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A2 noun 9 min read

혐오

Q: Can I use '혐오' for food I really don't like?

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. If you say '저는 피망을 혐오해요', it sounds like you have a psychological trauma related to bell peppers. It's better to use '정말 싫어해요'.

Q: Is '극혐' okay to use in business?

Absolutely not. '극혐' is internet slang. Using it in a professional setting would be considered very unprofessional and immature.

Q: What is the difference between '혐오하다' and '혐오스럽다'?

'혐오하다' is a verb meaning 'to loathe someone/something'. '혐오스럽다' is an adjective meaning 'to be loathsome/disgusting'.

Q: Why is '혐오 시설' used for things like trash dumps?

It's a sociological term. It describes facilities that people find 'repulsive' to have near their homes due to smell, noise, or negative association.

Q: Is '혐오' always about people?

No. You can feel 혐오 toward bugs, smells, violent scenes, or abstract concepts like corruption.

Q: How do you say 'hate speech' in Korean?

It is '혐오 표현' (hyeo-mo pyo-hyeon).

Q: Is '혐오' a common word in K-Dramas?

Yes, especially in dramas that deal with social issues, bullying, or intense emotional conflicts.

Q: What is the opposite of '혐오'?

The most direct opposite is '애정' (affection) or '호감' (good feeling).

Q: Can '혐오' be used for a person you just broke up with?

If the breakup was extremely traumatic and you find them repulsive now, yes. But usually, '미움' or '원망' (resentment) is more common.

Q: Is the 'h' in 'hyeomo' silent?

No, it is a clear aspirated 'h' sound, similar to 'hat' in English.

hyeomo

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 혐오 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 혐오 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '혐오' (hyeomo) yourself very often, but it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a very strong version of 'I don't like it.' While '싫어해요' (sil-eo-hae-yo) means 'I dislike,' '혐오' is much stronger. It is like saying 'I hate' or 'That is gross.' You might see this word on signs or in simple news headlines. At this stage, just remember that '혐오' starts with a 'h' sound and means something very bad or very disliked. You can think of it like a 'No' sign. If you see this word, it means someone is very unhappy about something. For example, '벌레 혐오' would mean 'hating bugs.' It is a noun, so it is the name of the feeling. Don't worry about using it in long sentences yet. Just know that it is a 'big' word for 'hate.' If you want to say you hate something small, keep using '싫어해요.' If you see '혐오,' know that the feeling is very, very strong. It is like the difference between 'I'm not a fan' and 'I can't stand it and it makes me feel sick.' Learning this word helps you understand when a situation is serious.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand that '혐오' is a noun used to describe a strong feeling of dislike or disgust. You might encounter the verb form '혐오하다' (to loathe/hate). At this level, you should be able to distinguish it from '싫어하다' (to dislike). While you use '싫어하다' for things like school subjects or foods, '혐오하다' is used for things that are truly repulsive. You might hear it in basic discussions about social issues or in movie descriptions. A common phrase is '혐오감' (hyeo-mo-gam), which means 'a sense of disgust.' You can say '혐오감을 느끼다' to mean 'to feel disgusted.' You should also recognize the adjective '혐오스럽다' (hyeo-mo-seu-reop-da), which means 'to be disgusting.' For example, '그 벌레는 혐오스러워요' (That bug is disgusting). This is a useful word for expressing strong reactions. At A2, you are beginning to learn how to express more specific emotions, and '혐오' is a key word for expressing strong negative feelings. You should also be aware that this word is often used in the news regarding 'hate speech' (혐오 발언), which is an important topic in modern Korea. Try to notice how the word is used in headlines or social media posts to get a feel for its weight.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '혐오' in more complex sentences and understand its social implications. You should know that '혐오' is not just about personal taste but often involves moral or social rejection. You can use it to discuss social problems, such as '여성 혐오' (misogyny) or '인종 혐오' (racial hatred). At this level, you should be comfortable using the noun in various grammatical structures, such as '혐오에 사로잡히다' (to be seized by hatred) or '혐오를 불러일으키다' (to cause revulsion). You will also encounter it in the context of '혐오 시설' (undesirable facilities), which is a common topic in Korean news regarding local communities. You should understand the difference between '혐오' (revulsion) and '증오' (active hatred/resentment). While '증오' is often personal and angry, '혐오' is more about disgust and distancing. You can start using '혐오' in essays or debates about social justice. It is also important to recognize the slang '극혐' (extreme disgust) used by young people, but know that it is inappropriate for formal settings. You are now moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to engage with the 'why' and 'how' of social emotions in Korean.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of '혐오' as a sociological and psychological term. You should be able to discuss the 'mechanism of hatred' (혐오의 기제) and how it affects society. You will see this word in literature, editorials, and academic texts. You should be able to use it to describe the nuances of human emotion, such as '자기 혐오' (self-loathing) or '환멸과 혐오' (disillusionment and revulsion). You should also be familiar with the legal and ethical debates surrounding '혐오 표현' (hate speech) and how it differs from '표현의 자유' (freedom of speech) in the Korean context. At this level, you can use the word to analyze characters in movies or books who are motivated by deep-seated prejudices. You should also understand how '혐오' is used as a prefix in various social terms. Your ability to use '혐오' and its derivatives (like 혐오스럽다, 혐오하다, 혐오감) correctly in different registers—from formal reports to casual (but serious) conversations—is a sign of your advancing proficiency. You should be able to explain why certain actions are considered '혐오 범죄' (hate crimes) and the impact they have on the community. This word becomes a tool for critical thinking and social analysis.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use '혐오' with the precision of a native speaker, understanding its historical and cultural baggage in Korea. You should be able to engage in high-level academic or professional discussions about the 'politics of hatred' (혐오의 정치) and the ways in which 혐오 is used as a tool for social exclusion. You will encounter the word in complex philosophical texts or legal documents. You should be able to distinguish between '혐오' and related concepts like '멸시' (contempt), '배척' (exclusion), and '반감' (antipathy) with ease. You can use '혐오' in creative writing to evoke a strong visceral reaction in the reader. You should also be aware of the 'NIMBY' phenomenon in Korea, referred to as '혐오 시설 유치 반대' (opposition to hosting undesirable facilities), and the complex economic and social factors involved. Your understanding of '혐오' should include its role in the digital age, including 'cyber-bullying' and the spread of '혐오 발언' through algorithms. You are expected to use this word accurately in debates, providing nuanced arguments about how society can overcome systemic hatred. You should also understand the psychological roots of 혐오, such as its connection to the 'disgust' emotion and its role in human evolution and social bonding.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '혐오' is absolute. You understand the word not just as a vocabulary item, but as a window into the Korean psyche and modern social dynamics. You can analyze the 'discourse of hatred' (혐오 담론) in contemporary Korean society, tracing its roots in historical conflicts, economic inequality, and gender dynamics. You are comfortable using the word in any context, from the most formal legal brief to the most abstract philosophical treatise. You can discuss the 'aesthetics of revulsion' in art or the 'phenomenology of hatred' in philosophy. You understand the subtle ways in which '혐오' can be coded in language and behavior, even when the word itself isn't used. You can lead discussions on how to legislate against '혐오 표현' without infringing on civil liberties, citing specific Korean laws and international precedents. You are also aware of the most recent linguistic trends and shifts in how '혐오' is used in pop culture and internet subcultures. For a C2 learner, '혐오' is a versatile and powerful concept that you can manipulate to express the most complex and profound insights into the human condition and the structure of society. You can use it to critique the very language and structures that perpetuate hatred, demonstrating a level of linguistic and cultural awareness that is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

혐오 in 30 Seconds

혐오 (Hyeomo) is a powerful noun meaning 'hatred' or 'revulsion,' significantly stronger than the everyday word for dislike, '싫어하다'.
It is commonly used in social and political contexts to describe systemic prejudice, such as '혐오 표현' (hate speech) or '혐오 범죄' (hate crimes).
The word can also describe a visceral, 'grossed out' feeling toward something physically repulsive, like bugs or a crime scene.
Grammatically, it often appears as a noun in '혐오하다' (to loathe) or the adjective '혐오스럽다' (to be disgusting).

The Korean word 혐오 (Hyeomo) is a powerful noun that translates most directly to 'hatred,' 'loathing,' or 'abhorrence.' However, its nuance in modern Korean society has evolved to encompass a specific type of visceral revulsion or systemic prejudice. Unlike the general word for 'dislike' (싫어함) or even 'hate' (미움), 혐오 suggests a deep-seated feeling of disgust that often results in the rejection or exclusion of the object of that feeling. It is a word that carries significant emotional and social weight, often appearing in discussions about social justice, psychology, and personal boundaries.

Core Concept: At its heart, 혐오 is composed of the Hanja characters 嫌 (dislike) and 惡 (evil/hate). This combination implies not just a preference against something, but a moral or physical rejection. When you feel 혐오, you feel a sense of 'yuck' or 'wrongness' that makes you want to distance yourself entirely from the source.

사회적 약자에 대한 혐오는 멈춰야 합니다.

Translation: Hatred against the socially vulnerable must stop.

In contemporary South Korea, the term is frequently paired with specific groups to describe systemic prejudice. For instance, '여성 혐오' (misogyny) and '남성 혐오' (misandry) are terms that dominate online and academic discourse. In these contexts, 혐오 refers to the dehumanization or stereotyping of a group. It is also used in the term '혐오 시설,' which refers to 'not-in-my-backyard' (NIMBY) facilities like waste treatment plants or prisons that residents find repulsive or undesirable in their neighborhoods.

Emotional Depth: The feeling of 혐오 is often involuntary. It is the skin-crawling sensation you get when seeing something truly grotesque or the moral outrage felt toward a heinous crime. It is less about 'anger' (분노) and more about 'revulsion' (환멸).

그 범죄의 잔혹함은 대중의 혐오를 불러일으켰다.

Translation: The cruelty of that crime sparked public revulsion.

Furthermore, 혐오 is the root of the adjective '혐오스럽다' (to be disgusting/loathsome). You might use this to describe a scene in a horror movie or a particularly nasty smell. In a professional context, lawyers and sociologists use '혐오 표현' to refer to hate speech. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it sits at the intersection of psychology and sociology, describing both a personal gut reaction and a societal phenomenon of exclusion.

Modern Usage: In the age of social media, 혐오 is often discussed in the context of '혐오의 시대' (the age of hatred), referring to the polarization of society. It is a word that calls for caution because of its strength.

무분별한 혐오 발언은 처벌받아야 합니다.

Using 혐오 correctly requires understanding its grammatical function as a noun and its derived forms. As a noun, it often takes the object marker '-를/을' when paired with the verb '하다' (to do/to feel). However, it is also frequently used as a prefix or part of a compound noun to specify the target of the hatred.

As a Direct Object: When you want to say someone 'feels hatred' or 'hates' something in a strong sense, you use '혐오하다'. For example, '그는 부패를 혐오한다' (He loathes corruption). Here, the noun 혐오 combines with 하다 to become a transitive verb.

많은 사람들이 벌레에 대해 혐오감을 느낍니다.

Translation: Many people feel a sense of revulsion toward bugs.

Note the use of 혐오감 (hyeomogam). Adding '-감' (feeling) is very common when describing the internal state of revulsion. You 'feel' (느끼다) a 혐오감 rather than just 'feeling' 혐오. This is a subtle but important distinction for natural-sounding Korean.

Compound Nouns: 혐오 is often attached directly to other nouns. '혐오 범죄' (hate crime), '혐오 주의' (hatred-ism/ideology of hate), and '혐오 시설' (undesirable facilities) are standard terms. In these cases, 혐오 acts as a modifier explaining the nature of the following noun.

그는 혐오 발언으로 인해 소셜 미디어에서 차단당했다.

Translation: He was blocked from social media due to hate speech.

In a passive sense, you can use '혐오의 대상' (an object of hatred). If a politician makes a mistake, they might become a '혐오의 대상' for the public. This structure emphasizes that the hatred is being directed at them from an external source. Conversely, '혐오에 가득 차다' means to be 'filled with hatred,' describing a person's intense emotional state.

Usage in Negative Sentences: You will often see it used in calls for tolerance: '혐오를 멈추세요' (Stop the hatred) or '혐오 없는 세상을 만듭시다' (Let's make a world without hatred). These are common slogans in human rights campaigns.

타인에 대한 혐오는 결국 자신에게 돌아옵니다.

You are likely to encounter 혐오 in three primary environments: the news, academic/legal discussions, and intense personal arguments. It is not a word usually used for light-hearted banter. If you hear it in a coffee shop, the conversation is likely about a serious social issue or a very disturbing event.

In the News and Media: News anchors frequently use terms like '혐오 범죄' (hate crimes) when reporting on attacks against specific demographics. During election cycles, you might hear political analysts talk about '혐오 정치' (politics of hate), where candidates use divisive rhetoric to gain votes. If a movie is rated for 'extreme violence or disgusting content,' the warning might mention '혐오스러운 장면' (disgusting scenes).

뉴스에서 최근 혐오 범죄의 증가에 대해 보도했다.

Translation: The news reported on the recent increase in hate crimes.

In online communities, the word is ubiquitous. Korean internet culture has a history of '혐오' discourse, where different groups (based on gender, region, or age) are targeted. Terms ending in '-포' (from 'phobia') or starting with '혐' (short for 혐오) are common slang prefixes. For example, '혐오 사이트' refers to websites known for hosting hateful content. However, as a learner, you should be careful with these as they are highly sensitive and often toxic.

In Legal and Academic Settings: If you attend a lecture on sociology or law in Korea, 혐오 is a technical term. Professors discuss '혐오의 피로도' (fatigue caused by hatred) or '혐오의 메커니즘' (the mechanism of hatred). In court, a judge might determine if a defendant's actions were motivated by 혐오, which can lead to harsher sentencing in some jurisdictions.

법원은 이를 단순한 폭행이 아닌 혐오에 기인한 범죄로 보았다.

Translation: The court viewed this not as simple assault, but as a crime rooted in hatred.

Lastly, in daily life, you might hear it regarding urban planning. '혐오 시설' is a term used by residents protesting the construction of something like a crematorium near their homes. They argue that such facilities create a sense of '혐오감' that lowers property values and quality of life.

Daily Conversations: While rare, a friend might say '진짜 혐오스럽다' when seeing something really gross on the street, like a pile of trash or a dead animal. It's the equivalent of saying 'That's disgusting' in English.

The most common mistake English speakers make with 혐오 is using it too lightly. In English, we often say 'I hate that song' or 'I hate waiting in line.' In Korean, using 혐오 in these contexts would sound bizarre and overly aggressive. It is crucial to distinguish between 'disliking' and 'loathing.'

Mistake 1: Over-intensity: Using '혐오하다' for food you don't like. If you say '저는 오이를 혐오해요' (I loathe cucumbers), people will think you have a deep, traumatic psychological reaction to cucumbers. Instead, use '싫어해요' (I dislike) or '안 좋아해요' (I don't like).

Wrong: 나는 수학을 혐오해. (Too strong for a school subject)
Right: 나는 수학을 정말 싫어해.

Another mistake involves the confusion between 증오 (Jeung-o) and 혐오. While both mean hate, 증오 is usually an active, burning anger directed at someone who has wronged you. 혐오 is a feeling of revulsion or thinking something is 'beneath' you or 'gross.' You 증오 an enemy who hurt your family; you 혐오 a cockroach or a bigoted ideology.

Mistake 2: Confusing Noun and Adjective: Learners often say '그것은 혐오해요' (It hates) when they mean 'It is disgusting.' To say 'It is disgusting,' you must use the adjective form '혐오스럽다'. '혐오하다' is an action performed by a person toward a target.

Wrong: 그 벌레는 혐오해요. (The bug hates something?)
Right: 그 벌레는 혐오스러워요. (The bug is disgusting.)

Finally, be careful with the social context. Since 혐오 is a hot-button issue in Korea, using it can immediately make a conversation political or serious. If you are just trying to express that you find a movie villain unpleasant, '밉다' (to be hateful/disliked) or '비호감이다' (to be unlikable) are much safer and more common choices for casual conversation.

Summary of Intensity: 1. 안 좋아하다 (Don't like) < 2. 싫어하다 (Dislike) < 3. 미워하다 (Hate/Dislike a person) < 4. 증오하다 (Loathe/Resent) < 5. 혐오하다 (Abhor/Be revulsed by).

To truly master 혐오, you need to know how it compares to other words in the 'dislike' spectrum. Korean has a rich vocabulary for negative emotions, each with a specific flavor and intensity.

혐오 vs. 증오 (Jeung-o): As mentioned, 증오 is 'hatred' fueled by anger and personal grievance. It is often directed at a specific individual. 혐오 is 'revulsion' often directed at a group, a concept, or something physically repulsive. You might feel 증오 for a traitor, but 혐오 for a racist ideology.

그는 자신을 속인 친구를 증오한다. (Personal anger)
그는 모든 종류의 차별을 혐오한다. (Moral revulsion)

불쾌 (Bul-kwae) is another useful alternative. It means 'unpleasant' or 'displeased.' If someone makes a rude comment, you feel 불쾌. It's less intense than 혐오. If 혐오 is 10/10 on the disgust scale, 불쾌 is a 4/10. It describes a mood rather than a deep-seated conviction.

Comparison Table

싫증 (Sil-jeung): Boredom/tiredness of something (e.g., tired of a song).
경멸 (Gyeong-myeol): Contempt. Thinking someone is worthless. 혐오 often includes 경멸.
기피 (Gi-pi): Avoidance. The action resulting from 혐오.

For things that are 'gross' in a physical sense, you might hear the slang term 극혐 (Geuk-hyeom). This is a contraction of '극한의 혐오' (extreme disgust). It is used very frequently by younger generations to describe anything from a bad fashion choice to a bug. However, avoid using this in formal writing or with elders, as it is very casual and can sound a bit immature.

친구: "이 음식 어때?"
나: "으, 극혐이야!" (Slang: "Ugh, it's so gross!")

In summary, choose your word based on the target and the intensity. Use 혐오 for serious social issues or visceral disgust, 증오 for deep personal resentment, and 싫어하다 for everyday dislikes. Understanding these nuances will make your Korean sound much more sophisticated and empathetic.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The second character 惡 is usually pronounced 'ak' (meaning evil), but when it functions as a verb meaning 'to hate,' its pronunciation shifts to 'o' in Korean. This is a rare case of a character having two distinct pronunciations and meanings.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hjʌ.mo/

US /hjʌ.moʊ/

In Korean, there is no strong word stress like in English, but the first syllable 'hyeo' is often slightly higher in pitch.

Rhymes With

부모 (bumo - parents) 규모 (gyumo - scale) 소모 (somo - consumption) 공모 (gongmo - conspiracy) 외모 (oemo - appearance) 성모 (seongmo - Holy Mother) 탈모 (talmo - hair loss) 모모 (momo - a name)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'hyeo' as 'he-yo' (two syllables). It should be one fluid sound.
Pronouncing 'eo' as 'oh'. It is an open-mid back unrounded vowel.
Making the 'h' too silent. It should be a clear aspirated sound.
Pronouncing 'mo' like 'moo'. It must be 'o' as in 'go'.
Adding a stress on the second syllable which can sound unnatural.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is easy to read, but the contexts (sociology/law) can be very complex.

Writing 4/5

Requires careful handling to avoid sounding too aggressive or dramatic.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage is restricted to specific situations.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable due to its distinct 'hyeo' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

싫어하다 (to dislike) 미워하다 (to hate a person) 감정 (emotion) 사람 (person) 나쁘다 (to be bad)

Learn Next

증오 (loathing/resentment) 경멸 (contempt) 차별 (discrimination) 인권 (human rights) 편견 (prejudice)

Advanced

타자화 (othering) 비인간화 (dehumanization) 구조적 폭력 (structural violence) 혐오 담론 (hatred discourse) 정체성 정치 (identity politics)

Grammar to Know

-스럽다 (Adjective-forming suffix)

혐오 + 스럽다 = 혐오스럽다 (to be disgusting)

-감 (Noun-forming suffix for 'feeling')

혐오 + 감 = 혐오감 (sense of revulsion)

-하다 (Verb-forming suffix)

혐오 + 하다 = 혐오하다 (to loathe)

-적 (Adjective-forming suffix meaning 'pertaining to')

혐오 + 적 = 혐오적 (hateful/prejudiced)

-자 (Noun-forming suffix for 'person')

혐오 + 자 = 혐오자 (one who loathes)

Examples by Level

저는 벌레를 혐오해요.

I loathe bugs.

Uses noun + object marker -를 + 혐오해요 (verb form).

혐오는 나쁜 거예요.

Hatred is a bad thing.

혐오 is the subject here.

그 영화는 너무 혐오스러워요.

That movie is so disgusting.

Uses the adjective form 혐오스럽다.

혐오라는 말을 알아요?

Do you know the word 'hyeomo'?

Noun + 라는 (called) + 말 (word).

그는 혐오감을 느꼈어요.

He felt a sense of revulsion.

혐오감 (sense of hatred) + 을 (object) + 느끼다 (to feel).

혐오하지 마세요.

Please don't hate.

-지 마세요 is the imperative 'don't'.

이것은 혐오 시설이에요.

This is an undesirable facility.

Compound noun: 혐오 + 시설 (facility).

우리는 혐오를 싫어해요.

We dislike hatred.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

사회적 혐오가 심해지고 있습니다.

Social hatred is becoming more severe.

심해지다 (to become severe) + 고 있다 (progressive).

그의 행동은 정말 혐오스러웠다.

His behavior was truly disgusting.

Past tense of 혐오스럽다.

사람들은 혐오 시설 건설에 반대했다.

People opposed the construction of undesirable facilities.

반대하다 (to oppose) takes the particle -에.

혐오 발언은 법으로 금지되어야 한다.

Hate speech should be prohibited by law.

-어야 한다 expresses necessity/obligation.

그녀는 자기 혐오에 빠졌다.

She fell into self-loathing.

자기 혐오 (self-hatred) + -에 빠지다 (to fall into).

인종 혐오는 전 세계적인 문제입니다.

Racial hatred is a global problem.

인종 (race) + 혐오.

그 음식의 냄새가 혐오감을 주었다.

The smell of that food gave a sense of revulsion.

혐오감을 주다 (to give/cause a sense of revulsion).

우리는 혐오 없는 세상을 원합니다.

We want a world without hatred.

혐오 없는 (without hatred) modifies 세상을.

인터넷상의 혐오 표현이 큰 사회적 문제가 되고 있다.

Hate speech on the internet is becoming a major social problem.

-상의 (on/over) is used for locations like 'internet' or 'paper'.

그 범죄자는 대중의 혐오를 한 몸에 받았다.

The criminal received all the public's hatred.

한 몸에 받다 is an idiom meaning to be the sole recipient of something.

그는 부당한 차별과 혐오에 맞서 싸웠다.

He fought against unjust discrimination and hatred.

맞서 싸우다 (to fight against/confront).

혐오 시설의 입지 선정은 항상 갈등을 빚는다.

Selecting the location for undesirable facilities always causes conflict.

갈등을 빚다 (to cause/create conflict).

그 소설은 인간의 본성 속에 있는 혐오를 다룬다.

The novel deals with the hatred within human nature.

다루다 (to deal with/handle).

혐오감을 유발하는 광고는 제재를 받아야 합니다.

Advertisements that cause revulsion should be sanctioned.

유발하다 (to cause/trigger).

그는 자신의 과거에 대해 깊은 혐오를 느꼈다.

He felt a deep loathing for his past.

깊은 (deep) modifies 혐오.

다문화 사회에서는 타문화에 대한 혐오를 경계해야 한다.

In a multicultural society, we must guard against hatred of other cultures.

경계하다 (to guard against/be wary of).

혐오의 정치는 사회적 분열을 가속화시킨다.

The politics of hatred accelerates social division.

가속화시키다 (to accelerate/make something speed up).

그 영화는 혐오스러운 장면들로 인해 논란이 되었다.

The movie became controversial due to its disgusting scenes.

-로 인해 (due to/because of) is a formal way to express cause.

우리는 혐오의 감정을 넘어서 연대해야 합니다.

We must move beyond feelings of hatred and practice solidarity.

연대하다 (to practice solidarity/stand together).

특정 집단에 대한 무분별한 혐오는 범죄로 이어질 수 있다.

Indiscriminate hatred toward a specific group can lead to crime.

-로 이어지다 (to lead to/result in).

그 학자는 혐오의 기저에 깔린 공포를 분석했다.

The scholar analyzed the fear underlying hatred.

기저에 깔린 (underlying/at the base).

혐오 시설 유치를 둘러싼 지역 이기주의가 심각하다.

Regional egoism surrounding the hosting of undesirable facilities is serious.

-을 둘러싼 (surrounding/concerning).

그녀의 글은 혐오와 편견에 대한 날카로운 비판을 담고 있다.

Her writing contains sharp criticism of hatred and prejudice.

날카로운 (sharp) modifies 비판 (criticism).

혐오의 악순환을 끊기 위해서는 교육이 필수적이다.

Education is essential to break the vicious cycle of hatred.

악순환 (vicious cycle) + 을 끊다 (to break).

혐오 담론은 종종 정치적 이익을 위해 이용되기도 한다.

Hatred discourse is often exploited for political gain.

담론 (discourse) + 이용되다 (to be used/exploited).

그의 철학은 타자에 대한 혐오를 어떻게 극복할 것인가에 집중한다.

His philosophy focuses on how to overcome hatred of the 'Other'.

타자 (the Other/others) is a philosophical term.

현대 사회에서 혐오는 디지털 플랫폼을 통해 급속히 확산된다.

In modern society, hatred spreads rapidly through digital platforms.

확산되다 (to be spread/proliferated).

혐오 표현의 규제와 표현의 자유 사이에는 팽팽한 긴장이 존재한다.

There is a tight tension between the regulation of hate speech and freedom of expression.

팽팽한 긴장 (tight/tense tension).

그 작가는 혐오라는 감정의 심연을 집요하게 탐구했다.

The author persistently explored the abyss of the emotion called hatred.

심연 (abyss) + 집요하게 (persistently).

혐오 시설에 대한 사회적 합의를 도출하는 과정은 험난했다.

The process of reaching a social consensus on undesirable facilities was arduous.

사회적 합의 (social consensus) + 도출하다 (to derive/reach).

구조적 불평등이 특정 계층에 대한 혐오를 고착화시킨다.

Structural inequality solidifies hatred toward a certain class.

고착화시키다 (to solidify/entrench).

혐오는 인간의 방어 기제 중 하나로 해석되기도 한다.

Hatred is sometimes interpreted as one of the human defense mechanisms.

방어 기제 (defense mechanism).

혐오의 내면화는 소수자들에게 심각한 심리적 외상을 남긴다.

The internalization of hatred leaves severe psychological trauma on minorities.

내면화 (internalization) + 심리적 외상 (psychological trauma).

그 논문은 혐오가 어떻게 권력의 도구로 변질되는지 고찰한다.

The paper examines how hatred is transformed into a tool of power.

변질되다 (to be altered for the worse) + 고찰하다 (to contemplate/examine).

혐오의 시대에 타자에 대한 환대는 혁명적인 행위가 된다.

In an age of hatred, hospitality toward the Other becomes a revolutionary act.

환대 (hospitality) + 혁명적인 (revolutionary).

그 감독은 혐오라는 감정의 미학적 형상화를 시도했다.

The director attempted an aesthetic visualization of the emotion of hatred.

미학적 형상화 (aesthetic visualization/embodiment).

혐오의 연쇄를 끊기 위한 성찰적 태도가 그 어느 때보다 절실하다.

A reflective attitude to break the chain of hatred is more desperate than ever.

성찰적 (reflective/introspective) + 절실하다 (to be desperate/urgent).

혐오 표현은 단순히 개인의 감정 표출을 넘어 공동체의 근간을 흔든다.

Hate speech goes beyond a simple expression of individual emotion and shakes the foundations of the community.

근간을 흔들다 (to shake the foundation).

법치주의 국가에서 혐오에 기반한 차별은 정당화될 수 없다.

In a state governed by the rule of law, discrimination based on hatred cannot be justified.

법치주의 (rule of law) + 정당화되다 (to be justified).

혐오의 역사는 인간이 어떻게 서로를 비인간화해 왔는지를 보여준다.

The history of hatred shows how humans have dehumanized each other.

비인간화 (dehumanization).

Common Collocations

혐오감을 느끼다

혐오를 유발하다

혐오의 대상

혐오 발언

혐오 시설

혐오 범죄

자기 혐오

여성 혐오 / 남성 혐오

혐오를 멈추다

혐오에 가득 차다

Common Phrases

혐오 주의

— An ideology or attitude centered on hatred. Often used to describe extremist groups.

혐오 주의는 민주주의의 적이다.

혐오 사이트

— Websites known for spreading hate speech or toxic content.

그는 혐오 사이트에서 활동한 전력이 있다.

혐오 세력

— Groups or forces that promote hatred within society.

사회적 혐오 세력에 맞서야 한다.

혐오의 시대

— A term describing the current era of social polarization and widespread hatred.

우리는 혐오의 시대를 살고 있다.

혐오의 피로도

— The social exhaustion felt due to constant exposure to hatred and conflict.

대중의 혐오의 피로도가 높아지고 있다.

혐오 프레임

— A rhetorical frame used to label something as hateful or to attack a group using hate.

상대방을 혐오 프레임에 가두지 마세요.

혐오를 조장하다

— To encourage or incite hatred.

가짜 뉴스는 혐오를 조장한다.

혐오가 만연하다

— When hatred is widespread or pervasive in society.

인터넷에는 혐오가 만연해 있다.

혐오 정서

— The general sentiment or atmosphere of hatred toward something.

반일 혐오 정서가 확산되었다.

혐오의 기제

— The mechanism or psychological process through which hatred works.

혐오의 기제를 이해하는 것이 중요하다.

Often Confused With

혐오 vs 증오

증오 is active, angry hate; 혐오 is revulsion and disgust.

혐오 vs 싫어함

싫어함 is a general dislike; 혐오 is much more intense and serious.

혐오 vs 공포

공포 is fear; while 혐오 can lead to fear, they are distinct emotions.

Idioms & Expressions

"혐오를 한 몸에 받다"

— To be the sole target of widespread public hatred or loathing.

그 정치인은 스캔들 이후 혐오를 한 몸에 받았다.

Journalistic

"눈 뜨고 볼 수 없는 혐오"

— A revulsion so strong that one cannot bear to even look at the object.

그 현장은 눈 뜨고 볼 수 없는 혐오로 가득했다.

Emphatic

"혐오의 칼날을 세우다"

— To direct sharp, aggressive hatred toward someone or something.

그들은 서로에게 혐오의 칼날을 세웠다.

Literary/Metaphorical

"혐오의 늪에 빠지다"

— To become deeply stuck in a state of hatred or loathing from which it is hard to escape.

사회가 점점 혐오의 늪에 빠지고 있다.

Social Commentary

"혐오가 뼛속까지 스며들다"

— When hatred is so deep that it seems to be in one's very bones.

그의 혐오는 뼛속까지 스며든 듯했다.

Descriptive

"혐오의 씨앗을 뿌리다"

— To say or do something that will eventually grow into widespread hatred.

그의 발언은 사회에 혐오의 씨앗을 뿌렸다.

Metaphorical

"혐오를 먹고 자라다"

— To gain power or influence by exploiting or encouraging hatred.

일부 극단주의 단체는 혐오를 먹고 자란다.

Political Commentary

"혐오의 불길을 지피다"

— To fuel or ignite existing feelings of hatred.

그 기사는 대중의 혐오의 불길을 지폈다.

Journalistic

"혐오의 벽을 쌓다"

— To create a divide between people based on mutual hatred.

우리는 서로 혐오의 벽을 쌓아서는 안 된다.

Rhetorical

"혐오를 씻어내다"

— To get rid of or cleanse feelings of hatred.

화해를 통해 혐오를 씻어내야 한다.

Inspirational

Easily Confused

혐오 vs 미움

Both mean 'hate' in some contexts.

미움 is personal and emotional, like a child's hate. 혐오 is visceral and often social.

동생에 대한 미움 (Childish hate) vs. 인종 혐오 (Racial hatred).

혐오 vs 경멸

Both involve negative feelings toward others.

경멸 is looking down on someone as inferior. 혐오 is being repulsed by them.

그는 가난한 사람을 경멸했다 vs. 그는 모든 폭력을 혐오했다.

혐오 vs 반감

Both are negative reactions.

반감 is a feeling of resistance or not liking a specific action/policy. 혐오 is deep loathing.

정부 정책에 대한 반감 vs. 성차별에 대한 혐오.

혐오 vs 불쾌

Both describe a negative state.

불쾌 is being 'annoyed' or 'unpleasant'. 혐오 is 'disgusted'.

무례한 말에 불쾌했다 vs. 잔인한 장면에 혐오를 느꼈다.

혐오 vs 환멸

Both are strong negative feelings.

환멸 is the disappointment when reality doesn't meet expectations. 혐오 is pure revulsion.

첫사랑에 대한 환멸 vs. 배신자에 대한 혐오.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Noun]을/를 혐오해요.

저는 거짓말을 혐오해요.

[Noun]은/는 정말 혐오스러워요.

그 벌레는 정말 혐오스러워요.

[Noun]에 대해 혐오감을 느끼다.

그는 폭력에 대해 혐오감을 느낀다.

[Noun]은/는 사회적 혐오의 대상이다.

그 범죄자는 사회적 혐오의 대상이다.

[Noun]은/는 혐오를 유발할 수 있다.

이 영화는 혐오를 유발할 수 있는 장면을 포함하고 있다.

혐오의 악순환을 끊어야 한다.

우리 사회는 혐오의 악순환을 끊어야 합니다.

혐오가 [Noun]로 변질되다.

단순한 오해가 혐오로 변질되었다.

혐오의 내면화가 [Noun]에 미치는 영향.

혐오의 내면화가 청소년들에게 미치는 영향은 지대하다.

Word Family

Nouns

혐오감 (sense of revulsion)

혐오자 (one who loathes)

혐오시설 (undesirable facility)

자기혐오 (self-loathing)

Verbs

혐오하다 (to loathe/abhor)

혐오당하다 (to be loathed - rare)

Adjectives

혐오스럽다 (to be disgusting/loathsome)

혐오적이다 (to be hateful/prejudiced)

증오 (hatred)

경멸 (contempt)

불쾌 (unpleasantness)

거부 (rejection)

차별 (discrimination)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news and social media; Low in casual everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '혐오하다' for small dislikes. → Use '싫어하다'.
혐오하다 is too strong for things like food or hobbies. It implies deep loathing.
Saying '그것은 혐오해요' to mean 'It is disgusting'. → 그것은 혐오스러워요.
혐오하다 is a transitive verb (someone hates something). 혐오스럽다 is the adjective (something is disgusting).
Confusing 혐오 with 증오. → Use 혐오 for revulsion/disgust; 증오 for angry resentment.
While similar, they have different emotional flavors. 혐오 is about 'yuck,' 증오 is about 'I want to get back at you.'
Using '극혐' with elders. → Use '정말 싫어합니다' or '혐오스럽습니다'.
극혐 is very casual slang and can be seen as disrespectful when used with superiors.
Mispronouncing 'hyeo' as two syllables. → Pronounce it as one fluid sound.
Splitting the diphthong makes it harder for native speakers to understand you quickly.

Tips

Don't Overuse It

혐오 is a heavy word. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact. If you use it for everything, you'll sound like an angry person.

Use with -감

When describing your own feelings, '혐오감을 느끼다' sounds more natural and less aggressive than '혐오하다'.

Be Careful with Groups

Using 혐오 when talking about social groups is very political in Korea. Be sure you understand the context before joining a debate.

Know '극혐' but be Careful

You'll hear '극혐' everywhere online. It's okay to understand it, but think twice before using it yourself in real life.

One Syllable for 'Hyeo'

Make sure 'hyeo' is one fluid sound. Don't break it into 'hee-yuh'.

NIMBY Facilities

Remember '혐오 시설' if you're reading about Korean urban life or real estate. It's a very common term.

Academic Tone

In formal writing, 혐오 is often paired with '담론' (discourse) or '기제' (mechanism).

News Keywords

Watch for '혐오' in news headlines to see how the word is used to describe current events.

Family Words

Learning '혐오스럽다' and '혐오감' together will help you use the word more flexibly.

Modern History

Understand that the word's current popularity is tied to recent social conflicts in Korea.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hyeo' (혀 - tongue) + 'Mo' (모 - hair). Imagine finding a hair on your tongue. That visceral 'yuck' feeling is 혐오.

Visual Association

Imagine a person pushing away a plate of rotten food with a look of pure disgust. The word 혐오 is written in dark, jagged letters on the plate.

Word Web

혐오 혐오감 혐오 발언 혐오 범죄 자기 혐오 혐오스럽다 혐오하다 극혐

Challenge

Try to find one news headline today that uses the word 혐오. Write down the context (is it about a crime, a facility, or social media?) and translate the headline.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Middle Chinese characters 嫌惡. The first character 嫌 (hyeom) means 'to dislike' or 'suspicion,' and the second character 惡 (o) means 'evil,' 'bad,' or 'to hate.'

Original meaning: Originally, it meant to feel a strong dislike or to find something morally bad and thus repulsive.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

This is a high-sensitivity word. Using it incorrectly can make you sound extremist or excessively rude. Be very careful using it to describe people unless you are making a serious moral or social point.

While English speakers use 'hate' for everything from Nazis to rainy days, Koreans use 혐오 almost exclusively for the 'Nazi' level of intensity or literal physical disgust.

The movie 'Parasite' (기생충) explores themes of class-based revulsion, which could be described as 혐오. The book 'The Age of Hatred' (혐오의 시대) by various Korean sociologists. Various K-Dramas that tackle the issue of school bullying and social exclusion.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Media

혐오 댓글 (hate comments)
혐오 표현 신고 (reporting hate speech)
혐오 사이트 차단 (blocking hate sites)
무분별한 혐오 (indiscriminate hatred)

Urban Planning

혐오 시설 유치 반대 (opposing undesirable facilities)
주거 지역 내 혐오 시설 (undesirable facilities in residential areas)
혐오 시설의 필요성 (necessity of undesirable facilities)
지역 주민의 혐오감 (sense of revulsion among residents)

Legal/Human Rights

혐오 범죄 처벌법 (hate crime punishment law)
혐오 표현 규제 (regulation of hate speech)
혐오에 기반한 폭력 (violence based on hatred)
혐오로부터의 보호 (protection from hatred)

Psychology

자기 혐오 극복 (overcoming self-loathing)
혐오의 심리학 (psychology of hatred)
혐오와 공포의 관계 (relationship between hatred and fear)
집단적 혐오 (collective hatred)

Movie/Art Reviews

혐오스러운 장면 (disgusting scenes)
혐오와 공포 (hatred and horror)
인간의 혐오를 다룬 영화 (movie dealing with human hatred)
시각적 혐오감 (visual revulsion)

Conversation Starters

"요즘 인터넷의 혐오 표현에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about hate speech on the internet these days?)"

"혐오 시설이 우리 동네에 들어온다면 찬성하시겠어요? (Would you agree if an undesirable facility was built in our neighborhood?)"

"자기 혐오를 극복하는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇일까요? (What is the best way to overcome self-loathing?)"

"영화에서 혐오스러운 장면이 나오는 것을 어떻게 보세요? (How do you view disgusting scenes appearing in movies?)"

"사회적 혐오를 줄이기 위해 교육이 어떤 역할을 해야 할까요? (What role should education play in reducing social hatred?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 살면서 가장 혐오감을 느꼈던 순간은 언제인가요? (When was the moment you felt the most revulsion in your life?)

우리 사회에서 가장 시급하게 해결해야 할 혐오 문제는 무엇이라고 생각합니까? (What hatred issue do you think is most urgent to solve in our society?)

혐오와 증오의 차이점에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어보세요. (Write your thoughts on the difference between 'hyeomo' and 'jeung-o'.)

만약 내가 혐오의 대상이 된다면 어떻게 대처할 것인가요? (How would you respond if you became an object of hatred?)

혐오 없는 세상을 만들기 위해 내가 할 수 있는 작은 실천은 무엇일까요? (What small actions can I take to make a world without hatred?)

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