When something is 보람 없다 (boram eopda), it means it's unrewarding or not worthwhile. Imagine you spend a lot of time on a project, but it doesn't give you any satisfaction or good results. In that case, you could say it was 보람 없다. It's used when an effort doesn't lead to a positive outcome or feeling.
When something is 보람 없다 (boram eopda), it means it feels unrewarding or not worthwhile. It's like putting effort into something, but not getting a satisfying result or feeling that it was worth your time. You might use this phrase if you studied for a test but still did poorly, making the studying feel unrewarding.
When something is 보람 없다 (boram eopda), it means it feels unrewarding or not worthwhile. It implies that the effort you put in doesn't lead to a satisfying outcome or a sense of accomplishment.
You might use this phrase to describe a task, an experience, or even a relationship where you feel your efforts are in vain or don't produce the desired positive results.
For example, if you studied hard for an exam but still failed, you might feel that your studying was 보람 없다. It's often used when there's a disconnect between effort and a meaningful reward.
When something is 보람 없다 (boram eopda), it means it feels unrewarding or not worthwhile. It implies that the effort you put in doesn't lead to a satisfying outcome or a sense of accomplishment. This phrase is often used when discussing tasks, experiences, or even relationships where the positive return on investment, whether emotional, practical, or otherwise, is absent or insufficient. For example, studying hard for an exam and still failing might feel 보람 없다, or working on a project for a long time only for it to be canceled could also be described this way. It highlights a feeling of futility or a lack of meaningful result.
When something is 보람 없다, it means that the effort or time invested didn't yield a satisfying result or benefit. It suggests a lack of reward, purpose, or worth in an activity or outcome.
For instance, if you study hard for an exam but still fail, you might feel like your studying was 보람 없다. It's often used when reflecting on an experience that, in hindsight, feels like a waste of effort because the expected positive return wasn't achieved.
When something is 보람 없다 (boram eopda), it means it lacks value or isn't rewarding despite the effort put in. Imagine spending hours on a task, only to find the results unsatisfactory or without any real benefit. This phrase perfectly captures that feeling of futility or a wasted endeavor.
It’s often used when reflecting on past experiences or actions that didn't yield the expected positive outcome, leaving one with a sense of emptiness or disappointment. So, if a project, relationship, or even a hobby feels like it's not giving back what you put into it, you could describe it as 보람 없다.
보람 없다 30초 만에
- unrewarding
- not worthwhile
- pointless effort
Let's dive into how to use the Korean expression 보람 없다. This phrase means 'to be unrewarding' or 'not worthwhile'. It's super useful for talking about efforts, tasks, or experiences that didn't bring satisfaction or a good result.
§ Basic Usage
보람 없다 is an adjective. This means it describes a noun or can act as the predicate of a sentence. Think of it like 'it is unrewarding'.
- Structure
- Noun + 이/가 + 보람 없다
This is the most straightforward way to use it. You're saying that a particular noun (effort, work, action) is unrewarding.
이 프로젝트는 보람 없다. (This project is unrewarding.)
제 노력은 다 보람 없었다. (All my effort was unrewarding.)
§ Connecting with Verbs: ~아/어서 보람 없다
Often, you want to say that doing a specific action was unrewarding. For this, you use the ~아/어서 (cause/reason) grammar pattern, but here it's more about 'doing something and finding it unrewarding'.
- Structure
- Verb Stem + 아/어서 + 보람 없다
This structure implies that after performing the action, you realize it was unrewarding.
밤새도록 공부해서 보람 없었다. (Studying all night was unrewarding / It was unrewarding to study all night.)
그 사람을 도와줘서 보람 없었어요. (Helping that person was unrewarding / It was unrewarding to help that person.)
§ Using with ~지만 (although/but)
You can also use 보람 없다 in conjunction with the ~지만 (although, but) grammar pattern to express a contrast. This is when you acknowledge an effort or action but state that it ultimately didn't feel rewarding.
- Structure
- Verb Stem + 지만 + 보람 없다 (or a clause using 보람 없다)
열심히 일했지만, 결국 보람 없었어요. (Although I worked hard, in the end it was unrewarding.)
도움을 주었지만, 아무것도 달라진 게 없어서 보람 없었어요. (I gave help, but nothing changed so it was unrewarding.)
§ Expressing a Feeling: ~다고 느끼다
You can also express that someone feels something is unrewarding by using the indirect quotation pattern with adjectives (~다고 느끼다).
- Structure
- Noun + 이/가 + 보람 없다고 느끼다
- Verb Stem + 아/어서 + 보람 없다고 느끼다
그는 자신의 일이 보람 없다고 느꼈다. (He felt his work was unrewarding.)
오랜 시간을 투자했지만, 보람 없다고 느꼈어요. (I invested a lot of time, but I felt it was unrewarding.)
§ Key Takeaways
보람 없다 is an adjective, so it describes nouns or acts as a predicate.
Use Noun + 이/가 + 보람 없다 for simple statements.
Use Verb Stem + 아/어서 + 보람 없다 to say 'doing X was unrewarding'.
Combine with ~지만 for contrasting ideas: 'Although X, it was unrewarding'.
Express feelings of it being unrewarding with ~다고 느끼다.
Hello learners! Today, we're diving into a really practical Korean phrase: 보람 없다. This is an adjective that literally means 'to be unrewarding' or 'not worthwhile'. It's super useful for expressing when effort, time, or work doesn't yield a satisfying result. Let's break it down so you can use it confidently.
- Korean Word
- 보람 없다 (adjective)
- Definition
- To be unrewarding or not worthwhile.
§ Where You Actually Hear This Word
You'll encounter 보람 없다 in many everyday situations in Korea. It's often used when people feel their efforts haven't paid off or when an activity doesn't bring the expected satisfaction or benefit. Let's look at some common contexts:
-
Workplace: This is a very common place to hear 보람 없다. Employees might use it to describe a project that felt like a waste of time, or when they're not recognized for their hard work. It's about feeling a lack of fulfillment despite putting in the effort.
이번 프로젝트는 정말 보람 없었어요. (This project was really unrewarding.)
야근까지 했는데 결과가 안 좋아서 보람 없네요. (I even worked overtime, but the result wasn't good, so it feels unrewarding.)
-
School/Studies: Students might use 보람 없다 to express frustration with studying for an exam that had no impact on their grade, or participating in a group project where their contributions weren't valued. It's about feeling that their effort in learning wasn't beneficial.
밤새서 공부했는데 시험 점수가 안 나와서 너무 보람 없어요. (I studied all night, but my test score wasn't good, so it feels so unrewarding.)
그 조별 과제는 아무도 열심히 안 해서 보람 없었어. (That group project wasn't worthwhile because no one worked hard.)
-
Everyday Activities/News: Beyond work and school, you can hear this phrase when people discuss general efforts or situations that don't bring a positive outcome. For example, trying to fix something around the house that breaks again immediately, or even in news reports discussing policies that failed to achieve their goals.
힘들게 다이어트 했는데 결국 요요가 와서 보람 없어요. (I struggled with dieting, but in the end, the weight came back, so it feels unrewarding.)
정부가 많은 노력을 했지만, 국민들이 체감하는 변화가 보람 없는 수준입니다. (The government made a lot of effort, but the changes felt by the public are at an unrewarding level.)
Understanding phrases like 보람 없다 is key to sounding natural in Korean. It's not just about knowing the definition, but also about grasping the nuance of when and why it's used. Keep practicing these everyday expressions!
§ Mistake 1: Confusing with 'No Use' or 'Useless'
Many learners mistakenly equate 보람 없다 with expressions meaning 'no use' or 'useless,' like 소용 없다 (so-yong eop-da) or 쓸모 없다 (sseul-mo eop-da). While there can be some overlap in meaning, 보람 없다 specifically refers to a lack of reward, satisfaction, or a feeling of worth from an effort or action. It's about the emotional and experiential outcome, not just the practical utility.
- DEFINITION
- To be unrewarding or not worthwhile. It emphasizes the lack of a positive feeling or personal gain from an action or effort.
그 일을 아무리 열심히 해도 보람이 없었어요. (Even if I worked really hard on that task, it felt unrewarding.)
이 깨진 컵은 쓸모 없어요. (This broken cup is useless.)
§ Mistake 2: Incorrectly using it with inanimate objects
보람 없다 is typically used when talking about human effort, actions, or experiences. It describes the feeling or outcome from something a person does. You wouldn't say an inanimate object is 'unrewarding' in the same way you would a task or a relationship. For objects that are broken or don't serve their purpose, you'd use 쓸모 없다.
Correct: 그 프로젝트는 정말 보람이 없었어요. (That project was really unrewarding.) - Refers to the feeling from the human effort in a project.
Incorrect: 이 고장난 컴퓨터는 보람이 없어요. (This broken computer is unrewarding.)
Correct: 이 고장난 컴퓨터는 쓸모 없어요. (This broken computer is useless.) - Refers to the practical utility of the object.
§ Mistake 3: Overusing '없다' instead of '이/가 없다'
Remember that 보람 is a noun, and to say it 'doesn't exist' or 'there is none,' you need the subject particle 이/가 before 없다. So, it's 보람이 없다, not just 보람 없다 when used as a predicate. While the adjective form '보람 없는' can precede a noun (e.g., 보람 없는 일 - unrewarding work), when used independently, the particle is essential.
힘들게 일했지만 보람이 없었습니다. (I worked hard, but it was unrewarding.)
그것은 보람 없는 노력입니다. (That is unrewarding effort.)
§ Mistake 4: Not understanding its nuance of emotional dissatisfaction
The core of 보람 없다 lies in the emotional or psychological feeling of not gaining anything positive, like satisfaction, pride, or a sense of accomplishment, despite effort. It's not just about a lack of practical outcome, but a lack of internal fulfillment. If you simply want to say something had no result, there are other phrases like 결과가 없다 (gyeor-gwa-ga eop-da - no result) or 효과가 없다 (hyo-gwa-ga eop-da - no effect).
- DEFINITION
- To lack a sense of accomplishment, pride, or personal satisfaction from an action or effort.
아무리 노력해도 보람이 없는 관계였어요. (No matter how hard I tried, it was an unrewarding relationship.)
§ Understanding 보람 없다
Let's talk about a really useful Korean expression: 보람 없다. This phrase is all about feeling like your efforts, time, or actions haven't produced a satisfactory or meaningful result. It's when you do something, and at the end of it, you think, 'Well, that was a waste of time' or 'I didn't get anything out of that.'
- Meaning
- To be unrewarding, not worthwhile, fruitless, or in vain.
Think of 보람 as 'reward' or 'worth' and 없다 as 'to not have' or 'to be absent.' So, literally, it means 'to not have worth/reward.'
힘들게 일했지만 아무런 결과도 얻지 못해서 보람 없었다.
Translation hint: I worked hard, but I didn't get any results, so it was unrewarding.
그와 싸우는 건 정말 보람 없는 일이야.
Translation hint: Fighting with him is a truly unrewarding task.
§ Similar Words and When to Use Them
1. 헛수고 (名詞, Noun) - Vain effort, wasted effort
헛수고 refers to an effort that turns out to be useless or for nothing. It emphasizes the 'effort' part more directly. While 보람 없다 focuses on the *feeling* of lacking reward, 헛수고 describes the effort itself as being in vain.
그 프로젝트는 결국 헛수고가 되고 말았다.
Translation hint: That project ended up being a vain effort.
- Use 보람 없다 when you want to express that something felt unrewarding to you personally, or generally lacks intrinsic value/meaning.
- Use 헛수고 when you want to describe an effort that produced no desired outcome, focusing on the wasted effort itself.
2. 소용 없다 (形容詞, Adjective) - Useless, no use
소용 없다 means something is useless or of no practical help. It's about functionality or utility. If something doesn't serve its purpose or has no effect, you use 소용 없다.
이미 늦었으니 이제 와서 후회해도 소용 없어.
Translation hint: It's already too late, so regretting it now is useless.
- Use 보람 없다 for situations where the effort or experience lacks personal reward or meaning.
- Use 소용 없다 when an object, action, or advice is ineffective or serves no practical purpose.
3. 무의미하다 (形容詞, Adjective) - Meaningless
무의미하다 is more about something lacking meaning, significance, or purpose. It's often used in a philosophical sense or when discussing the deeper 'point' of something. While 보람 없다 can touch on this, 무의미하다 explicitly highlights the absence of meaning.
목표 없이 사는 건 정말 무의미하다고 생각해요.
Translation hint: I think living without a goal is truly meaningless.
- Use 보람 없다 for personal feelings of unrewarded effort or an experience that didn't pay off emotionally or practically.
- Use 무의미하다 when you want to say something lacks inherent meaning or purpose, often on a more abstract or profound level.
§ Key Takeaway
While all these words can describe a situation where something isn't productive or satisfying, remember the core difference:
- 보람 없다: Focuses on the *lack of reward or worth* felt after an effort or experience. It often carries a personal, subjective feeling.
- 헛수고: Describes an *effort itself* as being wasted or in vain.
- 소용 없다: Refers to something being *useless* or having *no practical effect*.
- 무의미하다: Indicates a lack of *meaning or significance*.
How Formal Is It?
"많은 노력에도 불구하고 결과가 무의미하게 느껴질 때가 있습니다."
"열심히 준비했지만, 시험 결과가 좋지 않아 보람 없었어요."
"밤새도록 일했지만 결국 다 헛수고였어."
"만들기 놀이가 생각보다 별로 재미없어서 조금 실망했어."
"그 프로젝트 진짜 개고생했는데, 결국 아무것도 안 남았어."
재미있는 사실
The word '보람' itself is often used in positive contexts, like '보람 있다' (to be rewarding/worthwhile) or when someone feels a sense of accomplishment. '보람 없다' is its direct opposite.
발음 가이드
- Mispronouncing the 'o' as in 'bore' instead of 'o' as in 'bought'.
- Failing to aspirate the 'p' sound in '업다' (eopda).
난이도
short and common characters
short and common characters
straightforward pronunciation
common expression, clear enunciation
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Using '보람 없다' with the ~는 것 particle to describe an unrewarding action or situation. This grammatical structure turns a verb or adjective phrase into a noun phrase, allowing it to be the subject or object of a sentence.
이 일을 하는 것은 보람 없어요. (Doing this work is unrewarding.)
Using '보람 없다' with the ~아/어서 conjunction to explain the reason or cause for something being unrewarding. This indicates a sequential relationship where the first clause is the reason for the second.
너무 힘들어서 보람 없었어요. (It was too hard, so it was unrewarding.)
Using '보람 없다' in a rhetorical question with ~을까요/ㄹ까요 to express doubt or question whether something is worthwhile. This ending is used to ask for the listener's opinion or to express uncertainty.
과연 보람 없을까요? (Will it really be unrewarding?)
Combining '보람 없다' with ~지 않다 to create a negative statement, indicating something is not unrewarding (meaning it is rewarding). This is a common way to form negations in Korean.
그 노력은 보람 없지 않았어요. (That effort was not unrewarding. / That effort was worthwhile.)
Using '보람 없다' with the ~게 되다 construction to express that something becomes unrewarding. This grammatical pattern indicates a change of state or a situation that has come to be.
시간이 지날수록 보람 없게 되었어요. (As time passed, it became unrewarding.)
수준별 예문
이 일은 보람 없어요.
This work is unrewarding.
공부는 보람 없지 않아요.
Studying is not unrewarding.
보람 없는 하루였어요.
It was an unrewarding day.
선물은 보람 없을까요?
Will the gift be unrewarding?
그것은 보람 없는 행동이에요.
That is an unrewarding action.
저는 보람 없는 일을 싫어해요.
I dislike unrewarding work.
숙제는 보람 없다고 생각해요.
I think homework is unrewarding.
보람 없는 시간이었지만 배웠어요.
It was an unrewarding time, but I learned.
이 일은 정말 보람 없어요.
This work is really unrewarding.
보람 없는 하루를 보냈어요.
I spent an unrewarding day.
그 노력은 보람 없을 거예요.
That effort will be unrewarding.
보람 없는 시간을 보내지 마세요.
Don't spend unrewarding time.
시험 공부는 보람 없을 때도 있어요.
Studying for exams can sometimes be unrewarding.
돈만 좇는 것은 보람 없어요.
Just chasing money is unrewarding.
보람 없는 일에 시간을 낭비하지 마세요.
Don't waste time on unrewarding tasks.
그 프로젝트는 보람 없는 경험이었어요.
That project was an unrewarding experience.
이 일은 정말 보람 없어요.
This work is truly unrewarding.
보람 없다 (to be unrewarding)
오랜 시간 노력했지만 보람 없었어.
I tried for a long time but it was not worthwhile.
보람 없었다 (was not worthwhile)
돈만 쫓으면 인생이 보람 없을 거예요.
If you only chase money, life will be unrewarding.
보람 없을 거예요 (will be unrewarding)
그 프로젝트는 결국 보람 없이 끝났어요.
That project ended up being unrewarding.
보람 없이 (unrewardingly)
힘들게 준비했는데 결과가 보람 없어서 아쉬웠어요.
I prepared hard but the result was unrewarding, so I was disappointed.
보람 없어서 (because it was unrewarding)
누구를 위해 일하는지 모르면 보람이 없어요.
If you don't know who you're working for, it's unrewarding.
보람이 없어요 (is unrewarding)
많은 시간을 투자했지만 보람 없는 경험이었어요.
I invested a lot of time, but it was an unrewarding experience.
보람 없는 경험 (unrewarding experience)
가끔은 모든 것이 보람 없게 느껴질 때가 있어요.
Sometimes, there are times when everything feels unrewarding.
보람 없게 (unrewardingly)
많은 노력에도 불구하고, 그 프로젝트는 보람이 없었다.
Despite a lot of effort, the project was unrewarding.
A noun + 에도 불구하고 (despite, in spite of) is used to express contrast or concession.
오랜 시간 기다렸지만, 결국 보람 없는 일이었어요.
I waited a long time, but it turned out to be an unrewarding task.
A verb + -지만 (but, however) is used to connect two contrasting clauses.
그렇게 열심히 준비했는데 결과가 보람 없어서 실망했어요.
I prepared so hard, but the results were unrewarding, so I was disappointed.
A verb + -았/어서 (because, so) indicates a reason or cause.
아무리 노력해도 보람 없는 관계라면 끝내는 게 나아요.
If it's a relationship that's unrewarding no matter how hard you try, it's better to end it.
아무리 + verb/adjective + -아/어도 (no matter how...) expresses concession.
돈만 쫓는 삶은 언젠가 보람 없다고 느낄 수 있어요.
A life just chasing money can eventually feel unrewarding.
A verb + -만 (only) emphasizes that money is the sole focus.
다른 사람을 돕는 일은 결코 보람 없지 않아요.
Helping others is never unrewarding.
결코 + negative expression (never) strongly negates a statement.
이번 여행은 돈과 시간을 많이 썼지만 보람 없는 경험이었어요.
This trip cost a lot of money and time, but it was an unrewarding experience.
A verb + -지만 (but, however) connects two contrasting clauses.
결과가 보람이 없어도 과정에서 배운 것이 있다면 괜찮아요.
Even if the results are unrewarding, it's okay if you learned something from the process.
A verb/adjective + -아/어도 (even if, even though) indicates a concession.
몇 년 동안 이 프로젝트에 매달렸지만, 결과적으로는 보람 없는 일이었다고 생각합니다.
I dedicated several years to this project, but in the end, I consider it to have been an unrewarding endeavor.
그녀는 승진을 위해 밤낮으로 일했지만, 결국 해고당하면서 모든 노력이 보람 없게 되었습니다.
She worked day and night for a promotion, but ultimately, all her efforts became unrewarding when she was fired.
아무리 열심히 노력해도 인정받지 못하는 상황은 참으로 보람 없는 기분을 느끼게 합니다.
A situation where you're not recognized, no matter how hard you try, truly makes you feel unrewarded.
오랜 시간 공들여 준비한 발표가 예상치 못한 문제로 취소되자, 모든 것이 보람 없게 느껴졌다.
When the presentation I had meticulously prepared for a long time was canceled due to an unexpected problem, everything felt unrewarding.
많은 돈을 투자했지만 수익이 전혀 없어서, 그 투자는 보람 없는 결정이었다고 후회했다.
I invested a lot of money but had no profit at all, so I regretted that the investment was an unrewarding decision.
사람들을 돕는 일은 힘들 때도 많지만, 보람 없는 일이라고는 한 번도 생각해본 적이 없습니다.
Helping people is often difficult, but I have never once thought of it as unrewarding.
자신에게 맞지 않는 직업에 억지로 매달리는 것은 결국 보람 없는 삶을 살게 될 수도 있다.
Forcing oneself to stick with a job that doesn't suit them can ultimately lead to living an unrewarding life.
비록 실패로 끝났지만, 그 과정에서 많은 것을 배웠기에 완전히 보람 없는 경험은 아니었다.
Although it ended in failure, it wasn't a completely unrewarding experience because I learned a lot during the process.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
아무 보람 없다
no reward at all
정말 보람 없다
really unrewarding
다 보람 없다
all unrewarding
결국 보람 없다
ultimately unrewarding
이건 보람 없다
this is unrewarding
그 일은 보람이 없어요.
That work is unrewarding.
제 노력이 보람 없다고 생각해요.
I think my efforts are unrewarding.
이렇게 하는 건 보람 없을 거야.
Doing it like this will be unrewarding.
시간만 낭비하고 보람 없었어.
I just wasted time and it was unrewarding.
아무리 노력해도 보람 없는 기분이야.
No matter how much I try, it feels unrewarding.
문법 패턴
관용어 및 표현
"헛수고"
Vain effort, wasted effort
그 프로젝트에 헛수고만 했어요. (I only put in wasted effort on that project.)
neutral"개고생"
Dog's hardship, extreme suffering (colloquial)
시험 준비하느라 개고생했어요. (I suffered immensely preparing for the exam.)
informal"수포로 돌아가다"
To come to nothing, to be in vain
모든 노력이 수포로 돌아갔어요. (All efforts came to nothing.)
neutral"물거품이 되다"
To become foam, to vanish like bubbles (all effort wasted)
그 꿈은 물거품이 되고 말았어요. (That dream ended up vanishing like bubbles.)
neutral"삽질하다"
To dig with a shovel, to do something pointless or useless (colloquial)
하루 종일 삽질만 했어요. (I just did pointless work all day.)
informal"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"
Pouring water into a bottomless jar (futile effort)
그 일은 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기예요. (That work is like pouring water into a bottomless jar.)
neutral"말짱 도루묵"
To be back to square one, all for nothing
다 노력했는데 말짱 도루묵이 됐어요. (I tried everything, but it all came to nothing.)
neutral"손해만 보다"
To only suffer losses
이 사업은 손해만 보고 있어요. (This business is only suffering losses.)
neutral"시간 낭비"
Waste of time
그 영화는 완전 시간 낭비였어요. (That movie was a complete waste of time.)
neutral"아무 소용 없다"
To be of no use, no point
아무리 말해도 아무 소용 없어요. (It's no use no matter how much I say.)
neutral문장 패턴
이 일은 보람 없어요.
This work is unrewarding. (It doesn't feel worthwhile.)
그 프로젝트는 보람 없었어요.
That project was unrewarding. (It didn't give a good result.)
보람 없는 일을 하고 싶지 않아요.
I don't want to do unrewarding work.
시간만 낭비하고 보람 없는 것 같아요.
It feels like I'm just wasting time and it's unrewarding.
아무리 노력해도 보람이 없어요.
No matter how much I try, it's unrewarding. (It doesn't pay off.)
이런 식으로 공부하면 보람 없을 거예요.
If you study like this, it won't be rewarding. (You won't get good results.)
그의 희생은 결코 보람 없는 것이 아니었다.
His sacrifice was by no means unrewarding. (It definitely paid off.)
과정에 대한 즐거움이 없으면 결과도 보람 없을 수 있다.
If there's no enjoyment in the process, the result can also be unrewarding.
어휘 가족
명사
형용사
사용법
When something is 보람 없다 (boram eopda), it means it lacks value, satisfaction, or a sense of achievement. You can use it to describe tasks, efforts, or experiences that don't yield the expected or desired reward.
It's often used with activities that are supposed to bring a sense of accomplishment but don't. For example, if you studied hard but failed the test, you might feel that your studying was 보람 없다.
You can also use it for things that are generally considered good or productive, but for a specific reason, they felt unrewarding to you. For instance, '많은 돈을 벌었지만 보람 없었다' (I earned a lot of money, but it felt unrewarding).
A common mistake is to confuse 보람 없다 with simply 'being useless' (쓸모 없다) or 'being a waste of time' (시간 낭비이다). While there's overlap, 보람 없다 specifically emphasizes the lack of a positive feeling or reward from an effort.
It's also important to remember that it's an adjective, so it modifies nouns or acts as a predicate. Don't use it as an adverb like '보람 없게' when you mean 'unrewardingly' in the sense of the action itself being unrewarding. Instead, describe the result or the feeling as unrewarding.
Incorrect: '나는 보람 없게 공부했다.' (I studied unrewardingly.)
Correct: '나는 공부했지만 보람이 없었다.' (I studied, but it was unrewarding.)
팁
Focus on the nuance
보람 없다 (boram eopda) literally means 'no 보람'. 보람 can be thought of as reward, worth, or satisfaction. So, the phrase means something lacks these qualities.
Use with effort or action
This phrase is typically used to describe an effort, action, or experience that didn't yield the expected or desired positive outcome. For instance, '공부했지만 시험에 떨어져서 보람 없어' (I studied but failed the exam, so it was unrewarding).
Practice with synonyms (antonyms)
The opposite is '보람 있다' (boram itda), meaning to be rewarding or worthwhile. Learning these together can help solidify your understanding.
Not about monetary value
보람 없다 doesn't typically refer to something having no monetary value. It's more about the lack of emotional, spiritual, or practical satisfaction or benefit.
Example: effort without result
밤새도록 일했지만 아무것도 완성하지 못해서 보람이 없었어요. (I worked all night but couldn't finish anything, so it felt unrewarding.)
Example: unfulfilling experience
그 영화는 너무 재미없어서 보람 없게 시간을 보냈어요. (That movie was so boring, I felt like I spent my time unworthily.)
Example: feeling of futility
아무리 노력해도 결과가 없어서 보람이 없게 느껴져요. (No matter how much I try, there are no results, so it feels futile.)
Emphasis on effort and result
Korean culture often places emphasis on the effort put into something and the results gained. This phrase captures the disappointment when the latter doesn't meet the former.
Try to form your own sentences
Think of a time when you felt your efforts were unrewarding or a task was not worthwhile, and try to express it in Korean using '보람 없다'.
Consider context for 'worth'
While 'unrewarding' is a good general translation, sometimes 'not worth it' or 'pointless' can also fit depending on the context. For example, '그렇게 하는 건 보람 없을 거야' (Doing it that way probably won't be worth it).
어원
보람 (boram) + 없다 (eopda)
원래 의미: 보람 (boram) means 'worth, reward, result, fruit of one's labors.' 없다 (eopda) means 'to not exist, to be without.' Therefore, '보람 없다' literally means 'to be without reward/worth.'
Korean문화적 맥락
<h3>Cultural Understanding of 보람 없다</h3><p>'보람 없다' reflects a cultural emphasis on the value of effort and the expectation of a positive outcome or recognition. In Korean society, hard work and dedication are highly valued. Therefore, when efforts do not yield the expected results or a sense of satisfaction, it can lead to a feeling of '보람 없다.' This phrase is often used when discussing academic struggles, career disappointments, or any situation where significant investment doesn't pay off emotionally or tangibly. It's not just about material gain but also about the emotional return on one's investment of time and energy.</p>
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
After working hard on a project that didn't yield good results, you might feel like your effort was 보람 없다.
- 열심히 일했지만 보람 없었어요. (I worked hard, but it was unrewarding.)
- 이 프로젝트는 정말 보람 없네요. (This project is really unrewarding.)
- 시간 낭비였고 보람 없었어요. (It was a waste of time and unrewarding.)
When a task or activity doesn't provide any satisfaction or positive outcome, you can describe it as 보람 없다.
- 그 일은 보람이 없어요. (That work is unrewarding.)
- 봉사 활동이 보람 없을 때도 있어요. (Sometimes volunteer work can be unrewarding.)
- 가끔은 노력이 보람 없을 때가 있죠. (Sometimes efforts are unrewarding.)
Referring to a relationship or interaction that doesn't bring any positive feelings or benefits.
- 그 사람과의 대화는 보람이 없어요. (Conversations with that person are unrewarding.)
- 이 관계는 보람이 없는 것 같아요. (This relationship seems unrewarding.)
- 함께 시간을 보내는 것이 보람 없었어요. (Spending time together was unrewarding.)
Describing studying or learning that doesn't feel productive or helpful.
- 이렇게 공부하는 건 보람이 없다고 느껴져요. (I feel like studying like this is unrewarding.)
- 오늘 수업은 보람 없었어요. (Today's class was unrewarding.)
- 복습해도 보람 없으면 어떻게 하죠? (What if reviewing is unrewarding?)
When a long-term endeavor doesn't show any progress or positive results, leading to a feeling of being unrewarded.
- 오랫동안 노력했지만 보람 없었어요. (I tried for a long time, but it was unrewarding.)
- 이 모든 과정이 보람이 없으면 어쩌죠? (What if this whole process is unrewarding?)
- 계속해도 보람이 없으면 그만두는 게 나을까요? (If it continues to be unrewarding, should I quit?)
대화 시작하기
"최근에 보람 없다고 느낀 경험이 있으신가요? (Have you recently had an experience where you felt it was unrewarding?)"
"어떤 활동이 가장 보람 없다고 생각하세요? (What kind of activities do you think are the most unrewarding?)"
"보람 없는 일을 계속해야 한다면 어떻게 하시겠어요? (What would you do if you had to continue an unrewarding task?)"
"보람 있는 일과 보람 없는 일을 어떻게 구분하시나요? (How do you distinguish between rewarding and unrewarding work?)"
"다른 사람이 '보람 없다'고 말할 때 어떤 위로를 해주시겠어요? (What comfort would you offer when someone says 'it's unrewarding'?)"
일기 주제
최근에 당신의 노력이 보람 없다고 느껴졌던 순간을 자세히 묘사해보세요. 그 이유는 무엇이었나요? (Describe in detail a recent moment when your efforts felt unrewarding. What was the reason?)
당신이 보람 없다고 생각하는 일을 해야 할 때, 어떻게 동기 부여를 유지하나요? (How do you stay motivated when you have to do something you consider unrewarding?)
미래에 '보람 없다'는 감정을 최소화하기 위해 어떤 계획을 세울 수 있을까요? (What plans can you make to minimize the feeling of 'unrewarding' in the future?)
당신에게 '보람 있는 일'이란 어떤 것인가요? '보람 없는 일'과 어떻게 다른가요? (What constitutes 'rewarding work' for you? How does it differ from 'unrewarding work'?)
어떤 상황에서 '보람 없다'고 느끼더라도 긍정적인 면을 찾으려고 노력했던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever tried to find the positive side, even when feeling 'unrewarding' in a situation?)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문You can use '보람 없다' to describe a situation, effort, or activity that doesn't yield satisfactory results or feels like a waste of time. For example, 아무리 노력해도 보람이 없어요. (No matter how much I try, it's unrewarding.)
While both can imply futility, '보람 없다' specifically focuses on the lack of reward, satisfaction, or worth for the effort put in. 소용 없다 (to be useless, no use) is broader and can refer to something being ineffective or not serving its purpose, regardless of effort. Think of '보람 없다' as 'unrewarding' and '소용 없다' as 'useless'.
No, '보람 없다' is typically used to describe things, actions, or efforts, not people. You wouldn't say a person is '보람 없다'. You might say someone's efforts were '보람 없다'.
Yes, it generally carries a negative connotation because it expresses a feeling of disappointment or dissatisfaction that one's efforts or actions didn't lead to a positive outcome or a sense of worth. For example, 그 프로젝트는 보람이 없었어요. (That project was unrewarding.)
While not direct synonyms, phrases like 헛수고다 (it's a futile effort) or 수고가 헛되다 (effort is in vain) convey a similar idea of efforts being wasted or unrewarding. For example, 그의 노력은 헛수고였어요. (His efforts were in vain.)
To make it past tense, you would say 보람이 없었다. For example, 지난 학기 공부는 보람이 없었어요. (Studying last semester was unrewarding.)
Yes, you can. For instance, 이 일은 정말 보람이 없을까요? (Will this work really be unrewarding?) or 그렇게 하는 게 보람이 있을까? (Will doing it that way be worthwhile?)
The opposite is 보람 있다 (to be rewarding, worthwhile). For example, 힘들었지만 보람 있는 경험이었어요. (It was difficult, but it was a rewarding experience.)
Not necessarily. While it can include financial aspects, it often refers to a broader sense of satisfaction, personal growth, or the positive impact of one's efforts. It's more about the overall worth or meaning. For example, 돈은 많이 벌었지만 보람은 없었어요. (I earned a lot of money, but it wasn't rewarding.)
Yes, it's a very common and natural expression used to describe situations where efforts or actions don't bring the expected satisfaction or positive outcome. You'll hear it often in daily conversations. For example, 이렇게 일하는 건 보람 없지 않아요? (Isn't working like this unrewarding?)
셀프 테스트 156 질문
저는 오늘 숙제를 했지만, 정말 ______ 없었어요.
The sentence means 'I did my homework today, but it was really unrewarding.' '보람' fits best to convey 'unrewarding' or 'not worthwhile'.
이 일은 너무 힘들고 ______ 없는 것 같아요.
The sentence means 'This work is too hard and seems unrewarding.' '보람' completes the phrase '보람 없는' which means 'unrewarding'.
아무리 노력해도 결과가 좋지 않으면 ______ 없어요.
The sentence means 'Even if I try hard, if the result isn't good, it's unrewarding.' '보람' makes sense in this context to express a lack of reward.
그는 ______ 없는 일을 계속하고 싶지 않아요.
The sentence means 'He doesn't want to continue doing unrewarding work.' '보람' is the correct word to form '보람 없는 일' (unrewarding work).
오랫동안 기다렸지만, 그 결과는 정말 ______ 없었어요.
The sentence means 'I waited a long time, but the result was really unrewarding.' '보람' fits to describe an outcome that wasn't worthwhile.
이번 프로젝트는 노력이 많았지만 ______ 없어서 아쉬워요.
The sentence means 'This project took a lot of effort, but it's a shame it was unrewarding.' '보람' is the appropriate word to complete the meaning.
Which sentence means 'Studying Korean is rewarding'?
'보람 있다' means rewarding. The other options express negative feelings or difficulty.
Choose the correct Korean phrase for 'a rewarding job'.
'보람 있는' is the adjective form meaning 'rewarding'.
Which sentence describes something that is not worthwhile?
'보람이 없어' means 'it's not rewarding' or 'not worthwhile'.
The phrase '보람 없다' means 'it is worthwhile'.
'보람 없다' means 'it is not worthwhile' or 'unrewarding'.
If something is '보람 없다', you would probably want to do it again.
If something is 'unrewarding' or 'not worthwhile', you would likely not want to do it again.
Helping friends can be '보람 있다'.
Helping others is often considered rewarding, so '보람 있다' fits this situation.
This work is unrewarding.
Do you think studying is not worthwhile?
I don't want to do unrewarding work.
Read this aloud:
보람 없는 일은 싫어요.
Focus: 보람 (bo-ram)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
이것은 보람 없어요.
Focus: 없어요 (eop-seo-yo)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
보람 없는 것을 하지 마세요.
Focus: 하지 마세요 (ha-ji ma-se-yo)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about something you did that felt unrewarding. Use '보람 없다'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
숙제를 많이 했지만, 점수가 안 좋아서 보람 없었어요. (I did a lot of homework, but the score was bad, so it felt unrewarding.)
Describe a situation where an effort felt '보람 없다'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
매일 운동했지만, 살이 안 빠져서 보람 없어요. (I exercised every day, but I didn't lose weight, so it's unrewarding.)
Complete the sentence: 저는 _______________ 보람 없다고 생각해요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
저는 재미없는 책을 읽는 것은 보람 없다고 생각해요. (I think reading a boring book is unrewarding.)
B가 'A'에게 왜 '보람 없다'고 느냐고 물었을까요? (Why did B ask A why they felt 'unrewarding'?)
Read this passage:
A: 이 일을 하는 것이 힘들어요. (Doing this work is hard.) B: 왜요? (Why?) A: 아무도 고마워하지 않아서 보람 없어요. (No one thanks me, so it's unrewarding.)
B가 'A'에게 왜 '보람 없다'고 느냐고 물었을까요? (Why did B ask A why they felt 'unrewarding'?)
A는 아무도 고마워하지 않아서 보람 없다고 말했어요. 이것은 A가 노력한 만큼 인정을 받지 못해서 실망했다는 의미입니다. (A said that no one thanks them, so it's unrewarding. This means A was disappointed because they didn't get recognized for their efforts.)
A는 아무도 고마워하지 않아서 보람 없다고 말했어요. 이것은 A가 노력한 만큼 인정을 받지 못해서 실망했다는 의미입니다. (A said that no one thanks them, so it's unrewarding. This means A was disappointed because they didn't get recognized for their efforts.)
이 문장의 의미는 무엇입니까? (What is the meaning of this sentence?)
Read this passage:
공부하는 것은 재미있어요. 하지만 시험 점수가 나쁘면 보람 없어요.
이 문장의 의미는 무엇입니까? (What is the meaning of this sentence?)
문장은 '공부하는 것은 재미있어요. 하지만 시험 점수가 나쁘면 보람 없어요.'라고 말합니다. 이는 공부가 재미있더라도 시험 점수가 나쁘면 보람 없다는 의미입니다. (The sentence says, 'Studying is fun. But if exam scores are bad, it's unrewarding.' This means that even if studying is fun, if exam scores are bad, it's unrewarding.)
문장은 '공부하는 것은 재미있어요. 하지만 시험 점수가 나쁘면 보람 없어요.'라고 말합니다. 이는 공부가 재미있더라도 시험 점수가 나쁘면 보람 없다는 의미입니다. (The sentence says, 'Studying is fun. But if exam scores are bad, it's unrewarding.' This means that even if studying is fun, if exam scores are bad, it's unrewarding.)
화자는 왜 '보람 없었다'고 느꼈을까요? (Why did the speaker feel 'unrewarding'?)
Read this passage:
저는 어제 친구를 많이 도와줬어요. 하지만 친구는 고맙다고 말하지 않았어요. 그래서 보람 없었어요.
화자는 왜 '보람 없었다'고 느꼈을까요? (Why did the speaker feel 'unrewarding'?)
문장에서 '하지만 친구는 고맙다고 말하지 않았어요. 그래서 보람 없었어요.'라고 명시되어 있습니다. (The sentence explicitly states, 'But the friend didn't say thank you. So it was unrewarding.')
문장에서 '하지만 친구는 고맙다고 말하지 않았어요. 그래서 보람 없었어요.'라고 명시되어 있습니다. (The sentence explicitly states, 'But the friend didn't say thank you. So it was unrewarding.')
This task is not rewarding.
That study is not worthwhile.
Time passed unrewardingly.
저는 이 일이 정말 ___고 생각해요. (I think this work is really ___.)
The sentence expresses that the work is not worthwhile, so '보람 없고' is the correct form to say 'unrewarding'.
아무리 노력해도 결과가 좋지 않으면 너무 ___ 것 같아요. (No matter how hard I try, if the result isn't good, it feels very ___.)
The sentence implies a feeling of not being worthwhile if the outcome is bad. '보람 없을' means 'will be unrewarding'.
이번 프로젝트는 정말 힘들었지만, 결국 성공해서 ___ 않아요. (This project was really hard, but it succeeded in the end, so it's not ___.)
The sentence implies that despite the difficulty, the success made it not unrewarding. So, '보람 없어요' (it's not unrewarding) is correct.
매일 같은 일만 하니까 좀 ___ 느낌이에요. (Because I do the same work every day, it feels a bit ___.)
Doing the same thing daily can feel unrewarding. '보람 없는' describes this feeling.
그는 자신의 노력이 ___ 것을 보고 실망했다. (He was disappointed to see that his efforts were ___.)
He was disappointed because his efforts were unrewarding. '보람 없다고' means 'that they were unrewarding'.
이렇게까지 했는데 결과가 안 좋으면 정말 ___ 거예요. (If I did all this and the result isn't good, it will be really ___.)
The sentence expresses the frustration of efforts being unrewarding if the outcome is bad. '보람 없을' means 'will be unrewarding'.
Choose the sentence where something is described as 'unrewarding'.
'보람 없다' means unrewarding. So, '숙제를 하는 것이 보람 없어요' means 'Doing homework is unrewarding.'
Which of these situations would make someone feel '보람 없다'?
'보람 없다' describes a situation where effort doesn't lead to a positive outcome. Option B means 'I tried hard for a long time but didn't get anything.'
What is the opposite meaning of '보람 없다'?
'보람 없다' means unrewarding, so its opposite is '보람 있다', meaning rewarding.
Studying hard for an exam and passing it would typically make someone feel '보람 없다'.
Passing an exam after studying hard is usually a rewarding experience, not an unrewarding one. So, it would make someone feel '보람 있다'.
If you spend a lot of time on a project and it fails completely, you might feel '보람 없다'.
If a project fails after a lot of effort, it can feel unrewarding, or '보람 없다'.
Playing a fun game with friends can be described as '보람 없다'.
Playing a fun game with friends is usually a pleasant and worthwhile experience, not unrewarding. It would be '재미있다' (fun) rather than '보람 없다'.
This work is unrewarding.
Sometimes studying feels unrewarding.
Even if it's difficult, don't do unrewarding work.
Read this aloud:
그 일은 보람 없어요.
Focus: 보람 없어요 (boram eopseoyo)
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
저는 보람 없는 일을 싫어해요.
Focus: 싫어해요 (sireohaeyo)
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
이것은 보람 없는 노력이에요.
Focus: 노력이에요 (noryeog-ieyo)
당신의 답변:
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Complete the sentence: 공부하는 것이 재미없고 ___ 생각해요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
공부하는 것이 재미없고 보람 없다고 생각해요.
Translate to Korean: "It's unrewarding to work without a goal."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
목표 없이 일하는 것은 보람이 없어요.
Fill in the blank: 어제 한 일은 정말 ___.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
어제 한 일은 정말 보람 없었다.
화자가 보람 없다고 느끼는 이유는 무엇인가요?
Read this passage:
저는 매일 아침 일찍 일어나서 운동을 해요. 하지만 살이 빠지지 않아서 가끔 보람 없다고 느껴요. 그래도 건강을 위해서 계속 노력할 거예요.
화자가 보람 없다고 느끼는 이유는 무엇인가요?
화자는 운동을 해도 살이 빠지지 않아서 보람 없다고 느낀다고 했습니다.
화자는 운동을 해도 살이 빠지지 않아서 보람 없다고 느낀다고 했습니다.
이 글에서 "보람 있었다"는 어떤 의미인가요?
Read this passage:
친구와 함께 봉사활동을 했습니다. 힘들었지만 사람들을 도울 수 있어서 보람 있었어요. 다음에 또 하고 싶어요.
이 글에서 "보람 있었다"는 어떤 의미인가요?
봉사활동이 힘들었지만 사람들을 도울 수 있어서 가치 있었다는 의미입니다.
봉사활동이 힘들었지만 사람들을 도울 수 있어서 가치 있었다는 의미입니다.
화자는 왜 공부하는 것이 보람 없다고 느꼈나요?
Read this passage:
시험 공부를 열심히 했지만 결과가 좋지 않았습니다. 그래서 공부하는 것이 보람 없게 느껴졌어요. 하지만 다음에는 더 열심히 해서 좋은 결과를 얻을 거예요.
화자는 왜 공부하는 것이 보람 없다고 느꼈나요?
화자는 시험 공부를 열심히 했지만 결과가 좋지 않아서 보람 없다고 느꼈습니다.
화자는 시험 공부를 열심히 했지만 결과가 좋지 않아서 보람 없다고 느꼈습니다.
This sentence means 'This work is unrewarding.'
This sentence means 'If you study like that, it will be unrewarding.'
This sentence means 'I dislike unrewarding work.'
저는 이 일이 너무 힘들고 ___고 생각해요.
The speaker finds the work difficult and thinks it's not worthwhile. '보람 없어요' fits this meaning.
열심히 준비했지만 결과가 좋지 않아서 ___.
Despite preparing diligently, the bad result made it unrewarding. '보람 없었어요' means it was unrewarding.
이렇게 노력했는데도 성공하지 못하면 정말 ___.
If one tries so hard but fails, it would be truly unrewarding. '보람 없겠어요' expresses this sentiment.
시간과 돈을 많이 썼는데도 아무것도 얻지 못하면 ___.
Spending a lot of time and money without gaining anything means it's unrewarding. '보람 없어요' is the correct fit.
그는 이 프로젝트가 아무리 힘들어도 ___고 말했다.
He said that no matter how difficult this project was, it would be unrewarding. '보람 없을 거라고' conveys this.
결과적으로는 모두에게 ___ 일이었어요.
Ultimately, it was an unrewarding task for everyone. '보람 없는' describes this.
Choose the most appropriate sentence using '보람 없다':
'보람 없다' means unrewarding. The sentence '열심히 일했지만 결과가 좋지 않아 보람 없었어요' (I worked hard, but the results weren't good, so it felt unrewarding) correctly uses the phrase to describe a lack of reward despite effort.
Which situation best describes something '보람 없다'?
If a project is cancelled after a lot of work, the effort put in would feel unrewarding or not worthwhile. This matches the meaning of '보람 없다'.
Select the sentence that uses '보람 없다' correctly.
Staying up all night to play games and feeling tired in the morning without any productive outcome would be considered unrewarding, making '보람 없었어요' the correct choice here.
If you spend all day helping a friend move and feel very tired but happy, you would say it was '보람 없다'.
Even if you are tired, helping a friend and feeling happy usually means the effort was worthwhile or rewarding. '보람 없다' means the opposite.
After working hard on a presentation that didn't go well, you might feel '보람 없다'.
If the outcome of hard work is negative or disappointing, the effort can feel unrewarding, which is exactly what '보람 없다' describes.
Getting a good score on a test after studying diligently can be described as '보람 없다'.
Achieving a good score after diligent study is typically a rewarding experience, not an unrewarding one. '보람 있다' would be more appropriate.
The job is truly unrewarding.
If effort brings no reward, one loses strength.
I don't want to do a job that only earns money and is unrewarding.
Read this aloud:
보람 없는 하루를 보냈어요.
Focus: 보람 없는
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
이 프로젝트는 정말 보람 없었지만, 그래도 배웠어요.
Focus: 보람 없었지만
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
저는 보람 있는 일을 찾고 있어요.
Focus: 보람 있는
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order is '일은 너무 보람 없다' which means 'This work is too unrewarding.'
The correct order is '그는 보람 없는 일을 하고 있어요' meaning 'He is doing unrewarding work.'
The correct order is '이런 관계는 보람 없다고 생각해요' which translates to 'I think this kind of relationship is unrewarding.'
힘들게 일했지만, 결과가 좋지 않아 정말 ___.
The sentence indicates a negative outcome despite hard work, so '보람 없었어요' (it was unrewarding) is the correct fit.
몇 년간 준비한 프로젝트가 실패로 돌아가니 모든 노력이 ___.
The failure of a long-prepared project would make one feel their efforts were unrewarding, making '보람 없게 느껴져요' (feels unrewarding) the best choice.
이번 학기에는 정말 열심히 공부했지만, 성적이 기대에 못 미쳐서 좀 ___.
Studying hard but not meeting expectations in grades leads to a feeling of it being unrewarding, so '보람이 없었어요' is appropriate.
친구를 돕기 위해 애썼지만, 결국 아무것도 해결되지 않아 ___.
Efforts to help a friend that lead to no resolution would be perceived as unrewarding, thus '보람 없다고 느껴졌어요' (felt unrewarding) fits.
많은 시간과 돈을 투자했지만, 결과적으로는 아무것도 얻지 못해 ___.
Investing a lot but gaining nothing would result in it being unrewarding, making '보람 없었어요' (it was unrewarding) the correct choice.
밤새도록 보고서를 작성했지만, 발표 기회가 취소되어 모든 노력이 ___.
Working all night on a report only for the presentation to be canceled would make the effort seem unrewarding, so '보람이 없는 것 같았어요' (it seemed unrewarding) is suitable.
다음 중 '보람 없다'와 가장 유사한 의미를 가진 문장은 무엇입니까?
'보람 없다'는 노력이나 시간 투자에 비해 얻는 결과나 만족감이 적을 때 사용합니다.
친구가 승진을 못해서 실망했다고 말할 때, 어떤 표현을 쓸 수 있을까요?
승진을 못해서 실망했다는 것은 노력에 대한 보상이 없었다는 의미이므로 '보람 없었다'가 적절합니다.
어떤 상황에서 '보람 없다'고 느낄 수 있을까요?
'보람 없다'는 노력 대비 결과가 좋지 않을 때의 감정을 나타냅니다.
열심히 봉사활동을 하고 나서 뿌듯함을 느꼈다면 '보람 있었다'고 말할 수 있다.
'보람 있다'는 노력에 대한 만족감이나 성취감을 나타내는 표현입니다.
어떤 일을 할 때, 금전적인 보상이 충분하다면 그 일이 '보람 없다'고 느껴질 리 없다.
'보람 없다'는 단순히 금전적인 보상뿐만 아니라 정신적인 만족감이나 성취감이 없을 때도 사용될 수 있습니다. 돈을 많이 벌어도 일이 재미없거나 의미 없으면 보람이 없을 수 있습니다.
반복되는 지루한 업무는 아무리 효율적으로 처리해도 '보람 없다'고 느껴질 수 있다.
반복적이고 지루한 업무는 성취감을 주기 어렵기 때문에 '보람 없다'고 느끼기 쉽습니다.
The speaker is expressing disappointment about the results of their efforts.
The speaker feels their work on the project is not yielding positive results.
The speaker's advice did not lead to any changes.
Read this aloud:
힘들게 일했는데, 월급이 너무 적어서 보람 없었어요.
Focus: 보람 없었어요
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
친구를 도왔지만, 그 친구가 고마워하지 않아서 보람 없게 느껴졌습니다.
Focus: 보람 없게 느껴졌습니다
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
오랜 시간 준비한 시험에서 떨어져서 모든 노력이 보람 없다고 생각했어요.
Focus: 보람 없다고 생각했어요
당신의 답변:
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Describe a time you felt your efforts were 보람 없다 (unrewarding). What did you learn from it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
대학교 때 열심히 준비했던 프로젝트가 결국 아무런 성과도 내지 못했을 때 정말 보람이 없다고 느꼈어요. 하지만 그 경험을 통해 실패도 중요한 배움의 과정이라는 것을 깨달았습니다. 다음 프로젝트에서는 더 나은 계획을 세울 수 있었죠.
Imagine you have a friend who feels their current job is 보람 없다 (unrewarding). Write a short message of encouragement, suggesting how they might find more meaning.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
네가 지금 하는 일이 보람 없다고 느끼는 것 같아서 걱정돼. 혹시 작은 목표라도 세워서 성취감을 느껴보는 건 어때? 아니면 새로운 취미를 찾아보는 것도 좋을 것 같아. 분명 너에게 의미 있는 일을 찾을 수 있을 거야. 힘내!
In what situations might someone say '이 일은 정말 보람이 없어' (This work is truly unrewarding)? Give three distinct examples.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
이 일은 정말 보람이 없어'라고 말할 수 있는 상황은 여러 가지가 있습니다. 첫째, 매일 같은 일을 반복하는데 아무런 발전이 없을 때. 둘째, 아무리 열심히 해도 노력에 비해 성과가 너무 미미할 때. 셋째, 타인의 인정을 받지 못하고 자신의 가치를 느끼지 못할 때입니다.
활동가들이 '보람 없다'고 느낀 주된 이유는 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
몇 년간 이어진 환경 보호 활동은 처음에는 많은 사람들의 지지를 받았지만, 시간이 갈수록 사람들의 관심은 줄어들었고, 눈에 띄는 변화도 보이지 않았습니다. 결국, 활동가들은 자신들의 노력이 보람 없다고 느끼기 시작했습니다.
활동가들이 '보람 없다'고 느낀 주된 이유는 무엇입니까?
지문에서 '시간이 갈수록 사람들의 관심은 줄어들었고, 눈에 띄는 변화도 보이지 않았다'고 명시되어 있습니다. 이것이 활동가들이 보람 없다고 느낀 주된 이유입니다.
지문에서 '시간이 갈수록 사람들의 관심은 줄어들었고, 눈에 띄는 변화도 보이지 않았다'고 명시되어 있습니다. 이것이 활동가들이 보람 없다고 느낀 주된 이유입니다.
이 글의 화자가 처음에는 운동에 대해 어떤 생각을 가졌습니까?
Read this passage:
저는 매일 새벽에 일어나 헬스장에서 운동을 합니다. 처음에는 몸의 변화도 더디고 힘들어서 '내가 이걸 왜 하고 있지? 보람도 없는데.' 하는 생각도 많이 들었어요. 하지만 꾸준히 하다 보니 체력이 좋아지고 스트레스도 해소되는 것을 느꼈습니다. 이제는 운동이 저에게 큰 활력소가 되었습니다.
이 글의 화자가 처음에는 운동에 대해 어떤 생각을 가졌습니까?
지문에서 '몸의 변화도 더디고 힘들어서 '내가 이걸 왜 하고 있지? 보람도 없는데.' 하는 생각도 많이 들었어요'라고 언급하고 있습니다.
지문에서 '몸의 변화도 더디고 힘들어서 '내가 이걸 왜 하고 있지? 보람도 없는데.' 하는 생각도 많이 들었어요'라고 언급하고 있습니다.
이 글이 전달하고자 하는 핵심 메시지는 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
우리가 하는 작은 봉사 활동은 당장 큰 변화를 만들지 못할 수도 있습니다. 때로는 우리의 노력이 보람 없다고 느껴질 때도 있을 것입니다. 하지만 작은 씨앗이 자라 큰 나무가 되듯이, 우리의 작은 노력들이 모여 언젠가는 큰 변화를 만들어낼 것이라고 믿습니다. 절대 포기하지 마세요.
이 글이 전달하고자 하는 핵심 메시지는 무엇입니까?
지문에서 '작은 씨앗이 자라 큰 나무가 되듯이, 우리의 작은 노력들이 모여 언젠가는 큰 변화를 만들어낼 것이라고 믿습니다. 절대 포기하지 마세요'라고 말하며 꾸준한 노력을 강조하고 있습니다.
지문에서 '작은 씨앗이 자라 큰 나무가 되듯이, 우리의 작은 노력들이 모여 언젠가는 큰 변화를 만들어낼 것이라고 믿습니다. 절대 포기하지 마세요'라고 말하며 꾸준한 노력을 강조하고 있습니다.
This sentence means 'That work was really unrewarding.' The correct order follows Korean sentence structure (Subject-Object-Verb).
This sentence translates to 'It's hard if it's unrewarding no matter how much you try.' The logical flow requires '아무리 노력해도' (no matter how much you try) before '보람이 없으면' (if it's unrewarding).
This means 'Spending time like that is unrewarding.' '시간을 보내는 것' (spending time) acts as the subject before '보람 없다' (is unrewarding).
그 프로젝트는 밤샘 작업을 했음에도 불구하고 결과가 너무 ___.
The sentence indicates that despite working all night, the results were not good. Therefore, '보람 없었다' (was unrewarding) fits the context best.
아무리 노력해도 진전이 없으니 모든 것이 다 ___ 느껴진다.
The sentence suggests a lack of progress despite effort, leading to a feeling that everything is '보람 없는' (unrewarding).
이번 봉사활동은 힘들었지만, 아이들의 미소를 보니 결코 ___ 일이 아니었다.
The sentence states that despite being hard, seeing the children's smiles made it not '보람 없는' (unrewarding), implying it was worthwhile.
그는 몇 년 동안 연구에 매달렸지만, 아무런 성과도 얻지 못해 결국 모든 노력이 ___고 말했다.
The speaker expresses disappointment over no results despite years of research, indicating the effort was '보람 없었' (unrewarding).
자신이 하는 일에 의미를 찾지 못하면, 아무리 큰 돈을 벌어도 ___.
This sentence suggests that if one doesn't find meaning in their work, it will be '보람 없는 법이다' (unrewarding).
결과가 어떻든 과정 자체가 즐거웠다면 그 경험은 결코 ___.
The sentence indicates that if the process was enjoyable, the experience was not '보람 없는' (unrewarding).
다음 중 '보람 없다'와 가장 유사한 의미를 가진 표현은 무엇입니까?
'보람 없다'는 어떤 행동이나 노력이 보상이나 결과가 없음을 의미합니다. '헛수고이다'는 노력했으나 아무런 소득이나 보람이 없음을 뜻하므로 가장 유사합니다.
친구가 밤새 준비한 발표가 취소되어 실망했을 때, 어떤 말을 해주는 것이 적절할까요?
친구의 노력이 헛되이 되었다는 의미에서 '보람 없다'를 사용하여 위로하는 것이 적절합니다. 다른 선택지는 상황에 맞지 않거나 직접적인 위로가 아닙니다.
어떤 일을 했는데 '보람 없다'고 느낀다면, 그 일에 대해 어떤 감정을 가질 가능성이 높습니까?
'보람 없다'는 노력이 헛되이 되었다는 감정을 동반하므로, 허탈감을 느낄 가능성이 높습니다.
매일 꾸준히 한국어를 공부해도 실력이 늘지 않는다면 '보람 있다'고 표현할 수 있다.
실력이 늘지 않는다면 노력이 헛되이 되는 것이므로 '보람 없다'고 표현해야 합니다. '보람 있다'는 긍정적인 결과를 의미합니다.
오랜 시간 공들여 만든 프로젝트가 결국 실패로 돌아갔을 때, '정말 보람 없는 일이었다'라고 말할 수 있다.
프로젝트가 실패로 돌아갔다는 것은 노력이 헛되이 되었다는 의미이므로 '보람 없는 일이었다'고 표현하는 것이 적절합니다.
어려운 이웃을 돕는 봉사 활동은 아무런 대가를 바라지 않아도 항상 '보람 없는' 일이라고 할 수 있다.
봉사 활동은 대가와 상관없이 누군가에게 도움이 되었다는 점에서 '보람 있는' 일로 여겨질 수 있습니다. '보람 없다'는 노력이 헛되이 되는 부정적인 의미를 가집니다.
Describe a time you felt your efforts were 보람 없다 (unrewarding). What did you learn from that experience?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
대학교 때 밤새서 준비한 발표가 교수님의 실수로 취소되었을 때 정말 보람 없었어요. 하지만 그때부터 어떤 상황에도 대비할 수 있도록 더 꼼꼼하게 계획하는 습관을 들였습니다.
Imagine a project or task that initially seemed 보람 없다 but eventually became rewarding. What changed?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
처음에는 단순 반복 작업이라 생각했던 인턴십 업무가 보람 없게 느껴졌습니다. 하지만 제가 정리한 데이터가 회사 전략 수립에 큰 도움이 되었다는 것을 알고 나서는 보람을 느꼈습니다.
You are advising a friend who feels their current job is 보람 없다. What advice would you give them to find more meaning in their work or consider other options?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
친구가 하는 일이 보람 없다고 한다면, 저는 먼저 그 일이 자신에게 어떤 의미를 가지는지 다시 생각해 보라고 조언할 겁니다. 그리고 만약 변화가 필요하다면, 다른 직업을 탐색하거나 현재 직업에서 새로운 보람을 찾을 방법을 고민해 보자고 할 겁니다.
화자는 프로젝트가 무산된 후 어떤 감정을 느꼈습니까?
Read this passage:
오랜 시간 공들여 준비한 프로젝트가 예상치 못한 문제로 무산되었을 때, 그는 모든 노력이 보람 없다고 느꼈다. 다시 시작할 용기조차 나지 않을 만큼 깊은 실망감에 빠졌다. 그러나 동료들의 격려와 새로운 기회 덕분에 그는 결국 좌절을 극복하고 더 큰 성과를 이룰 수 있었다.
화자는 프로젝트가 무산된 후 어떤 감정을 느꼈습니까?
지문에서 '모든 노력이 보람 없다고 느꼈다. 다시 시작할 용기조차 나지 않을 만큼 깊은 실망감에 빠졌다'라고 명시되어 있습니다.
지문에서 '모든 노력이 보람 없다고 느꼈다. 다시 시작할 용기조차 나지 않을 만큼 깊은 실망감에 빠졌다'라고 명시되어 있습니다.
이 글의 내용과 일치하는 것은 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
많은 사람들이 자원봉사를 하면서 금전적인 대가나 명예를 얻지 못하더라도 큰 보람을 느낀다고 말합니다. 특히 자신이 가진 재능으로 타인을 돕는 일은 그 어떤 것과도 바꿀 수 없는 가치를 제공하기 때문입니다. 처음에는 단순히 시간을 보내는 일이라고 생각했지만, 봉사활동을 통해 얻는 마음의 충족감은 결코 보람 없지 않았습니다.
이 글의 내용과 일치하는 것은 무엇입니까?
지문에서 '특히 자신이 가진 재능으로 타인을 돕는 일은 그 어떤 것과도 바꿀 수 없는 가치를 제공하기 때문입니다'라고 언급하며, 봉사활동의 가치를 강조하고 있습니다.
지문에서 '특히 자신이 가진 재능으로 타인을 돕는 일은 그 어떤 것과도 바꿀 수 없는 가치를 제공하기 때문입니다'라고 언급하며, 봉사활동의 가치를 강조하고 있습니다.
화자가 보람 없다고 느낀 주요 원인은 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
밤샘 작업 끝에 드디어 보고서를 완성했지만, 상사의 한마디에 모든 노력이 보람 없게 느껴졌다. '이 방향이 아니라고 여러 번 말했잖아요?'라는 말은 마치 칼날처럼 마음을 후벼팠다. 다시 처음부터 시작해야 한다는 생각에 한숨만 나왔다. 하지만 이 경험을 통해 다음부터는 진행 상황을 더 자주 공유해야겠다는 교훈을 얻었다.
화자가 보람 없다고 느낀 주요 원인은 무엇입니까?
지문에서 '상사의 한마디에 모든 노력이 보람 없게 느껴졌다. '이 방향이 아니라고 여러 번 말했잖아요?'라는 말은 마치 칼날처럼 마음을 후벼팠다'라고 명시되어 있습니다.
지문에서 '상사의 한마디에 모든 노력이 보람 없게 느껴졌다. '이 방향이 아니라고 여러 번 말했잖아요?'라는 말은 마치 칼날처럼 마음을 후벼팠다'라고 명시되어 있습니다.
This sentence emphasizes the lack of reward despite significant effort. '그렇게 노력했는데' (Despite trying so hard) sets up the '보람 없다' (it's not rewarding) conclusion.
This sentence expresses a growing feeling of unrewarding work. '아무리 해도 성과가 나지 않아서' (Because no results come out no matter how much I do it) leads to '점점 보람 없게 느껴진다' (it gradually feels unrewarding).
This sentence connects the concept of 'unrewarding' to a lack of contribution to others. '다른 사람에게 도움이 되지 않는 일이라면' (If it's work that doesn't help others) explains why '아무리 해도 보람 없다' (it's unrewarding no matter how much you do it).
수십 년간 이어진 그의 헌신은 결국 ____.
문맥상 수십 년간의 헌신이 결국 아무 소용 없었다는 부정적인 결과를 의미하므로 '보람 없었다'가 적절합니다.
모든 노력이 ____면 허탈감은 더욱 커질 것이다.
노력이 '보람 없으면' 허탈감이 커진다는 인과 관계를 나타냅니다.
그 프로젝트는 시작부터 난관에 부딪혀 결국 ____ 결과로 이어졌다.
난관에 부딪혔다는 문맥으로 보아 부정적인 결과를 나타내는 '보람 없는'이 적절합니다.
그렇게 오랜 시간 공들여 준비했는데, 결과가 ____ 허무할 따름이다.
오랜 노력에 비해 결과가 부정적이라는 의미이므로 '보람 없어서'가 가장 자연스럽습니다.
그의 말대로라면 우리는 ____ 일에 매달려 시간을 낭비한 셈이다.
시간을 낭비했다는 것은 일이 '보람 없는' 일이었음을 의미합니다.
아무리 열심히 해도 성과가 미미하면 결국 그 과정도 ____ 느껴지기 마련이다.
성과가 미미하다는 것은 결국 '보람 없게' 느껴진다는 의미로 연결됩니다.
The project ended up being unrewarding.
I thought it was unrewarding no matter how hard I tried.
Volunteer work is sometimes hard, but it's never unrewarding.
Read this aloud:
보람 없는 노력이었어요.
Focus: 보람 없는
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
그 일은 보람이 없다고 생각해요.
Focus: 보람이 없다고
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
시간 낭비였고 보람도 없었어요.
Focus: 낭비였고 보람도
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence expresses the feeling of something being unrewarding despite much effort. '그렇게 노력했는데' (Despite trying so hard), '아무런 결과도 없으니' (since there are no results), '정말 보람 없다' (it's truly unrewarding).
This sentence conveys the feeling of something becoming unrewarding when a prepared project is canceled. '힘들게 준비한 프로젝트가 무산되자' (As the project I worked hard to prepare was canceled), '모든 것이 보람 없이 느껴졌다' (everything felt unrewarding).
This sentence describes how someone's dedicated service, though seemingly unrewarding at times, had a significant impact. '그의 헌신적인 봉사 활동은' (His dedicated volunteer work), '때로는 겉보기에 보람 없어 보일지라도' (even if it sometimes seemed unrewarding on the surface), '사회에 큰 영향을 주었다' (had a great impact on society).
/ 156 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
This phrase describes something that doesn't bring satisfaction or value, making an effort feel wasted.
- unrewarding
- not worthwhile
- pointless effort
Focus on the nuance
보람 없다 (boram eopda) literally means 'no 보람'. 보람 can be thought of as reward, worth, or satisfaction. So, the phrase means something lacks these qualities.
Use with effort or action
This phrase is typically used to describe an effort, action, or experience that didn't yield the expected or desired positive outcome. For instance, '공부했지만 시험에 떨어져서 보람 없어' (I studied but failed the exam, so it was unrewarding).
Practice with synonyms (antonyms)
The opposite is '보람 있다' (boram itda), meaning to be rewarding or worthwhile. Learning these together can help solidify your understanding.
Not about monetary value
보람 없다 doesn't typically refer to something having no monetary value. It's more about the lack of emotional, spiritual, or practical satisfaction or benefit.
예시
열심히 노력했지만 결과가 없어서 보람이 없다.
관련 콘텐츠
work 관련 단어
주 5일제
A2A system where one works five days a week, typically Monday to Friday.
결근
A2Absence from work; not being present at work.
결근하다
A2To be absent from work.
추상적이다
A2To be abstract.
출입증
A2ID card, access card.
회계
B1The systematic recording and reporting of financial transactions.
경리
A2Accounting or bookkeeping, managing financial records.
업적
B1A notable achievement or accomplishment.
적극적이다
A2To be active, to be proactive.
적극적으로
B1In an active, proactive, or enthusiastic manner.
