Meaning
To have a problem that causes mental distress or annoyance.
Cultural Background
In Korean office culture, complaining about '골치' is a way to bond with colleagues over shared burdens. The concept of 'head pain' as a metaphor for stress is shared across China, Japan, and Korea. The idiom 'headache' is universally understood, making this a very easy concept for Western learners to grasp. While common, avoid using it in front of high-ranking superiors unless you have a close relationship.
Context is Key
Always check if the person is holding their head. If they are, it might be physical!
Use with '때문에'
Pairing this with '때문에' (because of) makes your sentence sound very natural.
Meaning
To have a problem that causes mental distress or annoyance.
Context is Key
Always check if the person is holding their head. If they are, it might be physical!
Use with '때문에'
Pairing this with '때문에' (because of) makes your sentence sound very natural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
이번 프로젝트 때문에 정말 __________.
The phrase '골치가 아프다' is used for mental stress.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural sentence.
Only '골치가 아픈' is a valid idiomatic expression.
Match the situation to the feeling.
Match the following:
Work is a common source of '골치'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises이번 프로젝트 때문에 정말 __________.
The phrase '골치가 아프다' is used for mental stress.
Choose the natural sentence.
Only '골치가 아픈' is a valid idiomatic expression.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Work is a common source of '골치'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsOnly if you are close. Otherwise, use '난처합니다'.
Yes, it implies stress or annoyance.
Related Phrases
골치를 썩이다
specialized formTo cause someone a headache
골칫덩이
specialized formA headache-maker
머리가 복잡하다
similarTo have a complicated mind
부담스럽다
similarTo be burdensome
