday party.
고민이다 (It is a worry/dilemma)
부모님 선물을 많이 고민했어요.
I thought a lot about my parents' gift.
Adverb '많이' (a lot)
이사할지 말지 고민하고 있어요.
I am pondering whether to move or not.
-지 말지 (whether or not)
진로 때문에 고민이 많아요.
I have many worries because of my career path.
Noun '고민' + '많다'
친구의 고민을 들어줬어요.
I listened to my friend's worries.
고민을 들어주다 (to listen to worries)
유학을 갈지 한국에서 취직할지 고민이에요.
I'm torn between studying abroad or getting a job in Korea.
-ㄹ지 ... -ㄹ지 (Choice between A and B)
새로운 프로젝트를 어떻게 시작할지 고민하고 있습니다.
I am pondering how to start the new project.
Formal polite '-고 있습니다'
돈을 어떻게 아낄지 고민해 봐야겠어요.
I should think about how to save money.
-어 봐야겠다 (I should try/think...)
건강을 위해서 운동을 시작할지 고민 중입니다.
I'm considering starting exercise for my health.
-(으)ㄹ지 고민 중이다
결혼 문제로 부모님과 고민을 나눴어요.
I shared my worries about marriage with my parents.
고민을 나누다 (to share worries)
직장을 옮길까 고민했지만 그냥 다니기로 했어요.
I thought about changing jobs, but decided to keep going.
-을까 고민하다 (thinking 'shall I...')
어떤 차가 더 경제적일지 고민이 되네요.
I'm wondering which car would be more economical.
고민이 되다 (to become a worry/dilemma)
그 문제를 해결하기 위해 밤새 고민했습니다.
I agonized all night to solve that problem.
Adverb '밤새' (all night)
오랜 고민 끝에 결국 유학을 포기했습니다.
After long agonizing, I eventually gave up on studying abroad.
고민 끝에 (at the end of agonizing)
현대인들은 누구나 한 가지씩 고민을 안고 삽니다.
Every modern person lives with at least one worry.
고민을 안고 살다 (to live carrying a worry)
회사의 미래를 위해 어떤 선택을 해야 할지 고민입니다.
I am agonizing over what choice to make for the company's future.
Formal structure
자녀 교육 문제로 고민하지 않는 부모는 없을 거예요.
There probably aren't any parents who don't worry about their children's education.
Double negative for emphasis
그는 자신의 정체성에 대해 깊이 고민하기 시작했다.
He began to ponder deeply about his identity.
깊이 고민하다 (to ponder deeply)
두 가지 대안을 놓고 며칠째 고민하고 있어요.
I've been agonizing over two alternatives for several days.
며칠째 (for several days)
고민만 하지 말고 직접 행동으로 옮겨 보세요.
Don't just agonize; try putting it into action.
-만 하지 말고 (don't just...)
그의 진심이 무엇인지 고민해 볼 필요가 있다.
There is a need to ponder what his true intentions are.
-ㄹ 필요가 있다 (there is a need to)
작가는 인간의 본질에 대해 끊임없이 고민해야 한다.
A writer must constantly ponder the essence of humanity.
끊임없이 (constantly)
정부는 저출산 문제를 해결하기 위해 다각도로 고민하고 있다.
The government is agonizing from various angles to solve the low birth rate problem.
다각도로 (from various angles)
윤리적 딜레마 상황에서 우리는 무엇을 우선해야 할지 고민하게 된다.
In an ethical dilemma, we come to ponder what we should prioritize.
고민하게 된다 (come to ponder)
예술가는 창작의 고통 속에서 늘 새로운 것을 고민한다.
Artists always ponder something new amidst the pain of creation.
창작의 고통 (pain of creation)
환경 보호와 경제 발전 사이의 균형을 어떻게 잡을지 고민이 깊어집니다.
The agonizing over how to balance environmental protection and economic development deepens.
고민이 깊어지다 (agonizing deepens)
그 철학자는 삶과 죽음의 경계에 대해 평생을 고민했다.
The philosopher spent his whole life pondering the boundary between life and death.
평생을 고민하다 (to ponder for a lifetime)
사회적 약자를 위한 정책을 마련하기 위해 치열하게 고민했습니다.
We agonized fiercely to prepare policies for the socially disadvantaged.
치열하게 (fiercely)
디지털 시대의 사생활 보호 문제를 어떻게 다룰지 고민이 시급하다.
Agonizing over how to handle privacy issues in the digital age is urgent.
고민이 시급하다 (agonizing is urgent)
인간 소외 현상에 대한 실존적 고민이 작품 전반에 깔려 있다.
Existential agonizing over human alienation underlies the entire work.
실존적 고민 (existential agonizing)
과학 기술의 비약적 발전이 가져올 윤리적 파장을 고민하지 않을 수 없다.
One cannot help but ponder the ethical repercussions that rapid technological advancement will bring.
-지 않을 수 없다 (cannot help but...)
그는 권력의 속성과 그 폐해에 대해 처절하게 고민한 흔적을 남겼다.
He left traces of having desperately agonized over the nature of power and its harmful effects.
처절하게 (desperately/pathetically)
전통의 계승과 현대적 변용 사이에서 예술적 정체성을 고민하는 시기이다.
It is a period of agonizing over artistic identity between the succession of tradition and modern transformation.
계승과 변용 (succession and transformation)
지속 가능한 발전을 위한 인류 공동의 고민이 필요한 시점입니다.
It is a point in time where collective agonizing by humanity for sustainable development is necessary.
인류 공동의 고민 (humanity's collective agonizing)
지식인의 사회적 책무가 무엇인지에 대한 근원적인 고민을 던져준다.
It poses a fundamental agonizing over what the social responsibility of an intellectual is.
근원적인 고민 (fundamental agonizing)
자본주의 체제 내에서의 인간 소외를 어떻게 극복할 것인가가 최대의 고민이다.
How to overcome human alienation within the capitalist system is the greatest agonizing.
최대의 고민 (greatest agonizing)
역사의 비극이 되풀이되지 않도록 우리는 끊임없이 성찰하고 고민해야 한다.
We must constantly reflect and agonize so that historical tragedies do not repeat.
성찰하고 고민하다 (reflect and agonize)
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
고민 중이에요
고민 끝에
혼자 고민하지 마세요
무슨 고민 있어요?
고민할 필요 없어요
고민이 많아요
결정하기 고민돼요
고민 상담
진로 고민
사랑 고민
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
걱정 is emotional anxiety; 고민 is cognitive decision-making.
생각 is neutral thinking; 고민 is thinking about a problem.
망설이다 is the physical hesitation; 고민 is the mental process.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
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आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
It is more active than '걱정하다'.
Extremely high in daily conversation.
Often paired with '깊이' (deeply) or '한참' (for a long time).
- Using 고민하다 for 'worrying about safety' (Use 걱정하다).
- Using 고민하다 for 'thinking about a person' in a romantic way (Use 생각하다).
- Forgetting the object particle '을/를' when a noun is the object.
- Using 고민하다 for things you cannot control (like the weather).
- Confusing 고민하다 with 망설이다 (hesitation in action).
सुझाव
Use with -을지
Pair '고민하다' with '-을지' to specify the choice. For example, '갈지 말지 고민해요'. This is the most natural way to use the verb. It clearly shows the options you are weighing.
Noun vs Verb
Remember that '고민' is a noun. You can say '고민이 있다' (I have a worry). This is often used to start a serious conversation. '고민하다' is the action of thinking about it.
Listening is Key
If a Korean friend says they have a '고민', don't just give a quick answer. Listen to their process. The act of '고민' is often as important as the solution. Showing you understand their struggle builds trust.
Active vs Passive
Use '고민하다' when you are the one thinking. Use '고민되다' when the situation is making you feel troubled. Both are common, but '고민되다' sounds a bit more like you are being affected by the problem.
The 'End' of Worry
Use '고민 끝에' (at the end of agonizing) to show you've reached a conclusion. It adds a sense of weight and seriousness to your decision. It's great for formal emails or essays.
Filler Words
When you are thinking, use '음... 고민되네' as a filler. It sounds much more native than just staying silent. It tells the listener you are actively processing their question.
Counseling Culture
Be aware of '고민 상담' culture. It's a big part of Korean social life. Being a good '고민' listener is a highly valued trait in a friend.
Hanja Power
Remember the 'Go' (Bitter) and 'Min' (Agony). This helps you remember that '고민' isn't just a light thought. It has some 'bitterness' or difficulty attached to it.
Don't over-use
Don't use '고민하다' for every single thought. If it's just a simple thought without a problem, use '생각하다'. Reserve '고민' for when there's a bit of a 'knot' to untie.
Daily Practice
Every time you look at a menu or a store shelf, say to yourself (or out loud): '뭐 먹을지 고민이에요' or '뭐 살지 고민이에요'. It's the perfect daily drill.
याद करें
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Many popular Korean podcasts and YouTube channels are dedicated to solving listeners' 고민.
Students often have '진로 고민' (career worries) due to the high-pressure education system.
Listening to someone's 고민 is a key way to build 'Jeong' (emotional bond).
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"요즘 가장 큰 고민이 뭐예요?"
"점심 메뉴 고민하고 있는데 추천해 줄래요?"
"이사할지 고민인데 어떻게 생각하세요?"
"선물 때문에 고민이에요. 뭐가 좋을까요?"
"한국어 공부를 어떻게 할지 고민 중이에요."
डायरी विषय
오늘 내가 가장 많이 고민한 것은 무엇인가?
최근에 고민 끝에 내린 중요한 결정은?
고민이 있을 때 누구와 상담하는가?
고민을 해결하는 나만의 방법은?
10년 후의 내 모습에 대해 고민해 보자.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes, it is very common to use it for trivial choices like choosing a coffee flavor. It adds a bit of flavor to the conversation. Koreans often joke about 'lunch menu 고민'. It doesn't always have to be a serious life crisis. Just remember it implies you are making a choice.
고민하다 is the active verb (I agonize). 고민되다 is the passive/state form (It is agonizing/I am in a state of agony). Usually, '고민돼요' is used when the situation itself is making you feel stuck. '고민해요' is used when you are actively putting in the thought.
Not necessarily. While the Hanja roots imply suffering, '고민' can be a positive process of growth. Thinking deeply about your future or how to help someone is a 'good' 고민. It shows you care about the outcome. However, too much 고민 can lead to stress.
You can say '고민이 많아요' or '생각이 많아요'. '고민이 많아요' specifically implies you have many problems or decisions to make. '생각이 많아요' is more general and can include random thoughts or reflections.
Yes, '그 사람 때문에 고민이에요' means that person is causing you worry or you are pondering something related to them (like whether to date them or how to talk to them). It's a very common way to express relationship troubles.
In formal writing or speeches, '심사숙고하다' (to deliberate deeply) or '고뇌하다' (to suffer mentally) are used. But '고민하다' is perfectly acceptable in most professional settings as well. It is not considered slang or overly casual.
It means 'worry counseling' or 'trouble consultation'. It's when you talk to a friend, senior, or professional to get advice on your problems. It is a very common social activity in Korea.
No, that would be '걱정하다'. You can't 'agonize' over the weather because you can't change it or choose it. You only '고민' over things you have some influence or choice over.
It literally means 'decision disability'. It's a slang term for people who '고민' too much over small things and can't make a choice. It's often used self-deprecatingly when looking at a menu.
You can say '고민하지 마세요' (Don't agonize) or '걱정하지 마세요' (Don't worry). If they are stuck on a choice, '고민하지 마' is better. If they are just anxious, '걱정하지 마' is better.
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Summary
고민하다 is the essential Korean verb for the 'active' side of worrying. Use it when you are weighing options, trying to solve a problem, or facing a dilemma where the right path isn't immediately clear. It shows you are being thoughtful and serious about your decisions.
- 고민하다 means to ponder or agonize over a choice or problem, involving active mental effort to find a solution.
- It is different from '걱정하다' (to worry), as it focuses on the decision-making process rather than just the emotion of fear.
- Commonly used with '-을지' (whether to) or '-에 대해' (about), it covers everything from lunch choices to career paths.
- The word implies a level of mental 'suffering' or 'bitterness' as suggested by its Hanja roots (苦悶).
Use with -을지
Pair '고민하다' with '-을지' to specify the choice. For example, '갈지 말지 고민해요'. This is the most natural way to use the verb. It clearly shows the options you are weighing.
Noun vs Verb
Remember that '고민' is a noun. You can say '고민이 있다' (I have a worry). This is often used to start a serious conversation. '고민하다' is the action of thinking about it.
Listening is Key
If a Korean friend says they have a '고민', don't just give a quick answer. Listen to their process. The act of '고민' is often as important as the solution. Showing you understand their struggle builds trust.
Active vs Passive
Use '고민하다' when you are the one thinking. Use '고민되다' when the situation is making you feel troubled. Both are common, but '고민되다' sounds a bit more like you are being affected by the problem.
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
संबंधित ग्रामर रूल्स
society के और शब्द
수용하다
B2To accept, take in, or accommodate ideas, opinions, people, or external influences.
성인
A1एक वयस्क; वह व्यक्ति जो कानूनी रूप से बड़ा हो गया है।
선진화
B1The process of making something advanced or modernized to reach the level of developed nations. It often refers to systems, technology, or social consciousness.
가중되다
B2To be increased or aggravated, especially in terms of pressure, burden, or negative circumstances.
지향
B2The act of aiming for a certain direction, goal, or ideal state.
소외
B2The state of being isolated or excluded from a group or society; alienation.
또한
A1इसके अलावा; साथ ही। इसका उपयोग औपचारिक संदर्भों में अतिरिक्त जानकारी जोड़ने के लिए किया जाता है।
대안
B2एक योजना, प्रस्ताव या विकल्प जो किसी मौजूदा को बदल सकता है, आमतौर पर किसी समस्या को हल करने के लिए। हमें इस नीति का एक यथार्थवादी विकल्प खोजना होगा।
비록
A1यद्यपि; हालांकि। विरोध दिखाने के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।
도래
B1The arrival or beginning of a significant period, event, or era. It often describes the start of a new technology-driven age.