감탄하다 30秒で
- A verb meaning to admire or marvel at something impressive.
- Used for beauty, skills, nature, and great achievements.
- Higher intensity than '좋아하다' (to like); implies a 'wow' factor.
- Commonly used with the particle '~에' to mark the cause of admiration.
The Korean verb 감탄하다 (gam-tan-ha-da) is a profound expression of emotional response, translating most directly to 'to admire,' 'to marvel,' or 'to be struck with wonder.' Unlike simple verbs of liking or preferring, 감탄하다 implies a physical or vocal reaction to something that exceeds expectations. It is composed of two Hanja characters: 感 (느낄 감 - to feel) and 嘆 (탄식할 탄 - to sigh or exclaim). Together, they describe a state where one is so moved by beauty, skill, or excellence that they let out a sigh of wonder or a gasp of appreciation. This word is ubiquitous in Korean culture, appearing in everything from casual conversations about a delicious meal to high-level art criticism. When you use 감탄하다, you are not just saying you like something; you are stating that the subject has touched your soul or impressed your intellect significantly.
- Emotional Depth
- It represents a higher level of appreciation than '좋아하다' (to like). It suggests being overwhelmed by quality.
- Visual/Auditory Stimuli
- Usually triggered by seeing a beautiful landscape, hearing a masterful performance, or witnessing a virtuous act.
그녀의 노래 실력에 모두가 감탄했다.
Everyone admired her singing skills.
In a societal context, Koreans often use this verb to show humility or to give high praise to others. For example, if a guest enters a well-decorated home, saying '정말 감탄했어요' (I am truly impressed/admiring) is a polite and heartfelt compliment. It bridges the gap between formal observation and personal feeling. Furthermore, the word is often used with the particle ~에 to indicate the source of the admiration. Whether it is a sunset, a technological breakthrough, or a child's kindness, 감탄하다 captures that 'wow' moment that transcends ordinary experience. It is a word of positive energy, focusing on the external wonders that enrich our lives.
풍경이 너무 아름다워서 저절로 감탄하게 되네요.
The scenery is so beautiful that I can't help but admire it.
The nuance of 감탄하다 also extends to the intellectual realm. You might admire a logical argument or a clever solution to a problem. In academic or professional settings, using this word shows that you have deeply processed the information and found it exceptional. It is more sophisticated than saying '대단해요' (That's great), as it reflects your internal state of being impressed rather than just judging the object itself. It is a verb of connection—connecting the observer to the observed through a shared sense of value and excellence. It is also frequently used in the passive-leaning form '감탄을 자아내다' (to elicit admiration), which adds a poetic flair to descriptions of art and nature.
Using 감탄하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the particles that typically accompany it. As a verb, it follows standard Korean conjugation rules for the '하다' ending. The most common structure is [Noun] + 에 + 감탄하다, where '에' marks the thing that causes the admiration. For instance, '그의 용기에 감탄했다' means 'I admired his courage.' Alternatively, you can use [Noun] + 을/를 보고 + 감탄하다, which means 'to see [Noun] and admire it,' emphasizing the visual trigger of the emotion.
- Past Tense (감탄했다)
- Used when recounting an experience: '박물관에서 작품들을 보고 감탄했습니다.' (I admired the works at the museum.)
- Adverbial Use (감탄하며)
- Used to describe an action done while admiring: '그는 감탄하며 고개를 끄덕였다.' (He nodded while admiring.)
아이의 창의적인 생각에 감탄하지 않을 수 없었다.
I couldn't help but admire the child's creative thoughts.
In formal writing, such as essays or reports, 감탄하다 is often used to describe the impact of a significant achievement. In casual conversation, it is often softened with endings like '~네요' or '~군요' to express a spontaneous realization: '정말 감탄스럽네요!' (It is truly admirable!). Note that '감탄스럽다' is the adjective form, used to describe the quality of the object itself. When you are the one feeling the emotion, '감탄하다' is the active verb you need. It is also important to distinguish between 'admiring a person' (존경하다 - to respect) and 'admiring a quality' (감탄하다). While you might admire (감탄하다) someone's skill, you respect (존경하다) their character and life path.
우리는 그의 끈기에 깊이 감탄하며 박수를 보냈다.
We sent applause while deeply admiring his persistence.
Another useful pattern is '감탄을 금치 못하다,' a more formal and idiomatic way to say 'cannot hide/contain one's admiration.' This is frequently seen in news headlines or formal speeches. For example, '관객들은 화려한 무대에 감탄을 금치 못했다' (The audience could not contain their admiration for the magnificent stage). This expression emphasizes that the feeling was so strong it was impossible to suppress. Understanding these variations allows you to transition from basic A2 level sentences to more complex, natural-sounding Korean. Whether you are describing a travel experience or a personal encounter, 감탄하다 provides the emotional vocabulary to express genuine awe.
You will encounter 감탄하다 in a variety of real-world contexts, from the high-energy environment of Korean variety shows to the quiet reverence of an art gallery. In television programs like 'I Live Alone' or travel documentaries, celebrities often use this word to react to beautiful scenery or incredible food. You might hear them shout '와, 진짜 감탄밖에 안 나와요!' (Wow, I can't do anything but admire this!). This usage highlights the word's role as an exclamation of peak experience. It is also a staple in sports commentary. When a player makes an impossible goal or a brilliant play, the commentator might say, '정말 감탄이 절로 나오는 플레이입니다!' (That's a play that naturally makes you admire it!).
- In K-Dramas
- Characters use it to express surprise at someone's talent or a beautiful romantic gesture.
- In Commercials
- Ads for electronics or cars often use '감탄' to suggest that the product's quality is so high it will leave you in awe.
방송에서 패널들이 셰프의 요리에 감탄하는 장면이 나왔다.
A scene appeared on the broadcast where the panels were admiring the chef's cooking.
In everyday life, you might hear this word in the context of parenting or education. A teacher might say to a parent, '아이의 그림 실력에 정말 감탄했어요' (I was really impressed by the child's drawing skills). Here, it serves as a powerful form of validation. In the workplace, a manager might use it to praise a particularly well-executed project or a creative solution: '김 대리님의 기획안에 감탄했습니다' (I admired Assistant Manager Kim's proposal). It carries more weight than a simple '잘했어요' (Good job) because it implies the work was of such high quality that it elicited a genuine emotional reaction. It is also common in literature and poetry, where authors describe the awe-inspiring power of nature.
그의 연설을 듣고 많은 사람들이 감탄을 금치 못했습니다.
Many people could not help but admire after hearing his speech.
Social media is another place where '감탄' is frequently used. In captions for photos of travel destinations, delicious food, or impressive art, you'll see hashtags like #감탄 (admiration), #감탄연발 (continuous admiration), or #감탄중 (currently admiring). It serves as a shorthand for 'this is amazing.' In reviews for books or movies, readers often write about how they '감탄하며 읽었다' (read while admiring) or '감탄하며 봤다' (watched while admiring), indicating a high level of engagement and satisfaction. Understanding these contexts helps you realize that 감탄하다 is not just a formal dictionary word, but a living part of how Koreans express their highest levels of appreciation and joy.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 감탄하다 is confusing it with 칭찬하다 (to praise). While they are related, they operate differently. 칭찬하다 is an action you do toward someone else—you give them a compliment. 감탄하다 is an internal feeling or a reaction—you are the one who is impressed. For example, you 'admire' (감탄하다) a masterpiece, but you 'praise' (칭찬하다) the artist. If you say '저는 그를 감탄했어요,' it sounds a bit awkward; it's better to say '그의 실력에 감탄했어요' (I admired his skill) or '그를 칭찬했어요' (I praised him).
- Confusion with 존경하다 (Respect)
- 존경하다 is for a person's life, ethics, or status. 감탄하다 is for a specific moment, skill, or beauty.
- Particle Errors
- Using '~를 감탄하다' instead of '~에 감탄하다'. The object of admiration is usually marked with '에'.
Wrong: 저는 선생님을 감탄해요. (I admire the teacher - unnatural)
Right: 저는 선생님의 지식에 감탄해요. (I admire the teacher's knowledge.)
Another frequent error is using '감탄하다' for simple likes. If you just like a cup of coffee, '감탄하다' is too strong. It would imply the coffee is a life-changing, artistic experience. Use '맛있어요' (It's delicious) or '좋아요' (It's good) for everyday things. Save '감탄하다' for when something truly stands out. Additionally, learners often forget the difference between the verb and the adjective '감탄스럽다'. Remember: '감탄하다' is what you do, and '감탄스럽다' is what the thing is. You wouldn't say '저는 감탄스러워요' to mean 'I am admiring'; that would mean 'I am an admirable person (to myself)'.
그의 빠른 대처에 모두가 감탄을 금치 못했다.
Everyone could not contain their admiration for his quick response.
Finally, be careful with the nuance of 'surprised' (놀라다). While '감탄하다' often involves a sense of surprise, '놀라다' can be negative (scared, shocked). '감탄하다' is almost always positive. If you see a car accident, you are '놀라다' (shocked), but if you see a car that drives itself perfectly, you might '감탄하다' (admire the tech). Mixing these up can lead to misunderstandings about your emotional state. By paying attention to these distinctions—praise vs. admiration, respect vs. wonder, and shock vs. awe—you can use '감탄하다' with the precision of a native speaker, accurately conveying your genuine appreciation for the world around you.
While 감탄하다 is a powerful word, Korean offers several alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repetition and adds color to your speech. A common alternative is 놀라다 (to be surprised/amazed). While '감탄하다' focuses on the beauty or quality, '놀라다' focuses on the unexpected nature of the event. Another close relative is 경탄하다 (to marvel/wonder), which is even more formal and intense than '감탄하다', often used in literature to describe religious or cosmic awe.
- 감탄하다 vs. 칭찬하다
- 감탄하다 is the feeling of awe; 칭찬하다 is the act of giving a compliment.
- 감탄하다 vs. 존경하다
- 존경하다 is 'to respect' a person's character; 감탄하다 is 'to admire' a specific attribute or work.
- 감탄하다 vs. 대단하다 (Adj)
- 대단하다 means 'to be great/impressive'. You would say '실력이 대단해요' (Your skill is great) which leads to someone '감탄하다'.
그의 천재성에 경탄하지 않을 수 없었다.
I couldn't help but marvel (경탄) at his genius.
For a more casual vibe, Koreans often use the adjective 반하다 (to fall for / to be charmed). While usually used for romantic attraction, you can also say '이 경치에 반했어요' (I fell for this view), which is a more emotional and personal way to express '감탄하다'. Another useful word is 감동하다 (to be moved/touched). '감탄하다' is more about the 'wow' factor of skill or beauty, whereas '감동하다' is about a heart-warming feeling. If a movie is visually stunning, you '감탄하다'; if the story makes you cry, you '감동하다'.
그의 연기는 감탄을 넘어 감동을 주었다.
His acting went beyond admiration and gave a moving feeling.
In summarizing these alternatives, think of '감탄하다' as the golden middle—it is more descriptive than '좋아하다', more positive than '놀라다', and more focused on objective excellence than '감동하다'. By choosing between these words, you can specify exactly what kind of 'wow' you are experiencing. Whether you are '경탄'ing at the stars, being '감동'ed by a friend's kindness, or simply '감탄'ing at a well-designed app, your Korean will sound much more nuanced and expressive. Mastering these subtle differences is a key step toward fluency and deeper cultural connection.
発音ガイド
レベル別の例文
와! 정말 감탄했어요.
Wow! I'm really impressed.
Basic past tense '했어요' for a finished feeling.
그림이 예뻐서 감탄해요.
The picture is pretty, so I admire it.
Using '~아서' to show the reason for the admiration.
모두가 감탄해요.
Everyone is admiring it.
Simple present tense for a general state.
꽃을 보고 감탄했어요.
I saw the flowers and was impressed.
Using '~고' to connect 'seeing' and 'admiring'.
진짜 감탄이다!
It's truly a marvel!
Using the noun form '감탄' with the copula '이다'.
친구의 춤에 감탄했어요.
I admired my friend's dance.
Using '~에' to mark the object of admiration.
맛있어서 감탄했어요.
It was so delicious I was impressed.
Applying the word to a culinary experience.
매일 감탄해요.
I admire it every day.
Adverb '매일' (every day) showing frequency.
제주도의 바다를 보고 감탄했습니다.
I saw the sea of Jeju Island and admired it.
Formal polite style '~습니다'.
그의 요리 실력에 감탄했어요.
I was impressed by his cooking skills.
Focusing on a specific 'skill' (실력).
정말 감탄스러운 풍경이네요.
It's a truly admirable landscape.
Using the adjective form '감탄스럽다' with the exclamation ending '~네요'.
아이의 대답에 모두가 감탄했다.
Everyone was impressed by the child's answer.
Plain style '했다' often used in writing.
그녀의 목소리에 감탄하지 않을 수 없어요.
I can't help but admire her voice.
Using the pattern '~지 않을 수 없다' (cannot help but...).
박물관에서 옛날 물건들에 감탄했어요.
I admired the old items at the museum.
Using a location marker '에서'.
이 책을 읽고 그의 생각에 감탄했다.
After reading this book, I admired his thoughts.
Admiring an abstract 'thought' (생각).
선생님의 친절함에 감탄했습니다.
I was impressed by the teacher's kindness.
Admiring a personality trait (친절함).
그의 끈기 있는 노력에 깊이 감탄했습니다.
I was deeply impressed by his persistent efforts.
Adverb '깊이' (deeply) adds intensity.
우리는 그 건물의 독특한 디자인에 감탄하며 사진을 찍었다.
We took pictures while admiring the building's unique design.
Using '~하며' to show simultaneous actions.
그녀가 보여준 용기는 많은 사람들의 감탄을 자아냈다.
The courage she showed elicited admiration from many people.
Idiomatic expression '감탄을 자아내다' (to elicit admiration).
작품의 정교함에 감탄이 절로 나왔다.
Admiration came out naturally at the elaborateness of the work.
Adverb '절로' (naturally/of itself).
그의 유창한 한국어 실력에 외국인들도 감탄했다.
Even foreigners admired his fluent Korean skills.
Focusing on language proficiency.
자연의 위대함에 감탄하며 산을 올랐다.
I climbed the mountain while admiring the greatness of nature.
Admiring a grand concept like '위대함' (greatness).
그 배우의 연기력은 언제나 우리를 감탄하게 만든다.
That actor's acting ability always makes us admire him.
Causative structure '~하게 만들다' (make someone do...).
새로운 기술의 발전 속도에 감탄할 뿐입니다.
I am just admiring the speed of new technology development.
Using '~할 뿐이다' (just/only...).
전문가들은 그 화가의 섬세한 붓터치에 감탄을 금치 못했다.
Experts could not contain their admiration for the painter's delicate brushstrokes.
Formal idiom '감탄을 금치 못하다'.
그의 논리적인 설명에 비판하던 사람들도 감탄하기 시작했다.
Even those who criticized began to admire his logical explanation.
Starting an action with '~하기 시작하다'.
역사적인 유적지를 방문할 때마다 조상들의 지혜에 감탄하게 된다.
Every time I visit historical sites, I come to admire the wisdom of our ancestors.
Using '~게 된다' to show a natural result or change.
그녀의 헌신적인 태도는 동료들의 깊은 감탄을 샀다.
Her dedicated attitude won the deep admiration of her colleagues.
Using '감탄을 사다' (to win/buy admiration).
영화의 반전은 관객들로 하여금 감탄을 터뜨리게 했다.
The movie's plot twist made the audience burst into admiration.
Using '터뜨리게 하다' (to make burst).
우리는 그의 놀라운 기억력에 연신 감탄했다.
We admired his amazing memory repeatedly.
Adverb '연신' (repeatedly/continuously).
그의 작품은 세대를 초월하여 감탄을 불러일으킨다.
His work evokes admiration across generations.
Expression '감탄을 불러일으키다' (to evoke admiration).
그 계획의 치밀함에 감탄하지 않을 수 없었다.
I couldn't help but admire the thoroughness of the plan.
Admiring '치밀함' (thoroughness/meticulousness).
문장의 유려함과 깊이 있는 통찰력에 다시 한번 감탄했다.
I once again admired the flow of the sentences and the deep insight.
Admiring stylistic and intellectual qualities.
그의 연설은 청중의 감탄을 이끌어내기에 충분했다.
His speech was enough to draw out the admiration of the audience.
Pattern '~하기에 충분하다' (to be enough to...).
우주는 그 광활함만으로도 인간의 감탄을 자아내는 대상이다.
The universe is an object that elicits human admiration just by its vastness.
Philosophical subject matter.
그의 무대 매너는 프로다운 면모를 유감없이 보여주며 감탄을 샀다.
His stage presence showed his professional side without regret and won admiration.
Using '유감없이' (fully/without regret).
전통과 현대가 어우러진 건축미에 전문가들도 감탄을 아끼지 않았다.
Experts did not spare their admiration for the architectural beauty where tradition and modernity harmonize.
Idiom '감탄을 아끼지 않다' (to not spare admiration).
그의 시는 일상의 사소한 것들에서도 감탄을 찾아내는 힘이 있다.
His poems have the power to find wonder even in the small things of daily life.
Abstract power of literature.
난관을 극복해 나가는 그의 의연한 자세에 경의와 감탄을 표한다.
I express respect and admiration for his resolute attitude in overcoming difficulties.
Pairing '경의' (respect) and '감탄' (admiration).
기술적 완성도뿐만 아니라 철학적 깊이에서도 감탄을 자아내는 작품이다.
It is a work that elicits admiration not only for its technical perfection but also for its philosophical depth.
Using '뿐만 아니라' (not only... but also).
인간 정신의 숭고함에 직면했을 때 우리는 침묵 속에서 감탄하게 된다.
When faced with the sublimity of the human spirit, we come to admire in silence.
Deeply philosophical and formal tone.
고전 문학의 정수를 꿰뚫는 그의 해석은 학계의 찬탄과 감탄을 동시에 받았다.
His interpretation, which pierced through the essence of classical literature, received both praise and admiration from the academic world.
Using '찬탄' (high praise) as a synonym.
대자연의 신비 앞에 선 인간은 자신의 작음을 깨달으며 감탄을 넘어선 경외감을 느낀다.
Humans standing before the mystery of Mother Nature realize their smallness and feel awe beyond admiration.
Distinguishing '감탄' from '경외감' (awe/reverence).
그의 통치 철학은 시대를 앞서간 혜안으로 후세의 끊임없는 감탄을 불러일으킨다.
His ruling philosophy, with insight ahead of its time, evokes constant admiration from future generations.
Historical and political context.
예술적 성취가 정점에 달했을 때, 그것은 비평의 영역을 넘어 무조건적인 감탄의 대상이 된다.
When artistic achievement reaches its peak, it goes beyond the realm of criticism and becomes an object of unconditional admiration.
Abstract discussion of aesthetics.
언어의 한계를 시험하는 그의 문체는 독자들로 하여금 지적 감탄을 유발한다.
His writing style, which tests the limits of language, induces intellectual admiration in readers.
Using '유발하다' (to induce/cause).
역경 속에서도 잃지 않은 그의 유머 감각은 주변 사람들에게 경탄에 가까운 감탄을 안겨주었다.
His sense of humor, not lost even in adversity, gave those around him an admiration close to marvel.
Nuanced emotional description.
미시 세계의 질서 정연함에 감탄하는 것은 과학자가 누릴 수 있는 최고의 특권 중 하나이다.
Admiring the orderly nature of the microscopic world is one of the highest privileges a scientist can enjoy.
Scientific and professional context.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— Admiration comes out (spontaneously). Used when you can't help but be impressed.
정말 감탄이 나오는 실력이네요!
— To be worth admiring. Used to describe something truly impressive.
그의 성공은 감탄할 만하다.
— Nothing but admiration comes out. Used for extreme cases of awe.
이 경치는 정말 감탄밖에 안 나와요.
— To express admiration. A formal way to show you are impressed.
그의 업적에 감탄을 표합니다.
— To watch while admiring. Common for movies, art, or performances.
영화 내내 감탄하며 봤어요.
— A look of admiration. Describing how someone looks at something amazing.
그는 감탄의 눈빛으로 그림을 보았다.
— Sounds of admiration (like 'ooh' and 'aah').
여기저기서 감탄의 소리가 들렸다.
— To evoke or stir up admiration in others.
그의 연설은 큰 감탄을 불러일으켰다.
— An admirable/wonderful result.
노력 끝에 감탄스러운 결과를 얻었다.
— To admire sincerely/truly.
그의 인품에 진심으로 감탄했습니다.
慣用句と表現
— One's mouth drops open. Used when something is so amazing you '감탄하다' with your mouth open.
그의 저택을 보고 입이 떡 벌어졌다.
Informal— To slap one's knee. Used when you admire a clever idea or realization.
그의 아이디어에 무릎을 탁 쳤다.
Informal— To praise until one's spit dries. Often follows a state of '감탄'.
그는 친구의 실력을 침이 마르도록 칭찬했다.
Neutral— To lose one's soul (be absent-minded). Being so captivated/admiring that you lose track of time.
그녀의 미모에 넋을 잃고 감탄했다.
Literary— To wag one's tongue (in amazement). To be so impressed or shocked by someone's skill/audacity.
그의 대담함에 혀를 내둘렀다.
Neutral— A taste so good you wouldn't notice if your friend died. Extreme '감탄' for food.
이 찌개는 둘이 먹다 하나 죽어도 모를 맛이야.
Slang/Informal— To have an eye for something. To be able to '감탄' at the right things.
너 정말 보는 눈이 있구나!
Neutral— One's heart is overflowing. A deep emotional form of '감탄' and '감동'.
승리의 순간 가슴이 벅차올랐다.
Literary— To be speechless. Being so impressed you can't even speak.
아름다움에 말문이 막혀 감탄만 했다.
Neutral— I thought my heart stopped. Extreme admiration or shock.
그의 연주를 듣고 심장이 멎는 줄 알았다.
InformalSummary
감탄하다 is your go-to word for expressing genuine awe. Whether you're looking at a sunset or a masterpiece, use this word to show you're truly moved. Example: '그녀의 실력에 감탄했어요' (I admired her skill).
- A verb meaning to admire or marvel at something impressive.
- Used for beauty, skills, nature, and great achievements.
- Higher intensity than '좋아하다' (to like); implies a 'wow' factor.
- Commonly used with the particle '~에' to mark the cause of admiration.
関連コンテンツ
emotionsの関連語
받아들이다
A2受け入れる、受容する、承諾する。
아파하다
A2（他人が）痛がる、苦しむ、悲しむ。
감탄스럽다
A2彼の絶え間ない努力は本当に感嘆に値します。
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
기특하다
B1感心だ。殊勝だ。幼い者が立派なことをした時に使う言葉。
충고
B1将来の慎重な行動に関して提供される指導や勧告。忠告、アドバイス。
애정
B1愛情；慈しみ、かわいがる心。
애틋하다
B2二人の切なくも愛おしい愛は皆を感動させた。
살갑다
B22
~ㄹ까 봐
A2何かが起こるのではないかと心配する気持ちを表す文法です。
