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부담스럽다

A2 adjective #3,500 most common 8 min read

부담스럽다

budamseureopda Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 부담스럽다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 부담스럽다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 부담스럽다 as a way to say 'It's too much.' Imagine you are at a market and a seller is trying to force you to buy something you don't want. Or imagine someone gives you a very big gift and you feel shy because you don't have anything to give back. In these simple situations, you feel 'budam.' You don't need to know the complex social rules yet; just remember it means 'I feel a bit uncomfortable because this is too much for me.' You can use the simple form 부담스러워요 to express this feeling to others.

At the A2 level, you should start using 부담스럽다 to describe specific things that make you feel pressured. For example, you can talk about a 부담스러운 가격 (a burdensome price) when something is too expensive for your budget. You can also use it when someone asks you for a favor that you find difficult to do. It's a very useful word for politely saying 'no' or explaining why you are hesitant. Remember the 'ㅂ' irregular rule: when you add -어요, it becomes 부담스러워요. This word helps you navigate basic social interactions in Korea where people often offer help or gifts.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 부담스럽다 is often about the 'weight' of social expectations. It’s not just about money; it’s about the feeling of obligation. If a friend calls you every single hour, that is 부담스럽다. If a teacher gives you too much praise in front of the whole class, you might feel 부담스럽다 because now you feel you must always be perfect. You should be able to use the word with various connectors, like 부담스러워서 못 하겠어요 (I can't do it because it's too burdensome) or 부담스러우면 말해 주세요 (Please tell me if it's too much for you).

At the B2 level, you can use 부담스럽다 to describe more abstract concepts and nuanced social situations. You might talk about the 심리적 부담 (psychological burden) of a new job or the 사회적 부담 (social burden) of meeting certain standards. You should also be able to distinguish it from similar words like 거북하다 (awkward/unsettling) or 벅차다 (overwhelmingly large). At this level, you should also recognize the verb form 부담스러워하다, which is used to describe how someone else is reacting to a situation. This shows a deeper understanding of Korean grammar and perspective.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 부담스럽다 to analyze cultural phenomena. You can discuss how certain Korean traditions, like sebaetdon (New Year's money), can be 부담스럽다 for adults who are struggling financially. You can use the word to describe 'intense' aesthetics or personalities—for example, someone whose 'aura' is so strong it feels 부담스럽다. You should also be comfortable using it in formal writing or debates to discuss the 'burden of proof' or 'burden of responsibility' in a more sophisticated way, although more technical terms like 책임 might be used alongside it.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of the subtle 'push and pull' that 부담스럽다 represents in Korean interpersonal dynamics. You understand that the word is often used as a linguistic shield to protect one's 'face' (chemyeon) while declining social pressure. You can use it in literary or philosophical contexts to describe the weight of existence or the oppressive nature of societal norms. You can also use it ironically or humorously to describe things that are 'extra' or 'over-the-top' (e.g., a person who uses too many emojis). Your usage reflects an intuitive understanding of the Korean psyche regarding debt, favor, and social balance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

부담스럽다 in 30 Seconds

부담스럽다 describes the feeling of being overwhelmed or pressured by social, financial, or emotional 'weight.'
It is commonly used to decline expensive gifts, reject unwanted attention, or describe high prices.
The word is a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective, changing to 부담스러워 when followed by vowels.
It differs from 'himdeulda' (hard) as it focuses on the pressure rather than the physical effort.

The Korean adjective 부담스럽다 (budamseureopda) is one of those culturally rich words that doesn't have a perfect one-to-one translation in English. While it is often translated as 'burdensome' or 'overwhelming,' its usage in daily Korean conversation covers a much broader spectrum of social, emotional, and financial discomfort. At its core, it describes the feeling of being pressured or uneasy because something—be it a favor, a gift, an expectation, or even a physical gaze—is 'too much' for the recipient to handle comfortably. It is the psychological weight that comes when the balance of a relationship or situation feels skewed.

Social Context: In Korean society, which places heavy emphasis on reciprocity and 'nunchi' (social sensing), receiving something you cannot easily pay back creates a sense of 'budam.' If a casual acquaintance buys you an incredibly expensive dinner, you don't just feel lucky; you feel 부담스럽다 because you now feel an implicit obligation to return the favor at a similar level.
Emotional Pressure: It is frequently used in dating or friendships. If someone confesses their love too early or shows excessive attention, the recipient might feel '부담스럽다.' It implies that the attention is unwanted or coming on too strong, making the person want to pull away to relieve the pressure.
Financial Weight: When looking at a menu or a price tag, if the cost exceeds your budget to the point of causing stress, you describe the price as 부담스러운 가격 (a burdensome price). It isn't just 'expensive' (비싸다); it's a price that weighs on your mind.

그 사람의 관심이 너무 부담스러워요.
— "That person's interest is too burdensome (overwhelming)."

The word is composed of the noun 부담 (budam), meaning burden or responsibility, and the suffix -스럽다 (-seureopda), which turns nouns into adjectives meaning 'having the quality of.' Therefore, it literally means 'to have the quality of a burden.' However, in modern parlance, it has evolved to describe any situation that feels 'extra' or 'cringe-worthy' in a way that makes one feel self-conscious. For instance, if someone wears a tuxedo to a casual picnic, their outfit is 부담스럽다 because it is inappropriately formal for the setting, creating a sense of visual pressure on others.

비싼 선물은 오히려 부담스러울 수 있어요.
— "Expensive gifts can actually be burdensome."

Using 부담스럽다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. As an adjective, it describes a noun or a state of being. It can be used to describe people, prices, situations, or even physical sensations like a heavy meal. To master this word, you must learn how to conjugate it and pair it with the right particles.

Describing a Subject: When the subject of the sentence is the thing causing the burden, use the subject marker -이/가. For example: 업무가 부담스럽다 (The work task is burdensome). This is the most direct way to express that a specific thing is causing you pressure.
Feeling the Burden (Verbal Form): To say someone 'feels' burdened, you can use the form 부담스러워하다. This is used when talking about a third person's feelings. 제 친구가 제 선물을 부담스러워해요 (My friend feels burdened by my gift). Note the shift from an adjective to a verb that describes an observable emotion.

매일 만나는 건 좀 부담스러워요.
— "Meeting every day is a bit burdensome (too much)."

In conversation, you will often hear it used with the adverb 좀 (jom), meaning 'a little' or 'somewhat.' Because calling something 'burdensome' can be a bit blunt, adding 'jom' softens the blow, making it a polite way to set boundaries. For instance, if a boss asks you to take on a massive project, saying "좀 부담스럽네요" is a subtle way to signal that the task might be too much without directly saying 'no.'

혼자서 다 하기에는 너무 부담스러운 양이에요.
— "It is an amount that is too burdensome to do all alone."

You will encounter 부담스럽다 in almost every facet of Korean life, from workplace dramas to variety shows and daily gossip. It captures a specific psychological state that is central to navigating Korean social hierarchies and relationships. Understanding the 'vibe' of this word is key to sounding like a native speaker.

In Romantic Relationships: On dating shows like 'I Am Solo' or 'Heart Signal,' participants often use this word to describe a suitor who is being too aggressive. If a man sends 50 texts a day to a woman he just met, she will tell her friends, "그 사람 너무 부담스러워" (That guy is too much/burdensome). It signifies that the level of intimacy is progressing faster than she is comfortable with.
In the Workplace: When a manager gives a speech about the 'company being a family' and expects everyone to stay for drinks (hoesik) until 2 AM, employees will whisper that the situation is 부담스럽다. It refers to the forced social obligation that feels like an unwanted weight on their personal time.
Regarding Appearance: Interestingly, it's used for visual aesthetics. If someone wears very heavy makeup or a very flashy outfit that draws too much attention in a quiet setting, people might say the look is 부담스럽다. Even a person who is 'too handsome' in a sharp, piercing way can be described as having 부담스러운 외모 because looking at them feels intense.

그의 눈빛이 너무 부담스러워서 고개를 돌렸어요.
— "His gaze was so burdensome (intense) that I turned my head away."

갑작스러운 칭찬은 가끔 부담스러울 때가 있죠.
— "Sudden compliments can sometimes be burdensome."

While 부담스럽다 is a versatile word, English speakers often confuse it with other adjectives that describe difficulty or discomfort. Understanding these nuances will prevent you from sounding awkward or miscommunicating your feelings.

부담스럽다 vs. 힘들다 (Himdeulda): 'Himdeulda' means something is physically or mentally 'hard' or 'exhausting.' If you are running a marathon, it is 힘들다. If you are asked to run a marathon for charity by your boss and you feel you can't say no, that social expectation is 부담스럽다. Use 'himdeulda' for the effort itself, and '부담스럽다' for the pressure surrounding the effort.
부담스럽다 vs. 어렵다 (Eoryeopda): 'Eoryeopda' means 'difficult' in terms of complexity, like a math problem. You wouldn't say a math problem is 부담스럽다 unless the failure to solve it carries a heavy social or professional consequence. '부담스럽다' is about the weight of the situation, not the technical difficulty.
부담스럽다 vs. 불편하다 (Bulpyeonhada): 'Bulpyeonhada' means 'uncomfortable.' While all 부담스러운 situations are 불편하다, not all uncomfortable situations are burdensome. Sitting in a cramped chair is 불편하다, but it isn't 부담스럽다 because there is no sense of responsibility or social pressure involved.

질문이 너무 개인적이라서 좀 부담스러워요.
— "The question is too personal, so it's a bit burdensome (uncomfortable)."

Another common mistake is using the word to mean 'annoying' (짜증나다). While a burdensome person might be annoying, '부담스럽다' specifically highlights the pressure they put on you, whereas '짜증나다' focuses on your irritation. Use '부담스럽다' when you feel like you are being pushed into a corner by expectations or unwanted intensity.

Depending on the specific type of 'burden' you are feeling, there are several other Korean words that might be more precise. Learning these will help you express the nuances of your discomfort more accurately.

압박감을 느끼다 (Apbakgam-eul neukkida): This literally means 'to feel a sense of pressure.' It is more formal and stronger than 부담스럽다. It is often used in professional or competitive contexts, like an athlete feeling the pressure to win a gold medal.
거북하다 (Geobukhada): This word describes a feeling of awkwardness or physical indigestion. If someone makes an inappropriate joke that makes the whole room quiet, you might feel 거북하다. It's a 'cringe' or 'unsettling' feeling rather than a 'responsibility' feeling.
벅차다 (Beokchada): This means something is 'beyond one's capacity.' It can be used positively (overwhelmed with joy) or negatively (overwhelmed by work). While 부담스럽다 focuses on the social/mental weight, 벅차다 focuses on the fact that the task is simply too big to handle.

그의 태도가 조금 거북해요.
— "His attitude is a bit unsettling/awkward."

When you want to say something is 'too much' in a slangy or informal way, younger Koreans might use the word 투머치 (Too Much), borrowed from English. However, '부담스럽다' remains the standard and most expressive way to describe that specific Korean feeling of social and emotional weight. For example, if someone is over-sharing personal details, you can say "이야기가 너무 깊어서 부담스럽네요" (The story is too deep, so it's a bit burdensome).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-스럽다' is used to turn abstract nouns into adjectives that describe a quality. It is found in words like 'sarang-seureopda' (lovely) and 'jayeon-seureopda' (natural).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bu.dam.sʰɯ.ɾʌp.t͈a/

US /bu.dam.sʰɯ.ɾʌp.t͈a/

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'dam', with a slight rise in pitch.

Rhymes With

자랑스럽다 (jarangseureopda) 사랑스럽다 (sarangseureopda) 갑작스럽다 (gapjakseureopda) 자연스럽다 (jayeonseureopda) 걱정스럽다 (geokjeongseureopda) 조심스럽다 (josimseureopda) 실망스럽다 (silmangseureopda) 당황스럽다 (danghwangseureopda)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'seu' like 'soo' (round lips). Keep lips flat.
Not tensing the 'd' in 'da' at the end; it sounds like 'ta'.
Over-emphasizing the 'p' in 'reop'. It should be an unreleased stop.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the common '-스럽다' ending.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the ㅂ-irregular conjugation.

Speaking 4/5

Requires nuance to use politely without sounding rude.

Listening 2/5

Very common in dramas and variety shows.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

부담 무겁다 비싸다 힘들다 -스럽다

Learn Next

거북하다 벅차다 난처하다 압박감 여유

Advanced

부담스러워하다 책임감 상호호혜 면목없다

Grammar to Know

ㅂ-Irregular Adjectives

부담스럽다 -> 부담스러워

-스럽다 suffix (Noun to Adjective)

자랑 + 스럽다 = 자랑스럽다

-어하다 (Adjective to Verb for 3rd person)

그는 부담스러워한다.

-게 (Adverbial ending)

부담스럽게 행동하지 마.

-기 마련이다 (Natural consequence)

돈이 없으면 여행이 부담스럽기 마련이다.

Examples by Level

가격이 조금 부담스러워요.

The price is a bit burdensome.

Simple adjective use.

이 선물은 너무 부담스러워요.

This gift is too much (burdensome).

Subject + Adjective.

너무 많이 먹어서 부담스러워요.

I ate too much, so it's burdensome (my stomach feels heavy).

-어서 (reason) connector.

그 사람은 좀 부담스러워요.

That person is a bit too much.

Describing a person's vibe.

숙제가 많아서 부담스러워요.

There is a lot of homework, so it's burdensome.

Noun + -이/가 (subject marker).

관심이 부담스러워요.

The attention is burdensome.

Abstract noun as subject.

부담스럽지 않아요?

Isn't it burdensome?

-지 않다 (negation) question.

도와주는 게 부담스러워요.

The help is burdensome.

-는 것 (nominalizer).

혼자 가기는 조금 부담스러워요.

Going alone is a bit burdensome.

-기는 (nominalizer) + adjective.

비싼 식당은 저한테 부담스러워요.

Expensive restaurants are burdensome to me.

-한테 (to/for someone).

그의 시선이 부담스러워서 피했어요.

His gaze was burdensome, so I avoided it.

ㅂ-irregular conjugation (부담스러워서).

너무 칭찬하면 부담스러워요.

If you praise me too much, it's burdensome.

-면 (if) connector.

부담스러운 부탁은 하지 마세요.

Please don't make burdensome requests.

Adjective modifying a noun (부담스러운 + N).

옷이 너무 화려해서 부담스러워요.

The clothes are too flashy, so it's burdensome.

Reason -아서.

매일 전화하는 건 부담스러울 수 있어요.

Calling every day can be burdensome.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (possibility).

제안이 부담스럽지만 생각해 볼게요.

The proposal is burdensome, but I will think about it.

-지만 (but) connector.

상대방이 부담스러워할까 봐 말을 못 했어요.

I couldn't speak because I was afraid the other person would feel burdened.

-어하다 (third person feeling) + -ㄹ까 봐 (fear of).

과도한 관심은 오히려 부담스럽게 느껴져요.

Excessive interest actually feels burdensome.

-게 느껴지다 (to be felt as...).

부담스럽지 않은 선에서 도와줄게요.

I will help you within a range that isn't burdensome.

-지 않은 (negative adjective) + 선에서 (within limits).

첫 데이트에 너무 비싼 선물은 부담스러워요.

A gift that is too expensive on a first date is burdensome.

Context-specific usage.

그의 친절이 가끔은 부담스럽게 다가와요.

His kindness sometimes comes across as burdensome.

-게 다가오다 (to come across as).

업무량이 많아서 심리적으로 부담스러워요.

The workload is large, so I feel psychologically burdened.

Adverbial use (심리적으로).

부담스러운 자리는 피하고 싶어요.

I want to avoid burdensome social gatherings.

Noun modification.

그 질문은 대답하기가 좀 부담스럽네요.

That question is a bit burdensome to answer.

-기가 (nominalizer) + adjective.

주위의 기대가 너무 커서 부담스러울 때가 많아요.

There are many times when I feel burdened because the expectations around me are too high.

-ㄹ 때가 많다 (there are many times when).

그의 말투는 상대방을 부담스럽게 만드는 경향이 있어요.

His way of speaking tends to make others feel burdened.

-게 만들다 (to make someone feel...).

부담스럽지 않게 거절하는 방법을 배우고 싶어요.

I want to learn how to refuse without making it burdensome.

Adverbial -게 + negative.

결혼에 대한 압박이 점점 부담스러워지고 있어요.

The pressure regarding marriage is becoming increasingly burdensome.

-어지다 (to become).

그 배우의 연기는 너무 과해서 가끔 부담스러워요.

That actor's acting is too excessive, so it's sometimes burdensome (to watch).

Aesthetic usage.

부담스러울 정도로 친절한 사람은 조심해야 해요.

You should be careful of people who are kind to a burdensome degree.

-ㄹ 정도로 (to the extent of).

경제적인 상황 때문에 여행이 부담스럽게 느껴집니다.

Due to the economic situation, the trip feels burdensome.

Formal -습니다 ending.

부담스러운 마음을 털어놓고 나니 한결 가벼워졌어요.

After opening up about my burdensome feelings, I felt much lighter.

-고 나니 (after doing something).

사회적 지위가 올라갈수록 책임감이 부담스럽게 다가오기 마련이다.

As one's social status rises, it is natural for the sense of responsibility to feel burdensome.

-ㄹ수록 (the more... the more) + -기 마련이다 (it is bound to be).

지나친 환대는 때로 손님을 부담스럽게 할 수 있다.

Excessive hospitality can sometimes make a guest feel burdened.

Causative structure.

전통적인 제사 문화가 젊은 세대에게는 부담스러운 관습으로 여겨진다.

Traditional ancestral rites are regarded as a burdensome custom by the younger generation.

-로 여겨지다 (to be regarded as).

그의 예술 세계는 일반 대중이 이해하기에는 다소 부담스러운 면이 있다.

His artistic world has some aspects that are somewhat burdensome for the general public to understand.

Abstract usage.

부담스러운 침묵이 흐르는 가운데 아무도 입을 열지 않았다.

Amidst the burdensome silence, no one opened their mouth.

Describing an atmosphere.

정치적인 발언을 하는 것이 연예인에게는 부담스러운 일일 수밖에 없다.

Making political statements cannot help but be a burdensome task for celebrities.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (cannot help but).

부담스러운 시선을 견디며 그녀는 무대 위에서 노래를 시작했다.

Enduring the burdensome gazes, she began to sing on stage.

Participial phrase.

현대인들은 타인의 시선을 지나치게 의식하며 부담스러운 삶을 살아간다.

Modern people live burdensome lives, being overly conscious of others' gazes.

Reflective/Philosophical usage.

인간관계의 유대감이 때로는 개인의 자유를 억압하는 부담스러운 족쇄가 되기도 한다.

The bonds of human relationships sometimes become burdensome shackles that suppress individual freedom.

Metaphorical usage.

작가는 독자의 기대를 충족시켜야 한다는 부담스러운 의무감에 사로잡혔다.

The author was seized by a burdensome sense of duty to satisfy the readers' expectations.

-어야 한다는 (the fact that one must...).

고전 문학의 방대한 양은 초보 독자들에게 부담스러운 장벽으로 작용한다.

The vast volume of classical literature acts as a burdensome barrier for novice readers.

-로 작용하다 (to act as).

그의 문체는 화려한 수식어로 가득 차 있어 읽기에 다소 부담스럽다.

His writing style is so full of flowery modifiers that it is somewhat burdensome to read.

Stylistic critique.

부담스러운 진실을 마주하기보다는 편안한 거짓을 택하는 경우가 많다.

There are many cases where people choose a comfortable lie rather than facing a burdensome truth.

Comparative structure.

역사적 책임이라는 부담스러운 짐을 짊어진 채 국가는 나아가야 한다.

The nation must move forward while carrying the burdensome load of historical responsibility.

-ㄴ 채 (while in the state of).

지나치게 완벽을 추구하는 성격은 본인뿐만 아니라 주변 사람들도 부담스럽게 한다.

A personality that excessively pursues perfection makes not only oneself but also those around them feel burdened.

Psychological analysis.

부담스러운 존재가 되지 않기 위해 그는 스스로를 고립시키는 길을 택했다.

To avoid becoming a burdensome presence, he chose the path of isolating himself.

-기 위해 (in order to).

Common Collocations

가격이 부담스럽다

시선이 부담스럽다

부탁이 부담스럽다

자리가 부담스럽다

관심이 부담스럽다

선물이 부담스럽다

기대가 부담스럽다

말투가 부담스럽다

외모가 부담스럽다

상대방이 부담스러워하다

Common Phrases

부담 갖지 마세요

— Don't feel pressured / No pressure.

천천히 하셔도 되니까 부담 갖지 마세요.

부담 없이

— Without any burden / freely.

부담 없이 연락 주세요.

부담을 주다

— To put pressure on someone.

그에게 부담을 주고 싶지 않아요.

부담을 느끼다

— To feel a burden.

많은 학생들이 성적에 부담을 느껴요.

부담을 덜다

— To lighten the burden.

도와주셔서 제 부담을 덜 수 있었어요.

부담이 되다

— To become a burden.

이 일이 당신에게 부담이 되지 않았으면 좋겠어요.

부담 백배

— Feeling a hundred times the burden (slangy/hyperbolic).

발표를 하려니 부담 백배네요.

경제적 부담

— Financial burden.

학비가 부모님께 큰 경제적 부담이 돼요.

심리적 부담

— Psychological burden.

심리적 부담을 줄이는 것이 중요해요.

부담스러운 존재

— A burdensome person/presence.

저는 남에게 부담스러운 존재가 되고 싶지 않아요.

Often Confused With

부담스럽다 vs 힘들다

Focuses on physical/mental exhaustion, while 부담스럽다 focuses on pressure/obligation.

부담스럽다 vs 어렵다

Focuses on technical difficulty, while 부담스럽다 focuses on situational weight.

부담스럽다 vs 무겁다

Focuses on literal weight or a serious atmosphere, not social pressure.

Idioms & Expressions

"어깨가 무겁다"

— To have heavy shoulders; to feel a great responsibility or burden.

팀장이 되니 어깨가 무겁네요.

Common

"짐을 짊어지다"

— To carry a load/burden (often metaphorical).

그는 가문의 짐을 혼자 짊어지고 있다.

Literary

"발목을 잡다"

— To hold someone back (like a burden hindering progress).

과거의 실수가 그의 발목을 잡았다.

Common

"가시방석에 앉다"

— To sit on a cushion of thorns; to feel very uncomfortable/burdened in a situation.

불편한 사람들과 있으니 가시방석에 앉은 기분이에요.

Idiomatic

"눈치가 보이다"

— To feel self-conscious or burdened by what others think.

상사 앞이라 눈치가 보여요.

Common

"코가 꿰이다"

— To be hooked by the nose; to be forced into a burdensome situation or obligation.

억지로 그 일에 코가 꿰였어요.

Colloquial

"등이 휘다"

— One's back bends; to be crushed under the weight of a heavy burden (often financial).

아이들 교육비에 등이 휠 지경이에요.

Colloquial

"손이 많이 가다"

— To require a lot of hands; to be a burdensome task requiring much effort.

이 요리는 손이 많이 가요.

Common

"입이 떨어지지 않다"

— One's mouth won't open; to find it too burdensome/difficult to speak a truth.

미안해서 입이 떨어지지 않네요.

Common

"살얼음판을 걷다"

— To walk on thin ice; to be in a very tense/burdened situation.

회의 분위기가 살얼음판을 걷는 것 같아요.

Common

Easily Confused

부담스럽다 vs 귀찮다

Both involve not wanting to do something.

귀찮다 is feeling annoyed or lazy about a task. 부담스럽다 is feeling pressured or overwhelmed.

청소하기 귀찮아요 (Lazy). 이 부탁은 부담스러워요 (Pressured).

부담스럽다 vs 싫다

Both express a negative reaction.

싫다 is a direct dislike. 부담스럽다 is a specific discomfort due to intensity or cost.

피자가 싫어요 (Dislike). 선물이 부담스러워요 (Too much).

부담스럽다 vs 벅차다

Both mean 'overwhelming.'

벅차다 is about capacity (too big to handle). 부담스럽다 is about the psychological weight.

일이 벅차요 (Too much work). 상사가 부담스러워요 (Social pressure).

부담스럽다 vs 거북하다

Both mean 'uncomfortable.'

거북하다 is often physical (stomach) or social 'cringe.' 부담스럽다 is about pressure.

속이 거북해요 (Indigestion). 시선이 부담스러워요 (Gaze pressure).

부담스럽다 vs 난처하다

Both involve awkward situations.

난처하다 is being in a 'tight spot' where you don't know what to do. 부담스럽다 is just the feeling of weight.

입장이 난처해요 (Awkward position). 질문이 부담스러워요 (Heavy question).

Sentence Patterns

N이/가 부담스러워요.

선물이 부담스러워요.

V기가 부담스러워요.

말하기가 부담스러워요.

너무 ~해서 부담스러워요.

너무 비싸서 부담스러워요.

부담스럽지 않게 ~하세요.

부담스럽지 않게 연락하세요.

부담스러울 정도로 ~하다.

부담스러울 정도로 친절해요.

N에 대한 부담을 느끼다.

성적에 대한 부담을 느껴요.

N이/가 부담스럽게 다가오다.

책임감이 부담스럽게 다가와요.

N이라는 부담스러운 짐.

전통이라는 부담스러운 짐.

Word Family

Nouns

부담 (Burden/Responsibility)

부담감 (Sense of burden)

부담금 (Allotted charge/fee)

Verbs

부담하다 (To bear/shoulder a burden)

부담스러워하다 (To feel burdened - 3rd person)

Adjectives

부담스럽다 (Burdensome)

책임 (Responsibility)

의무 (Duty)

압박 (Pressure)

거절 (Refusal)

배려 (Consideration)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

Using it for physical weight. → 무겁다
You can't say a rock is '부담스럽다' unless that rock has social meaning (like a gift).
Conjugating as 부담스럽아요. → 부담스러워요
This is a ㅂ-irregular adjective. The ㅂ changes to 우, and then you add 어요.
Using it to mean 'difficult' math. → 어렵다
Math problems are 'eoryeopda,' not 'budamseureopda,' unless the failing grade causes pressure.
Using it for third person as '부담스러워요'. → 부담스러워해요
When describing someone else's feelings, you must use the -어하다 form.
Thinking it always means 'bad'. → Context dependent.
While it's a type of discomfort, it can come from 'too much' of a good thing, like love or praise.

Tips

The Art of Declining

When someone offers a favor you can't return, say '부담스러워서 못 받겠어요.' It sounds more polite than just saying 'No.'

ㅂ-Irregular Alert

Whenever you add a suffix starting with a vowel (like -어, -으니), the ㅂ changes to 우. Practice: 부담스러워, 부담스러우니까.

Use with 'Jom'

Koreans almost always add '좀' (a little) before '부담스럽다' to make the statement sound softer and less aggressive.

Gifts and Budam

Avoid giving gifts that are significantly more expensive than what the other person can afford; it creates 'budam' and can strain the relationship.

Managing Tasks

If a boss gives you too much work, saying '업무량이 좀 부담스럽습니다' is a professional way to signal you are at capacity.

Setting Boundaries

If someone is coming on too strong, '부담스러워요' is the standard way to ask for space in a Korean context.

Aesthetic Budam

You can use this word to describe 'cringe' fashion or acting. It's a great way to express that something is 'too extra.'

Variety Show Catchphrase

Listen for this word in variety shows when a cast member does something overly dramatic or embarrassing.

Nominalizing

Use '부담스러움' to turn it into the noun 'the state of being burdensome' in essays or formal writing.

The 'Seu' Sound

Make sure your 'seu' is flat. Don't round your lips like you're saying 'soo.' This is a common beginner mistake.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Budam' as 'Boo-Damn!' - something that makes you say 'Damn, this is too much!' because it's like a 'Boo' (scary) weight on your shoulders.

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to carry a giant gold bar given as a gift. It's valuable, but they are sweating and struggling to hold it. That's 'budamseureopda.'

Word Web

Money Pressure Gift Attention Gaze Expectation Work Social Duty

Challenge

Try to identify one situation today that feels 'a bit much.' Say to yourself in Korean: '이 상황은 좀 부담스러워요.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) word '부담' (負擔). '부' (負) means to carry on the back, and '담' (擔) means to shoulder or take charge of.

Original meaning: To physically carry a load or to take on a legal/financial responsibility.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it too bluntly to someone's face unless you are close, as telling someone 'You are burdensome' can be quite hurtful. Use 'jom' (a little) to soften it.

In the West, 'burdensome' is a heavy word often reserved for big life problems. In Korea, 'budamseureopda' is used much more casually for small social awkwardness or 'cringe' moments.

Commonly heard in K-Dramas when a lead character rejects a rich suitor's expensive gifts. Used in variety shows like 'Running Man' when a guest acts too 'extra' or energetic. A frequent theme in K-pop lyrics about unwanted obsession or pressure from fame.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

가격이 좀 부담스럽네요.
비싼 건 부담스러워요.
부담 없는 가격
할인 안 하면 부담스러워요.

Dating

너무 서두르니까 부담스러워요.
연락이 너무 자주 와서 부담스러워요.
부담 갖지 말고 만나봐요.
그 사람 좀 부담스럽지 않아?

Work

업무량이 부담스러워요.
책임이 너무 커서 부담스럽습니다.
부담스러운 마감 기한
부탁드리기 부담스럽네요.

Social Gatherings

격식 있는 자리는 부담스러워요.
시선이 부담스러워요.
부담스럽게 쳐다보지 마세요.
칭찬이 너무 과해서 부담스러워요.

Eating/Health

속이 좀 부담스러워요.
너무 헤비한 음식은 부담스러워요.
부담 없이 먹을 수 있는 음식
야식은 건강에 부담스러워요.

Conversation Starters

"혹시 제가 드린 선물이 부담스러우신가요?"

"요즘 물가가 너무 올라서 장보기가 부담스럽지 않아요?"

"너무 비싼 식당은 좀 부담스러운데, 다른 데 갈까요?"

"사람들이 너무 쳐다보면 부담스럽지 않으세요?"

"상사분이 개인적인 부탁을 하시면 부담스러울 것 같아요."

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 중 가장 부담스러웠던 순간은 언제였나요? 왜 그렇게 느꼈나요?

누군가에게 부담을 주지 않으면서 부탁하는 방법은 무엇일까요?

내가 생각하는 '부담스러운 사람'의 특징 세 가지를 적어보세요.

비싼 선물을 받았을 때 느끼는 '부담'에 대해 솔직하게 써보세요.

나에게 가장 부담스러운 책임감은 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for physical weight, you should use '무겁다' (mugeopda). '부담스럽다' is for psychological, social, or financial weight.

Usually, yes. It describes a type of discomfort. Even if the cause is positive (like praise or a gift), the resulting feeling is one of pressure.

You can say '부담 갖지 마세요' (Budam gatji maseyo), which literally means 'Don't take/have a burden.'

Yes! If a meal is very oily, heavy, or too large, you can say '속이 부담스러워요' (My stomach feels burdened/heavy).

'부담스럽다' is an adjective describing the quality of the situation. '부담되다' is a verb meaning 'to become a burden.' They are often interchangeable in daily speech.

Yes, but be careful. '그 사람은 부담스러워요' means that person's personality or actions make you feel uncomfortable or pressured.

Not directly, but '가격이 부담스럽다' is a very common way to say something is too expensive for you to buy comfortably.

It can mean someone's looks are too intense, perhaps due to very heavy makeup, a very sharp face, or a style that is 'too much' for the setting.

It becomes '부담스러웠어요' (budamseureoweosseoyo). Remember the ㅂ-irregular change.

Yes, '너무 부담스러워요' is very common and emphasizes that the pressure is excessive.