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Vocabulary
배신감

A2 noun 9 min read

배신감

baesingam

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 배신감 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 배신감 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '배신감' (baesingam) often, but it's good to know that it means 'feeling very sad and angry because a friend lied.' You can think of it as a very strong 'sad feeling.' In simple Korean, you might just say 'I am sad' (슬퍼요) or 'I am angry' (화나요). However, if you see this word in a K-drama, just remember it's the 'hurt feeling' someone gets when a person they like does something bad to them. It combines '배신' (betrayal/lying) and '감' (feeling). Focus on the '감' part, which you will see in other words like '행복감' (happy feeling). For now, just recognize that this word describes a very bad feeling in the heart. You might hear it when characters are crying or shouting at each other. It is a noun, so it usually goes with 'feel' (느껴요). Example: 'I feel baesingam' (배신감을 느껴요).

At the A2 level, you should start using '배신감' to describe deeper emotions than just 'sad' or 'angry.' This word is perfect for when a friend breaks a promise or tells your secret to someone else. It is a noun that means 'sense of betrayal.' You will often use it with the verb '느끼다' (to feel). For example, 'I felt a sense of betrayal from my friend' is '친구에게 배신감을 느꼈어요.' You can also use it with '때문에' (because of) to explain your actions: '배신감 때문에 울었어요' (I cried because of the sense of betrayal). Understanding this word helps you talk about relationships and social situations more accurately. It is a very common word in Korean daily life and media. Try to remember that it is specifically about the *feeling* inside you, not the act of lying itself. If you want to say 'He lied,' that's different. '배신감' is how you feel *after* he lies.

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between '배신' (the act of betrayal) and '배신감' (the feeling of betrayal). You should also be able to use modifiers with this noun. For example, '깊은 배신감' (deep sense of betrayal) or '큰 배신감' (great sense of betrayal). At this level, you might encounter this word in news articles or more complex stories. You should understand that '배신감' is a core emotion in many Korean social conflicts. It's not just about individuals; it can be about a group feeling let down by a leader. You can use the structure '배신감이 들다' to express that the feeling came to you spontaneously. For example, '그의 말을 듣고 배신감이 들었다' (Upon hearing his words, a sense of betrayal came over me). This level requires you to use the word in context, such as explaining why a character in a book is seeking revenge or why you decided to stop talking to someone.

At the B2 level, you can use '배신감' in more abstract and formal contexts. You should be comfortable using it to describe societal issues, such as the public's reaction to a corporate scandal or political corruption. You can use more advanced verbs like '안겨주다' (to give/inflict) or '씻어내다' (to wash away). For example, '정부의 정책은 서민들에게 큰 배신감을 안겨주었다' (The government's policy inflicted a great sense of betrayal on the common people). You should also understand the nuance between '배신감' and similar words like '허탈감' (sense of emptiness) or '자괴감' (sense of shame/self-reproach). At this level, you can discuss the psychological impact of betrayal in detail. You might also use it in a professional context, such as discussing a breach of contract that led to a loss of trust between companies. Your ability to use '배신감' should reflect a deeper understanding of Korean social expectations and the weight of 'uiri' (loyalty).

At the C1 level, you should be able to analyze the use of '배신감' in literature, high-level journalism, and psychological discussions. You can explore how this emotion is portrayed as a catalyst for narrative shifts in Korean cinema and literature. You should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures involving nested clauses and sophisticated vocabulary. For example, '신뢰를 바탕으로 구축된 인간관계가 한순간의 기만으로 무너졌을 때 밀려오는 배신감은 필설로 다 할 수 없다' (The sense of betrayal that rushes in when a human relationship built on trust collapses due to a moment of deception is beyond description). You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions and metaphors associated with betrayal, such as '발등을 찍히다' (to have one's own foot chopped—betrayed by someone trusted). Your usage should demonstrate a native-like grasp of emotional nuances and the ability to articulate the subtle differences between various 'gam' (feeling) nouns in academic or professional critiques.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '배신감' and can use it to discuss philosophical and existential themes. You can engage in debates about the nature of trust and betrayal in modern society, using '배신감' as a key psychological concept. You should be able to use the word with total fluency in any register, from extremely formal academic papers to gritty, slang-filled dialogue. You can analyze the historical and cultural roots of why '배신감' is such a potent emotion in the Korean psyche, perhaps linking it to historical events or Confucian values. Your writing should be able to evoke the feeling of '배신감' through vivid imagery and perfect word choice. You can manipulate the word's impact by pairing it with rare adjectives or using it in ironic and satirical contexts. At this level, you don't just know the word; you understand its place in the entire tapestry of the Korean language and culture, allowing you to use it with precision, power, and subtlety.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

배신감 in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning 'sense of betrayal' or 'feeling of being let down.'
Formed from '배신' (betrayal) and '감' (feeling/sense).
Commonly used with verbs like '느끼다' (to feel) and '들다' (to arise).
Expresses a deep emotional wound caused by a breach of trust.

The Korean word 배신감 (Baesingam) is a deeply evocative noun that translates to a 'sense of betrayal' or the 'feeling of being let down.' To understand this word, we must look at its components: 배신 (Baesin), meaning betrayal or treachery, and 감 (Gam), which refers to a feeling, sense, or emotion. Unlike the English word 'betrayal,' which often describes the act itself, 배신감 focuses exclusively on the internal emotional state of the victim. It is the heavy, sinking feeling in your chest when someone you trusted acts against that trust. This word is ubiquitous in Korean culture, particularly because Korean social structures are heavily built on mutual trust, loyalty, and the concept of uiri (loyalty/honor). When that bond is broken, the resulting emotion is not just anger, but a profound sense of loss and disillusionment.

Core Meaning: The psychological pain and emotional distress resulting from a breach of trust by a friend, partner, or institution.

In daily life, Koreans use this word to describe everything from a friend revealing a secret to a major political scandal. It is a word that carries weight; saying 'I feel a sense of betrayal' (배신감을 느껴요) is much stronger than saying 'I am disappointed.' It implies that a fundamental contract of trust existed and was violated. In the context of Korean dramas, this word is a central theme, driving plots of revenge and heartbreak. The intensity of 배신감 is often described as being 'sharp' or 'deep,' reflecting how the emotion cuts through one's sense of security.

믿었던 친구에게서 배신감을 느꼈다. (I felt a sense of betrayal from the friend I trusted.)

Furthermore, 배신감 isn't limited to personal relationships. It can be felt toward a brand that changes its high-quality ingredients for cheaper ones, or toward a government that fails to keep its promises. It is the emotion of 'expectation met with deception.' Because Korean society values the collective and the 'we' (uri), a betrayal is seen as a violation of the collective harmony, making the 'sense of betrayal' a common topic of public discourse. It is often paired with the verb 느끼다 (to feel) or 들다 (to come into one's mind/heart). Understanding this word is key to understanding the emotional landscape of Korean interpersonal dynamics.

Common Contexts: Broken promises, infidelity in relationships, corporate scandals, and backstabbing in the workplace.

그의 거짓말에 큰 배신감이 들었다. (I felt a great sense of betrayal at his lie.)

Using 배신감 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as a noun that represents an emotional state. The most common way to use it is as the object of the verb 느끼다 (to feel). For example, 'I felt a sense of betrayal' is 배신감을 느꼈다. This structure is used when you are actively identifying and experiencing the emotion. Another frequent structure is using the verb 들다, as in 배신감이 들다, which translates to 'a sense of betrayal came over me' or 'I started to feel betrayed.' While 느끼다 is more active, 들다 suggests the feeling arose naturally due to a situation.

Sentence Pattern 1: [Subject] + [Source] + 에게/에게서 + 배신감을 느끼다 (To feel betrayal from [Source])

When describing the intensity of the feeling, you can use adjectives like 크다 (big/great), 깊다 (deep), or 심하다 (severe). For instance, 커다란 배신감 means a 'huge sense of betrayal.' This is often used in literature or dramatic storytelling to emphasize the psychological damage caused by the breach of trust. In more formal or academic settings, you might see 배신감을 안겨주다, which means 'to give/inflict a sense of betrayal on someone.' This places the focus on the person who committed the act of betrayal.

회사의 갑작스러운 해고 통보는 직원들에게 깊은 배신감을 안겨주었다. (The company's sudden layoff notice gave the employees a deep sense of betrayal.)

It is also important to note the particles. When you are the one feeling it, use ~은/는 or ~이/가 with 배신감을 느꼈다. If you want to say 'Because of the betrayal,' you would use 배신감 때문에. This is very common when explaining why a relationship ended or why someone is currently angry. For example, 배신감 때문에 잠을 못 잤어요 (I couldn't sleep because of the sense of betrayal). The word can also be used with 치밀다 (to surge up), describing a sudden, hot flash of anger and betrayal: 배신감이 치밀어 올랐다.

Sentence Pattern 2: [Action/Event] + 때문에 + 배신감이 들다 (A sense of betrayal arises because of [Action/Event])

그녀의 배신은 나에게 씻을 수 없는 배신감을 남겼다. (Her betrayal left an unerasable sense of betrayal in me.)

The word 배신감 is a staple of Korean media and social discourse. If you watch K-Dramas (especially 'Makjang' dramas, which are known for over-the-top plots), you will hear this word in almost every episode. Characters scream about the 배신감 they feel when a spouse cheats, a business partner steals a secret, or a long-lost sibling turns out to be an enemy. It is the linguistic fuel for revenge plots. In these contexts, the word is often delivered with high emotional intensity, often accompanied by tears or dramatic music. It helps the audience empathize with the victim's psychological state.

Media Usage: K-Dramas, News reports on fraud, variety shows where guests talk about past relationship traumas.

In the news, 배신감 is frequently used in headlines regarding public figures. When a politician who ran on a platform of integrity is caught in a corruption scandal, the media will report on the 'public's sense of betrayal' (국민들의 배신감). This usage highlights how the word scales from private emotions to collective social sentiments. It is also common in sports news; if a star player leaves a home team to join a rival team for more money, fans will express their 배신감 through social media and protests.

팬들은 스타 선수의 이적 소식에 큰 배신감을 토로했다. (Fans expressed a great sense of betrayal at the news of the star player's transfer.)

In casual conversation, you might hear it among friends discussing smaller social slights. For example, if a group of friends went out to eat without inviting one person, that person might jokingly or seriously say, 'I feel a sense of betrayal!' (배신감 느껴!). While it's a heavy word, it can be used hyperbolically in lighthearted situations to express that one felt left out. However, in most serious conversations, it remains a word used to describe deep emotional wounds. You will also find it in lyrics of K-Pop songs, particularly ballads or 'breakup' songs, where the singer laments the loss of trust in a lover.

Variety Shows: Often used when players in games like 'Running Man' or 'Among Us' betray their teammates for a prize.

게임에서 같은 팀원에게 속았을 때의 배신감은 말로 다 할 수 없다. (The sense of betrayal when being tricked by a teammate in a game is beyond words.)

A common mistake for English speakers learning Korean is confusing 배신 (Baesin) with 배신감 (Baesingam). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 배신 is the 'act' of betrayal. You can 'do' a betrayal (배신을 하다). However, 배신감 is the 'feeling' resulting from that act. You cannot 'do' a 배신감; you can only 'feel' it. If you say 'He did a sense of betrayal,' it will sound nonsensical in Korean. Always pair 배신감 with verbs of feeling like 느끼다 or 들다.

Mistake 1: Confusing Act vs. Feeling: Incorrect: 그는 나에게 배신감을 했다. (He did a sense of betrayal to me.)
Correct: 그는 나를 배신했다. (He betrayed me.) OR 나는 배신감을 느꼈다. (I felt a sense of betrayal.)

Another mistake is using 배신감 when you actually mean 'disappointment' (실망감). If a friend simply forgets to call you back, saying you feel 배신감 might be too dramatic. 배신감 implies a much deeper break in trust. Using it for minor inconveniences can make you sound overly sensitive or aggressive unless you are using it jokingly. Learners should gauge the severity of the situation before choosing between 실망감 (disappointment) and 배신감 (betrayal).

작은 실수에는 실망감을, 큰 거짓말에는 배신감을 쓴다. (Use 'disappointment' for small mistakes and 'sense of betrayal' for big lies.)

Thirdly, learners sometimes struggle with the particle usage. They might say 배신감이 느껴요 (A sense of betrayal feels), which is grammatically awkward. It should be 배신감을 느껴요 (I feel a sense of betrayal) where 'sense of betrayal' is the object, or 배신감이 들어요 (A sense of betrayal enters/comes to me) where 'sense of betrayal' is the subject of the state. Getting these particles right is crucial for sounding natural.

Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Avoid: 배신감에 느꼈다. (Felt in betrayal - incorrect).
Use: 배신감을 느꼈다. (Felt betrayal - correct).

조사(Particle) 사용에 주의하세요! ~을/를 느끼다 vs ~이/가 들다.

To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to compare 배신감 with other words that describe negative emotions related to expectations. The most common alternative is 실망감 (Silmanggam), which means 'a sense of disappointment.' While 배신감 requires a breach of trust, 실망감 can happen even if no one did anything wrong—perhaps you are just disappointed with a result or a movie. Another related word is 허탈감 (Heotalgam), which refers to a 'sense of emptiness' or 'despair' often felt after a great effort results in nothing, or after a shocking betrayal leaves you feeling hollow.

배신감 vs. 실망감: 배신감: Someone broke a promise or trust. (High intensity).
실망감: Things didn't go as expected. (Moderate intensity).

If the betrayal involves being tricked or scammed, you might use 사기당한 기분 (Sagi-danghan gibun), which literally means 'the feeling of having been scammed.' This is more specific than 배신감 and is often used in financial or transactional contexts. Another more literary term is 비애 (Biae), meaning 'sorrow' or 'grief,' which can accompany the sense of betrayal in romantic contexts. For a more aggressive feeling, 분노 (Bunno), or 'rage,' is often the immediate reaction that follows the initial 배신감.

그의 배신은 나에게 배신감을 넘어 분노를 느끼게 했다. (His betrayal made me feel rage beyond just a sense of betrayal.)

In some cases, people use the word 소외감 (Sowaegam), meaning 'a sense of alienation' or 'feeling left out.' While different, it can overlap with 배신감 when a group of friends excludes someone. Finally, 모멸감 (Momyeolgam), or 'a sense of humiliation,' is a much stronger and darker word. It is used when the betrayal is accompanied by being looked down upon or treated with contempt. Choosing the right 'gam' (feeling) word allows for much more precise emotional expression in Korean.

Related 'Gam' Words: 자존감 (Self-esteem), 책임감 (Sense of responsibility), 성취감 (Sense of achievement).

믿음이 깨지면 배신감이 오고, 기대가 어긋나면 실망감이 온다. (When trust breaks, betrayal comes; when expectations aren't met, disappointment comes.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '信' (trust) is made of '人' (person) and '言' (speech), suggesting that trust is a person standing by their word. '배신' is the opposite—turning away from that word.

Pronunciation Guide

UK bɛ.ɕin.ɡam

US beɪ.ʃɪn.ɡɑm

The primary stress is on the first syllable '배' (bae), with a secondary slight stress on '감' (gam).

Rhymes With

자신감 (jasingam - self-confidence) 책임감 (chaekimgam - responsibility) 상실감 (sangsilgam - loss) 성취감 (seongchwigam - achievement) 안도감 (andogam - relief) 불안감 (burangam - anxiety) 동질감 (dongjilgam - sense of kinship) 이질감 (ijilgam - sense of alienation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shin' as 'sin' (must be a soft 'sh' sound).
Making the 'b' sound too heavy like a 'p' or a hard 'B'.
Shortening the 'ae' sound too much.
Mumbling the final 'm' sound.
Confusing the pitch accent in certain dialects.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in literature and subtitles, but Hanja roots help understanding.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct particle usage (~을/를 vs ~이/가) which can be tricky.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but emotional nuance is key.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound; easy to pick out in dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

느끼다 기분 친구 거짓말 믿다

Learn Next

실망감 허탈감 복수 용서 신뢰

Advanced

기만 변절 모멸감 자괴감 회의론

Grammar to Know

~을/를 느끼다 (To feel [Noun])

행복감을 느껴요.

~이/가 들다 (To enter/come [Noun])

생각이 들어요.

~ 때문에 (Because of [Noun])

너 때문에 화가 나.

~에게/에게서 (From [Person])

친구에게서 선물을 받았어.

믿었던 [Noun] (The [Noun] that I trusted)

믿었던 도끼.

Examples by Level

나는 배신감을 느껴요.

I feel a sense of betrayal.

Subject + Object + Verb (Present tense)

배신감은 나쁜 기분이에요.

A sense of betrayal is a bad feeling.

Noun + Topic marker + Adjective + Noun

친구 때문에 배신감이 들어요.

I feel betrayed because of my friend.

Reason + 때문에 + Noun + Subject marker + Verb

그는 배신감을 느꼈어요.

He felt a sense of betrayal.

Subject + Object + Verb (Past tense)

배신감이 정말 커요.

The sense of betrayal is really big.

Noun + Subject marker + Adverb + Adjective

우리는 배신감을 느껴요.

We feel a sense of betrayal.

Plural subject + Object + Verb

그녀는 배신감에 울었어요.

She cried in a sense of betrayal.

Noun + Location/Cause particle + Verb

배신감을 잊고 싶어요.

I want to forget the sense of betrayal.

Object + Verb + Want to (고 싶어요)

믿었던 친구에게 배신감을 느꼈어요.

I felt a sense of betrayal from a friend I trusted.

Modifier (Past) + Noun + Dative + Object + Verb

거짓말 때문에 배신감이 들었어요.

I felt a sense of betrayal because of the lie.

Noun + 때문에 + Noun + Subject marker + Verb

그 소식은 나에게 큰 배신감을 주었어요.

That news gave me a great sense of betrayal.

Subject + Dative + Adjective + Object + Verb

배신감을 느끼면 마음이 아파요.

When you feel betrayed, your heart hurts.

Verb + Condition (면) + Noun + Subject marker + Adjective

그녀의 배신감은 아주 깊었어요.

Her sense of betrayal was very deep.

Possessive + Noun + Subject marker + Adverb + Adjective

왜 배신감을 느끼는지 알아요?

Do you know why you feel a sense of betrayal?

Question word + Object + Verb + Clause connector + Know (알아요)

배신감 없이 살고 싶어요.

I want to live without the sense of betrayal.

Noun + Without (없이) + Verb + Want to

작은 일에도 배신감을 느낄 수 있어요.

You can feel betrayed even by small things.

Adjective + Noun + Even (도) + Object + Verb + Can (ㄹ 수 있어요)

가장 친한 친구의 거짓말에 깊은 배신감을 느꼈다.

I felt a deep sense of betrayal at my best friend's lie.

Superlative + Noun + Genitive + Noun + Particle + Adjective + Object + Verb

약속을 어긴 그에게 배신감이 치밀어 올랐다.

A surge of betrayal rose up toward him for breaking the promise.

Noun + Object marker + Verb (Modifier) + Dative + Subject + Verb (Compound)

배신감 때문에 다시는 그를 믿지 않기로 했다.

I decided never to trust him again because of the sense of betrayal.

Noun + Because of + Adverb + Object + Negation + Decide to (기로 하다)

사랑이 배신감으로 변하는 것은 한순간이다.

It takes only a moment for love to turn into a sense of betrayal.

Subject + Particle + Change (변하다) + Nominalizer + Copula

그녀는 배신감을 감추려고 애를 썼다.

She tried hard to hide her sense of betrayal.

Object + In order to (으려고) + Effort + Verb

우리는 팀원에게서 뜻밖의 배신감을 느꼈다.

We felt an unexpected sense of betrayal from a teammate.

Subject + Source + Adjective + Object + Verb

배신감이 가시지 않아 밤새 잠을 설쳤다.

The sense of betrayal didn't go away, so I tossed and turned all night.

Subject + Not go away (가시지 않다) + Reason (아/어) + Adverb + Verb

그의 행동은 나에게 씻을 수 없는 배신감을 남겼다.

His actions left an unerasable sense of betrayal in me.

Genitive + Noun + Subject + Dative + Modifier (Incapable) + Object + Verb

정치인의 비리는 국민들에게 큰 배신감을 안겨주었다.

The politician's corruption inflicted a great sense of betrayal on the citizens.

Noun + Genitive + Noun (Subject) + Dative + Adjective + Object + Verb (Give/Inflict)

오랫동안 믿어온 회사로부터 배신감을 느끼고 퇴사했다.

Feeling a sense of betrayal from the company I had trusted for a long time, I resigned.

Adverb + Verb (Past-Progressive Modifier) + Source + Object + Verb (Feeling) + Connective + Verb (Resign)

그는 배신감에 사로잡혀 복수를 계획하기 시작했다.

Seized by a sense of betrayal, he began to plan revenge.

Noun + Particle (By) + Be seized (사로잡히다) + Connective + Object + Verb (Plan) + Start to

배신감은 종종 분노보다 더 깊은 상처를 남긴다.

A sense of betrayal often leaves deeper wounds than anger.

Topic + Adverb + Comparison (보다) + Adjective + Object + Verb

부모님의 차별 대우에 자식들은 배신감을 느낄 수 있다.

Children can feel a sense of betrayal at their parents' discriminatory treatment.

Noun + Genitive + Noun + Particle + Subject + Object + Verb (Can feel)

어제의 동지가 오늘의 적이 되었을 때의 배신감은 말로 다 할 수 없다.

The sense of betrayal when yesterday's ally becomes today's enemy is beyond words.

Noun + Genitive + Noun + Subject + Verb (Become) + Time clause + Genitive + Noun + Beyond words

배신감을 극복하는 데는 많은 시간이 필요하다.

It takes a lot of time to overcome a sense of betrayal.

Object + Verb (Overcome) + In doing (데는) + Adjective + Noun + Subject + Verb (Need)

그녀는 남편의 외도 소식에 형언할 수 없는 배신감을 느꼈다.

She felt an indescribable sense of betrayal at the news of her husband's affair.

Subject + Noun + Genitive + Noun + Particle + Modifier (Indescribable) + Object + Verb

조직의 부패를 목격한 그는 정의감 대신 깊은 배신감을 느꼈다.

Witnessing the corruption of the organization, he felt a deep sense of betrayal instead of a sense of justice.

Noun + Genitive + Noun + Object + Verb (Witness) + Modifier + Subject + Noun + Instead of + Adjective + Object + Verb

공들여 쌓아온 신뢰가 무너진 자리에는 배신감만이 감돌았다.

In the place where trust, built with great effort, had collapsed, only a sense of betrayal lingered.

Adverb + Verb (Modifier) + Noun + Subject + Verb (Collapse) + Modifier + Noun + Particle + Noun + Only + Verb (Linger)

대중은 기대를 저버린 스타에게 차가운 배신감을 드러냈다.

The public showed a cold sense of betrayal toward the star who failed their expectations.

Subject + Object + Verb (Fail) + Modifier + Dative + Adjective + Object + Verb (Reveal)

배신감은 인간관계의 근간을 뒤흔드는 파괴적인 감정이다.

A sense of betrayal is a destructive emotion that shakes the very foundation of human relationships.

Topic + Noun + Genitive + Noun + Object + Verb (Shake) + Modifier + Adjective + Noun + Copula

그의 배신감은 단순한 실망을 넘어선 실존적 고뇌에 가까웠다.

His sense of betrayal was closer to existential agony, going beyond simple disappointment.

Genitive + Noun + Topic + Adjective + Noun + Object + Verb (Surpass) + Modifier + Adjective + Noun + Verb (Be close to)

신뢰의 상실이 가져온 배신감은 공동체의 결속력을 약화시킨다.

The sense of betrayal brought about by the loss of trust weakens the cohesion of the community.

Noun + Genitive + Noun + Subject + Verb (Bring) + Modifier + Noun + Topic + Noun + Genitive + Noun + Object + Verb (Weaken)

작가는 주인공의 내면에 소용돌이치는 배신감을 세밀하게 묘사했다.

The author meticulously described the sense of betrayal swirling inside the protagonist.

Subject + Noun + Genitive + Noun + Particle + Verb (Swirl) + Modifier + Object + Adverb + Verb (Describe)

배신감이라는 독이 온몸에 퍼지는 듯한 기분이었다.

It felt as if the poison called 'sense of betrayal' was spreading throughout my body.

Noun + Called (이라는) + Noun (Subject) + Noun + Particle + Verb (Spread) + Modifier (As if) + Noun + Copula

국가 권력의 남용은 시민들에게 돌이킬 수 없는 배신감을 각인시켰다.

The abuse of state power imprinted an irreversible sense of betrayal on the citizens.

Noun + Noun + Genitive + Noun (Subject) + Dative + Modifier (Irreversible) + Object + Verb (Imprint/Engrave)

배신감의 기저에는 타자에 대한 과도한 신뢰와 투사가 자리 잡고 있다.

At the base of the sense of betrayal lies excessive trust and projection toward others.

Noun + Genitive + Noun + Particle + Noun + Toward + Adjective + Noun + and + Noun + Subject + Verb (Be situated)

그녀의 침묵은 웅변보다 더 강렬한 배신감을 역설적으로 표현했다.

Paradoxically, her silence expressed a sense of betrayal more intense than eloquence.

Genitive + Noun (Subject) + Noun + Comparison (보다) + Adverb + Adjective + Object + Adverb + Verb (Express)

배신감이라는 감정적 파고는 이성적 판단을 마비시키기 일쑤다.

The emotional wave known as a sense of betrayal is apt to paralyze rational judgment.

Noun + Called + Adjective + Noun (Subject) + Adjective + Noun + Object + Verb (Paralyze) + Habitual/Apt to (기 일쑤다)

인간은 배신감을 통해 타자성의 냉혹한 진실을 대면하게 된다.

Through the sense of betrayal, humans come to face the cold truth of 'otherness'.

Subject + Noun + Through + Noun + Genitive + Adjective + Noun + Object + Verb (Face) + Become/Come to (게 된다)

그가 느낀 배신감의 파편들은 그의 예술 세계 전반에 투영되어 있다.

The fragments of the sense of betrayal he felt are projected across his entire artistic world.

Subject + Verb (Feel) + Modifier + Noun + Genitive + Noun (Subject) + Genitive + Noun + Noun + Adverb + Verb (Be projected)

배신감은 종종 자기 연민과 결합하여 파괴적인 자기 파괴로 이어진다.

A sense of betrayal often combines with self-pity, leading to destructive self-destruction.

Topic + Adverb + Noun + and + Verb (Combine) + Connective + Adjective + Noun + Particle + Verb (Lead to)

숭고한 이상이 현실의 벽에 부딪혀 배신감으로 치환되는 과정은 비극적이다.

The process where a sublime ideal hits the wall of reality and is replaced by a sense of betrayal is tragic.

Adjective + Noun (Subject) + Noun + Genitive + Noun + Particle + Verb (Hit) + Connective + Noun + Particle + Verb (Be replaced) + Modifier + Noun + Topic + Adjective + Copula

Synonyms

실망감 허탈감 상실감 비애 분노 모멸감 회의감 자괴감

Antonyms

신뢰감 안도감 행복감 성취감

Common Collocations

배신감을 느끼다

배신감이 들다

배신감을 주다

깊은 배신감

커다란 배신감

배신감을 안겨주다

배신감에 사로잡히다

배신감이 치밀다

배신감을 씻다

배신감을 토로하다

Common Phrases

말할 수 없는 배신감

— A sense of betrayal that is beyond words.

그 소식은 나에게 말할 수 없는 배신감을 주었다.

배신감 때문에

— Because of the sense of betrayal.

배신감 때문에 그를 다시 보고 싶지 않다.

믿었던 만큼 배신감도 크다

— The sense of betrayal is as great as the trust was.

믿었던 만큼 배신감도 커서 용서가 안 된다.

배신감에 떨다

— To tremble with a sense of betrayal (usually from anger).

그녀는 배신감에 몸을 떨었다.

배신감을 잊다

— To forget the feeling of betrayal.

배신감을 잊는 데는 시간이 필요하다.

배신감으로 얼룩지다

— To be stained with a sense of betrayal (literary).

그들의 우정은 배신감으로 얼룩졌다.

배신감을 극복하다

— To overcome the feeling of betrayal.

우리는 배신감을 극복하고 화해했다.

배신감을 유발하다

— To cause a sense of betrayal.

이런 정책은 대중의 배신감을 유발한다.

배신감을 억누르다

— To suppress the feeling of betrayal.

그는 배신감을 억누르며 차갑게 말했다.

배신감이 앞서다

— The sense of betrayal comes first (before other feelings).

슬픔보다 배신감이 앞섰다.

Often Confused With

배신감 vs 배신

The act of betrayal itself, not the feeling.

배신감 vs 실망

Disappointment, which is less intense than betrayal.

배신감 vs 분노

Anger, which often accompanies betrayal but is a different emotion.

Idioms & Expressions

"발등을 찍히다"

— To be betrayed by someone you trusted (literally: to have your foot chopped by your own axe).

믿었던 친구에게 발등을 찍혔다.

Common Idiom

"뒤통수를 맞다"

— To be backstabbed or betrayed unexpectedly (literally: to be hit on the back of the head).

동료에게 뒤통수를 맞아 배신감이 컸다.

Colloquial

"칼을 꽂다"

— To stab someone in the back (metaphorical betrayal).

그는 내 등에 칼을 꽂았다.

Dramatic

"믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다"

— Proverb: Even an axe you trust can chop your foot (betrayal comes from those you trust).

속담에 '믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다'더니 정말이네.

Proverb

"낯짝이 두껍다"

— To be thick-skinned/shameless (often said of the betrayer).

그는 배신을 하고도 낯짝이 두껍다.

Informal

"눈을 속이다"

— To deceive someone's eyes.

그는 내 눈을 속이고 배신했다.

Neutral

"입을 씻다"

— To pretend nothing happened after doing something bad/selfish.

돈을 가져가고 입을 싹 씻다니!

Slang-ish

"등을 돌리다"

— To turn one's back on someone (to betray or desert).

가족들마저 나에게 등을 돌렸다.

Neutral

"물을 흐리다"

— To muddy the water (to cause trouble/betray the group's harmony).

그가 우리 팀의 물을 흐려 놓았다.

Neutral

"가슴에 못을 박다"

— To drive a nail into someone's heart (to deeply hurt someone, often through betrayal).

그녀의 배신은 내 가슴에 못을 박았다.

Emotional

Easily Confused

배신감 vs 배신

Both relate to betrayal.

배신 is the act; 배신감 is the feeling.

그의 배신(act) 때문에 배신감(feeling)을 느꼈다.

배신감 vs 실망감

Both involve negative feelings about someone.

실망감 is being let down; 배신감 is having trust broken.

약속을 잊으면 실망감, 일부러 어기면 배신감.

배신감 vs 상실감

Both are heavy emotional nouns ending in '감'.

상실감 is about loss; 배신감 is about broken trust.

돈을 잃으면 상실감, 친구가 훔쳐가면 배신감.

배신감 vs 모멸감

Both are strong negative emotions.

모멸감 involves humiliation; 배신감 involves trust.

욕을 들으면 모멸감, 친구가 욕하면 배신감.

배신감 vs 허탈감

Both occur after a shock.

허탈감 is emptiness/futility; 배신감 is betrayal.

노력이 헛수고면 허탈감, 누가 방해하면 배신감.

Sentence Patterns

저는 배신감을 느껴요.

I feel a sense of betrayal.

[Person]에게 배신감을 느껴요.

I feel a sense of betrayal from [Person].

[Action] 때문에 배신감이 들어요.

I feel betrayed because of [Action].

깊은 배신감을 느꼈다.

I felt a deep sense of betrayal.

[Something]은 나에게 배신감을 안겨주었다.

[Something] gave me a sense of betrayal.

배신감에 사로잡혀 [Action].

Seized by betrayal, [Action].

배신감이라는 감정은...

The emotion known as a sense of betrayal...

배신감의 기저에는...

At the root of the sense of betrayal...

Word Family

Nouns

배신 (betrayal)

배신자 (betrayer)

Verbs

배신하다 (to betray)

Adjectives

배신당하다 (to be betrayed - passive verb/adj)

믿음 (trust)

신뢰 (confidence)

거짓말 (lie)

속임수 (trick)

의리 (loyalty)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Using '배신감' as a verb. → 배신감을 느끼다.
배신감 is a noun. You must use a verb like '느끼다' or '들다' with it.
Saying '배신감을 했다'. → 배신을 했다.
You 'do' a betrayal (배신), but you 'feel' a sense of betrayal (배신감).
Using it for a stranger. → 기분이 나쁘다 / 황당하다.
Betrayal requires prior trust. You can't feel betrayed by someone you don't know.
Incorrect particle: '배신감에 느껴요'. → 배신감을 느껴요.
The object particle '을' is required for the verb '느끼다'.
Confusing with '실망감' for minor issues. → 실망감을 느껴요.
Using '배신감' for small things can make you sound overly dramatic.

Tips

Context Matters

Only use '배신감' when there was a clear expectation of trust. If a stranger lies to you, you feel '황당함' (bewilderment), not '배신감'.

Particle Choice

Use '~을/를' with '느끼다' and '~이/가' with '들다'. This is a common test point for Korean learners.

Drama Key Word

If you hear '배신감' in a drama, a major plot twist or a character's motivation shift is likely happening.

The 'Gam' Suffix

Learn '배신감' alongside other '~감' words to build a strong emotional vocabulary quickly.

Hyperbole

You can use it jokingly when a friend eats the last slice of pizza. '와, 배신감 느껴!' (Wow, I feel so betrayed!)

Descriptive Power

In essays, use '배신감을 안겨주다' to sound more professional and sophisticated.

Tone Recognition

The tone of '배신감' is usually heavy. If the tone is light, it's likely a joke.

Bae-Sin-Gam

Remember: Bae (Back) + Sin (Trust) + Gam (Feeling). It's the feeling of someone turning their back on trust.

Don't Overuse

Don't use it every time you're sad. Reserve it for broken promises to keep its impact.

Hanja Insight

Knowing that 'Sin' means trust (信) helps you understand many other Korean words like '신뢰' (confidence) and '신용' (credit).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine someone turning their BACK (Bae) on a SIGN (Sin) that says 'Trust', and you feel the GUM (Gam) of sadness sticking to your heart.

Visual Association

A broken red heart with the word 'TRUST' written on it in cracked letters.

Word Web

Trust Lie Heartbreak Friendship Anger Sadness Secret Promise

Challenge

Write a short paragraph about a time a character in a movie felt '배신감' and explain why.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean roots: '背' (배 - bae) meaning 'back' or 'to turn one's back on', '信' (신 - sin) meaning 'trust' or 'faith', and '感' (감 - gam) meaning 'feeling' or 'sense'.

Original meaning: To turn one's back on trust and feel the resulting emotion.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be careful using this word for minor things, as it can sound very dramatic. Reserved for situations where trust was truly broken.

In English, we often say 'I feel betrayed,' using a verb. In Korean, using the noun '배신감' focuses more on the weight of the emotion as an entity.

The drama 'The World of the Married' (부부의 세계) is a masterclass in portraying '배신감'. The movie 'Oldboy' features a protagonist driven by a complex web of '배신감'. K-pop lyrics often use '배신감' to describe the aftermath of a breakup where cheating was involved.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Relationship Breakup

바람을 피우다
거짓말을 하다
믿음을 저버리다
이별을 통보하다

Workplace Conflict

아이디어를 훔치다
뒷담화를 하다
승진에서 밀리다
해고당하다

Political Scandal

뇌물을 받다
공약을 어기다
비리에 연루되다
사퇴하다

Financial Fraud

사기를 치다
돈을 떼먹다
투자 실패
계약 위반

Gaming/Sports

팀을 옮기다
반칙을 하다
트롤링을 하다
배신자

Conversation Starters

"살면서 가장 크게 배신감을 느꼈던 적이 언제예요?"

"드라마에서 배신감을 느끼는 장면을 보면 어떤 기분이 들어요?"

"배신감을 극복하는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"친구 사이에서 어떤 행동이 가장 큰 배신감을 줄까요?"

"배신감을 느꼈을 때 바로 말하는 편인가요, 아니면 참는 편인가요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 누군가에게 배신감을 주었던 경험이 있는지 써보세요. (Write about a time you might have made someone else feel betrayed.)

배신감이라는 감정이 우리 삶에 주는 교훈은 무엇일까요? (What lessons does the emotion of betrayal give us in life?)

믿었던 사람에게 배신감을 느꼈을 때의 심정을 묘사해 보세요. (Describe your feelings when you felt betrayed by someone you trusted.)

배신감을 느낀 후 그 사람을 다시 믿을 수 있을까요? (Can you trust someone again after feeling betrayed?)

사회적으로 큰 배신감을 주는 사건들에 대해 자신의 의견을 적어보세요. (Write your opinion on events that cause a large-scale social sense of betrayal.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it might sound dramatic. For small things, '실망감' (disappointment) is usually better. However, in a joke, '배신감 느껴!' is common among friends.

'느끼다' is more active ('I feel it'), while '들다' is more like the feeling occurred to you or came over you. Both are very common.

The word itself is neutral and can be used in any setting. The formality depends on the verb ending you use (e.g., ~요 vs ~습니다).

You wouldn't use '배신감' for that. You would say '너 나 배신했어' (You betrayed me). '배신감' is for describing your internal state: '나 지금 배신감 느껴' (I feel a sense of betrayal right now).

It is 背信感. 背 (Turn back), 信 (Trust), 感 (Feeling).

No, it is exclusively a negative emotion.

No, but you can turn the root '배신' into the verb '배신하다' (to betray).

Common ones include 깊은 (deep), 큰 (big), 심한 (severe), and 씻을 수 없는 (unerasable).

Yes, to describe the reaction to a breach of contract or corporate ethics.

They might use simpler words like '치사해' (that's mean/unfair) or '속상해' (I'm upset), but they learn '배신감' as they get older.