겁내다

The word 겁내다 is a fundamental Korean verb used to express fear or apprehension. When you 겁내다, you are not just feeling a general sense of fear; you are actively worrying about or being intimidated by a specific thing or situation.

Think of it as the feeling you get right before doing something difficult or meeting someone you find intimidating. It is a very versatile word that fits into both casual conversations and slightly more serious discussions about overcoming obstacles.

Using this word helps you communicate your vulnerability or caution. It shows that you are aware of potential risks, which is a very human and relatable emotion to share with others.

The word 겁내다 is derived from the noun 겁 (geop), which means 'fear' or 'dread,' combined with the auxiliary verb 내다 (naeda), meaning 'to bring out' or 'to produce.'

Historically, in the Korean language, the suffix -내다 is often added to nouns to create verbs that describe the act of expressing or manifesting that emotion. Therefore, 겁내다 literally translates to 'to produce fear' or 'to bring out fear.'

This structure is common in Korean, similar to how we might say 'to show courage' or 'to express anger.' Over centuries, this term has remained a staple in the language for describing the psychological state of being intimidated by external circumstances.

You use 겁내다 when you want to describe someone who is afraid of a specific outcome. For example, you might say, 'Do not be afraid of failure,' which translates to '실패를 겁내지 마세요.'

It is frequently used with object markers like -를/을. You are usually 겁내다 something specific. It is perfectly acceptable in daily life, whether you are talking to a friend about a scary movie or discussing professional challenges with a colleague.

While it is neutral in tone, it carries a slightly more active nuance than just 'being scared.' It implies that the fear is currently influencing your actions or your decision-making process.

1. 겁을 먹다: To get scared (literally 'to eat fear'). Example: 'The child got scared of the dark.'
2. 겁도 없이: Without fear/recklessly. Example: 'He walked into the lion's den without fear.'
3. 겁쟁이: A coward. Example: 'Don't be such a coward!'
4. 겁을 주다: To intimidate someone. Example: 'The bully tried to scare the younger students.'
5. 겁이 나다: To feel fear. Example: 'I feel scared when I am alone at night.'

겁내다 is a regular verb. In the present tense, it becomes 겁내요 (polite) or 겁낸다 (plain). In the past tense, it is 겁냈다.

Pronunciation-wise, ensure the 'g' sound in geop is crisp. The 'ae' sound in nae should be flat and open. It is a three-syllable word that flows smoothly in a sentence.

When using this verb, you often combine it with the negative particle 안 or the ending -지 마세요 to tell someone not to be afraid. It is a very reliable verb that doesn't have irregular stem changes, making it easy for learners to master.