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기분 나쁘다

A2 phrase 14 min read

기분 나쁘다

gibun nappeuda

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 기분 나쁘다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 기분 나쁘다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to express basic feelings. 기분 나쁘다 (gibun nappeuda) is an important phrase because it helps you say "I feel bad" or "I'm in a bad mood." In Korean, 기분 (gibun) means 'mood' or 'feeling,' and 나쁘다 (nappeuda) means 'bad.' So when you put them together, you are describing your mood. At this stage, you should focus on the most common way to say it in a polite way: 기분 나빠요 (gibun nappayo). You can use this when you are tired, when things aren't going well, or when you are a little bit upset. It's a very direct way to share your emotion.

One thing to remember is that Korean adjectives like '나쁘다' change their shape when you use them in a sentence. This is called conjugation. For '기분 나쁘다', the ending changes to -아빠요. So, if your friend asks "How are you?" (기분 어때요?), and you are not feeling great, you can simply say "기분 나빠요." It's a simple but powerful tool for your daily conversations. At A1, don't worry too much about the deep nuances; just use it whenever you would say "I'm in a bad mood" in English. Also, try to learn its opposite: 기분 좋아요 (gibun joayo), which means "I feel good!" Having these two phrases will help you express a wide range of basic human emotions very easily.

As an A2 learner, you can start to use 기분 나쁘다 in more specific ways. You've likely noticed that it's not just about being 'sad.' It's often used when you are offended or annoyed by something someone else did. For example, if a friend makes a joke that you don't like, you can say "그 말은 좀 기분 나빠요" (That comment makes me feel a bit bad/offended). This is a key way to set boundaries in Korean. You also start to see the -이/가 marker being used more: 기분이 나쁘다. While often dropped in casual speech, using the marker makes your sentence more complete and clear.

At this level, you should also learn how to use it in the past tense: 기분 나빴어요 (gibun nappasseoyo). This allows you to talk about how you felt yesterday or earlier in the day. You might also encounter the adverb form 기분 나쁘게 (gibun nappeuge), which means "unpleasantly" or "in a way that makes me feel bad." For example, "기분 나쁘게 듣지 마세요" (Don't take this the wrong way) is a very common phrase you'll hear in conversations. It shows that you are aware of the other person's feelings. Understanding that '기분 나쁘다' can also describe a 'creepy' feeling or an 'unpleasant' atmosphere is also a great step forward for an A2 student. It's more than just a mood; it's a reaction to the world around you.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the different nuances of 기분 나쁘다 and start comparing it with other similar words. You now understand that while '기분 나쁘다' is a general term, words like 속상하다 (to be upset) or 짜증나다 (to be annoyed) might be more precise depending on the situation. For instance, '속상하다' is often used when you are hurt by someone you care about, whereas '기분 나쁘다' can be used for strangers or when you feel a sense of disgust. You should also be aware of the 'ㅡ' irregular conjugation rule that applies to '나쁘다', ensuring your speech is grammatically accurate even in complex sentences.

You can now use the phrase in conditional sentences like "기분 나쁘면 바로 말해 줘" (If you feel bad, tell me right away). This shows a higher level of social awareness and fluency. You'll also start to notice this phrase in more varied media, like news reports or variety shows, where it's used to describe public sentiment or a celebrity's reaction to a prank. At B1, you should also pay attention to the register. You know that saying '기분 나빠요' to a teacher might be too direct, so you might choose a softer expression like '기분이 좀 안 좋아요' (My mood isn't very good). This ability to adjust your language based on who you are talking to is a hallmark of the B1 level. You are not just translating words; you are navigating Korean social norms.

By the B2 level, you are exploring the deeper psychological and cultural implications of 기분 (mood/feeling) in Korean society. You understand that '기분' is a collective concern, and expressing that your '기분' is '나쁘다' (bad) is a significant communicative act. You can use the phrase to describe subtle atmospheres, such as 기분 나쁜 침묵 (an unpleasant/awkward silence) or 기분 나쁜 예감 (a bad premonition). These abstract usages show that you've moved beyond simple emotional states into describing the 'vibe' of a situation. Your vocabulary is expanding to include more formal synonyms like 불쾌하다 (unpleasant/offensive), and you know exactly when to use them instead of the more common '기분 나쁘다'.

You are also proficient in using the phrase in complex grammatical structures, such as 기분 나쁠 정도로 (to the point of feeling bad/offended). For example, "그 사람은 기분 나쁠 정도로 무례했어요" (That person was rude to the point of making me feel bad). This level of expression allows you to provide detailed descriptions of your experiences. You also understand the use of '기분 나쁘다' in literature and film, where it might be used to foreshadow something sinister or to highlight a character's internal conflict. At B2, you are beginning to 'feel' the word in the same way a native speaker does, recognizing its weight in different social and narrative contexts.

At the C1 level, your use of 기분 나쁘다 is sophisticated and contextually precise. You are aware of the subtle differences between '기분이 나쁘다' and its related forms like 기분을 잡치다 (to ruin one's mood) or 언짢다 (to be displeased). You can engage in deep discussions about emotional well-being and social harmony using these terms. You might use '기분 나쁘다' to critique a piece of art or a film that intentionally makes the audience feel uncomfortable for a specific purpose. Your understanding of the word's etymology and its place within the broader spectrum of Korean 'jeong' and social hierarchy is well-developed.

You can also handle the phrase in high-level writing, such as essays or professional emails, where you might use it to describe a 'negative atmosphere' or 'unpleasant experience' with the appropriate level of formality and indirectness. You are skilled at using 기분 나쁘게 (unpleasantly) as an adverb to modify a wide range of verbs, capturing the exact nuance of an interaction. At this stage, you are also sensitive to how the phrase might be perceived in different regional dialects or among different age groups in Korea. You don't just know the word; you know its social 'weight' and can use it to influence the '기분' of others or to protect your own in a culturally appropriate manner.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 기분 나쁘다 and its entire semantic field. You can use the phrase with perfect irony, sarcasm, or poetic nuance. You understand its role in traditional Korean thought regarding the flow of 'gi' (energy) and how a 'bad mood' was historically seen as a disturbance in one's vital energy. You can effortlessly switch between slang, standard Korean, and highly formal language when expressing or discussing negative emotions. You might use the phrase in a philosophical context to discuss the nature of human reaction to unpleasant stimuli or the ethics of causing someone else to feel '기분 나쁘다'.

Your mastery extends to the most subtle idiomatic expressions and literary uses. You can appreciate how a writer might use '기분 나쁘다' to evoke a specific historical or social period's tension. You are also an expert at using the phrase to navigate the most delicate social situations, knowing exactly when a direct '기분 나빠요' is necessary for self-advocacy and when a more veiled, sophisticated alternative is required to maintain 'chemyeon' (face). At C2, the phrase is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic repertoire, used with the same intuition and cultural depth as a native Korean speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

기분 나쁘다 in 30 Seconds

Core meaning: To feel bad or be in a bad mood.
Broad usage: Covers offense, irritation, and creepiness.
Grammar: An 'ㅡ' irregular adjective (나쁘다 -> 나빠요).
Social: A direct expression of negative feelings; use carefully with superiors.

The Korean phrase 기분 나쁘다 (gibun nappeuda) is a multifaceted expression that translates most directly to "to feel bad" or "to be in a bad mood." However, its usage in Korean culture is significantly broader and more nuanced than its English counterparts. At its core, the phrase combines the noun 기분 (gibun), which refers to one's internal mood, atmosphere, or feeling, with the adjective 나쁘다 (nappeuda), meaning bad. Together, they describe a state where one's emotional equilibrium is disturbed or negative. This is not just about sadness; it encompasses irritation, offense, disgust, and general dissatisfaction. When a Korean speaker says they are '기분 나쁘다', they are often signaling that something has crossed their personal boundaries or that their current state of mind is unpleasant due to external stimuli or internal reflection. It is an essential phrase for expressing personal boundaries and emotional responses in daily life.

Emotional State: This refers to a general feeling of being upset or cranky. For example, waking up on the wrong side of the bed or having a long, exhausting day at work can lead to this state. It is a internal reflection of one's current mood.
Reaction to Offense: Very commonly, this phrase is used when someone says something rude or insulting. If a colleague makes a snide remark about your performance, you would feel '기분 나쁘다'. In this context, it translates more closely to 'being offended' or 'having hurt feelings'.
Physical Disgust: Interestingly, the phrase can also be triggered by sensory experiences. A creepy person staring at you, a foul smell in an alleyway, or an unpleasant texture can make you feel '기분 나쁘다'. Here, it describes a sense of 'creepiness' or 'unpleasantness' that affects your mood.

Understanding the social hierarchy is crucial when using this phrase. Because it is a direct expression of negative emotion, saying it to a superior (like a boss or an elder) can be seen as confrontational or impolite unless used with very soft grammar or in a specific context of sharing vulnerability. Conversely, in peer groups or towards subordinates, it is a very common way to vent frustration. It is also important to note that '기분 나쁘다' is an adjective in Korean grammar, meaning it describes a state rather than an action. You don't 'do' it; you 'are' in that state. This reflects a linguistic tendency in Korean to view emotions as states of being that occur rather than active choices.

그 말을 들으니 정말 기분 나쁘다. (Hearing those words really makes me feel bad/offended.)

Furthermore, the phrase is often used in the negative to reassure others. Saying "기분 나쁘게 생각하지 마세요" (Please don't take this the wrong way / Don't feel bad about this) is a common social lubricant when delivering constructive criticism or bad news. This highlights the collective nature of Korean communication, where the speaker is constantly monitoring the '기분' (mood/feeling) of the listener to maintain harmony. In summary, '기분 나쁘다' covers a spectrum from a mild 'unpleasant feeling' to 'deep offense' and 'disgust'. It is more about the internal reaction to an external stimulus than just a synonym for sadness.

왜 그렇게 기분 나쁜 표정이야? (Why do you have such an unpleasant/bad-mood expression?)

Environmental Usage: Used when the weather is humid and sticky, making one feel irritable. This is often described as '기분 나쁘게 덥다' (unpleasantly hot).

In popular media, you will often hear characters say "기분 나빠!" when they are being teased or when they encounter a villainous character. It serves as a quick linguistic marker for the audience to understand the character's immediate emotional rejection of a situation. For learners, mastering this phrase allows for a more authentic expression of discomfort than simply saying "I'm angry" (화나요) or "I'm sad" (슬퍼요), as it captures that specific middle ground of 'feeling bad' that we experience so often in social interactions.

Using 기분 나쁘다 correctly involves understanding its conjugation and its role as a descriptive verb (adjective) in Korean. Since it describes a state, it follows the rules for adjectives. In its base form, it is '기분 나쁘다', but in conversation, it changes based on the level of politeness and the tense required. The most common polite form is 기분 나빠요 (gibun nappayo), while the informal/casual form is 기분 나빠 (gibun nappa). If you are speaking in a formal setting, such as a presentation or to a much higher-ranking person, you would use 기분 나쁩니다 (gibun nappeumnida). The root of the word is '나쁘-', and because it ends in 'ㅡ', it follows a specific irregular conjugation pattern where the 'ㅡ' drops when adding '-아/어'.

어제는 기분이 나빴어요. (I felt bad yesterday.)

When constructing sentences, you can use the subject marker -이/가 with 기분 to emphasize the mood itself: 기분이 나쁘다. However, in casual speech, the marker is frequently dropped: 기분 나빠. To describe a specific cause for the bad mood, you can use the -아/어/여서 (because) structure. For example, "시험을 못 봐서 기분 나빠요" (I feel bad because I didn't do well on the exam). Another common pattern is using it as a modifier before a noun. In this case, '나쁘다' becomes 나쁜 (nappeun). So, "기분 나쁜 소식" means "bad/unpleasant news," and "기분 나쁜 사람" could mean an "unpleasant or creepy person."

Present Tense: 기분 나빠요 (Polite), 기분 나빠 (Casual), 기분 나쁩니다 (Formal). Used for current feelings.
Past Tense: 기분 나빴어요 (Polite), 기분 나빴어 (Casual). Used to describe how you felt in the past.
Future/Supposition: 기분 나쁠 거예요 (Polite). 'It will probably feel bad' or 'I will probably be in a bad mood.'

Adverbial usage is also very frequent. By adding -게 to the stem, you get 기분 나쁘게 (gibun nappeuge), which means "unpleasantly" or "in a way that makes one feel bad." You might say, "그 사람이 나를 기분 나쁘게 쳐다봤어요" (That person stared at me in an unpleasant/creepy way). This is a powerful way to describe the *manner* in which an action affected your emotions. You can also use it to set a condition: "기분 나쁘면 말해 주세요" (If you feel bad/offended, please tell me). This shows how the phrase is used to negotiate social boundaries and comfort levels in real-time interactions.

In more complex sentences, you might see the phrase used with the -ㄴ/은 것 같다 (seems like) ending to soften the statement. "기분 나쁜 것 같아요" (It seems like [he/she] is in a bad mood) is a polite way to speculate about someone else's feelings without being too direct or presumptive. This indirectness is a hallmark of sophisticated Korean speech. Conversely, to emphasize the intensity, you can add adverbs like 정말 (really), 진짜 (truly), or 매우 (very). "진짜 기분 나빠!" is a common exclamation of genuine frustration or disgust.

기분 나쁘게 들릴 수도 있겠지만...
(This might sound offensive, but...)

Finally, consider the contrast between 기분이 안 좋다 (mood is not good) and 기분이 나쁘다 (mood is bad). While often used interchangeably, '기분이 나쁘다' often carries a stronger, more active sense of being offended or finding something repulsive, whereas '기분이 안 좋다' can be a more neutral or mild way to say you aren't feeling particularly happy. Choosing '나쁘다' adds a layer of 'unpleasantness' that '안 좋다' might lack.

In Korea, you will encounter 기분 나쁘다 in a vast array of contexts, from high-stakes K-Dramas to quiet conversations in a neighborhood cafe. It is one of those 'bread and butter' phrases that captures the daily friction of human interaction. In the workplace, for instance, you might hear a colleague whispering to another, "부장님이 오늘 기분이 나쁘신 것 같아" (It seems like the department manager is in a bad mood today). Here, it serves as a warning to tread carefully and avoid asking for favors. This usage highlights the phrase's role as a tool for social navigation and 'nunchi' (the ability to read the room).

K-Dramas and Movies: Characters often use '기분 나빠' during arguments. It's the classic response to a villain's taunt or a betrayal. It signals to the audience that the protagonist's pride or feelings have been wounded.
Customer Service: While customers might use this to complain about poor service ("불친절해서 기분 나빠요"), staff will rarely use it themselves, as it is too direct. Instead, they might apologize if a customer feels this way.
Social Media: On platforms like KakaoTalk or Instagram, people post '기분 나빠' with an emoji to vent about a bad day, a rude comment from a stranger, or even just the gloomy weather.

Another frequent setting is in discussions about 'vibe' or 'atmosphere'. If a place feels eerie or unwelcoming, a Korean person might say, "여기 분위기가 좀 기분 나쁘지 않아?" (Doesn't the atmosphere here feel a bit unpleasant/creepy?). This usage extends the phrase from a purely internal emotion to a description of the environment's effect on the individual. It is common when talking about haunted houses, dark alleys, or even just a store where the staff is glaring at customers. The phrase captures that 'gut feeling' that something is off.

A: 왜 그래? 무슨 일 있어? (What's wrong? Did something happen?)
B: 아니, 그냥 좀 기분 나쁜 꿈을 꿨어. (No, I just had an unpleasant/disturbing dream.)

In romantic relationships, '기분 나쁘다' is a key phrase for expressing hurt feelings. If one partner forgets an anniversary or says something insensitive, the other might say, "나 지금 진짜 기분 나빠" (I'm really offended/upset right now). It's a more serious declaration than just saying 'I'm annoyed' (짜증나), as it implies the '기분' (the core mood) has been negatively impacted. It's an invitation for the other person to apologize and rectify the situation. Understanding this helps learners realize that '기분 나쁘다' is often a call for emotional validation.

Lastly, you will hear it in the context of health and physical sensations, though less commonly than emotional ones. If someone feels a 'sickly' or 'unpleasant' sensation in their stomach that isn't quite pain but is definitely not good, they might use this phrase. However, its primary domain remains the psychological and social sphere. Whether it's the reaction to a 'bad vibe' in a room or the sting of a sharp word, '기분 나쁘다' is the linguistic container for that specific, uncomfortable feeling.

For English speakers learning Korean, the most common mistake is over-relying on 기분 나쁘다 as a direct translation for "I'm sad." While feeling bad can include sadness, Korean has a specific word for sadness: 슬프다 (seulpeuda). If you say "기분 나빠요" when you are actually crying over a sad movie, it will sound strange. '기분 나쁘다' implies a level of irritation or offense that '슬프다' does not. Another frequent error is confusing it with 아프다 (apeuda), which means to be in physical pain or sick. While a 'bad mood' can sometimes be caused by being sick, you shouldn't use '기분 나쁘다' to tell a doctor your head hurts.

Mistake: Using it for 'Sadness': Incorrect: (Watching a sad movie) 기분 나빠요.
Correct: 슬퍼요. (It's sad.)
Mistake: Misconjugation: Incorrect: 기분 나쁘아요.
Correct: 기분 나빠요. (The 'ㅡ' irregular rule must be applied.)
Mistake: Directness with Superiors: Using '기분 나빠요' directly to a boss can be very rude. It sounds like a complaint or an accusation. It's better to use more indirect language like '조금 속상합니다' (I'm a bit upset).

Another nuance that learners often miss is the 'creepy' or 'disgusting' aspect. Because English speakers associate 'bad mood' purely with emotions, they might not realize they can use '기분 나쁘다' to describe a weird person on the subway. If you only use it for 'mood,' you are missing out on half of its utility. Conversely, avoid using it to mean 'bad' in a general sense. You can't say "This food is 기분 나쁘다" to mean it tastes bad; for that, you must use 맛없다 (maseopda). However, if the food has a 'creepy' texture like a bug, then '기분 나쁘다' might actually work!

Don't confuse with:
1. 화나다 (To be angry) - More active and explosive.
2. 짜증나다 (To be annoyed) - More about irritation with a situation.

Linguistically, some learners forget that 기분 is the subject and 나쁘다 is the adjective. While you can say "I feel bad" in English, in Korean, it's more like "The mood is bad (for me)." This is why you see the subject marker '-이' used: 기분이 나쁘다. Forgetting the '이' is fine in casual speech, but in writing, it's good to include it. Also, be careful with the word 기분 나쁘게 (gibun nappeuge). If you start a sentence with "기분 나쁘게 듣지 마세요" (Don't take this the wrong way), you are signaling that what you are about to say is likely going to be offensive. If you say this too often, it can make you seem like someone who enjoys being blunt or rude.

Lastly, pay attention to the intensity. If you are just 'not in the best mood,' 기분이 별로예요 (My mood is just so-so/not great) is often a safer and more common way to express a mild negative state than the stronger '기분 나빠요'. '나쁘다' is quite definitive. It's like the difference between saying "I'm not feeling great" and "I feel terrible/offended." Choosing the right level of intensity will make your Korean sound much more natural and empathetic to the social context.

While 기분 나쁘다 is extremely versatile, Korean offers many synonyms that allow for more precise emotional expression. Depending on whether you are annoyed, deeply hurt, or just feeling 'meh,' you might choose a different word. One of the closest synonyms is 불쾌하다 (bulkweh-hada). This word is more formal and is often used to describe a feeling of 'unpleasantness' or 'discomfort' caused by someone else's behavior or a specific environment. It's the kind of word you'd see in a formal complaint or a news report about sexual harassment or public nuisance.

속상하다 (Soksang-hada): This translates to 'to be upset' or 'to have one's heart hurt.' It's used when things don't go your way or when someone hurts your feelings. It's softer and more vulnerable than '기분 나쁘다'.
언짢다 (Eonjjan-ta): A more sophisticated and slightly formal word for being 'displeased' or 'uncomfortable.' It's often used by elders or in formal contexts to show they are unhappy with a situation without being overly emotional.
짜증나다 (Jjajeung-nada): This means 'to be annoyed' or 'frustrated.' It's very common among young people. While '기분 나쁘다' is about the mood, '짜증나다' is about the irritation caused by a specific recurring problem or a person's behavior.

If you want to express that you are 'offended' specifically, you could use 기분 상하다 (gibun sang-hada). '상하다' means to go bad or to be damaged (like spoiled milk). So, '기분 상하다' literally means your mood has been 'spoiled' or 'damaged' by something. This is a very common alternative when you want to emphasize that your feelings were hurt by a specific event. On the other hand, if you just want to say you are in a 'bad mood' in a general, non-specific way, 기분이 저조하다 (gibuni jeojohada) is a more formal/academic way to say your mood is 'low' or 'depressed'.

Comparison:
- 기분 나쁘다: General bad mood / Offended / Creepy.
- 불쾌하다: Formal unpleasantness / Discomfort.
- 속상하다: Upset / Hurt feelings (softer).

For the 'creepy' aspect of '기분 나쁘다', a more specific alternative is 으스스하다 (euseuseu-hada), which means 'chilly' or 'spooky' in a way that gives you goosebumps. However, '기분 나쁘다' is still very commonly used even for that. If you are describing a person who is 'shady' or 'creepy,' you might use 수상하다 (susang-hada), which means 'suspicious.' But again, '기분 나쁜 사람' is the more visceral way to say they give you a bad vibe. Understanding these alternatives allows you to paint a much more detailed picture of your emotional state and the world around you.

Finally, let's look at the opposites. The most obvious is 기분 좋다 (gibun jota), meaning to feel good or be in a great mood. Others include 유쾌하다 (yukweh-hada) for 'pleasant/cheerful' and 상쾌하다 (sangkweh-hada) for 'refreshed.' By learning these as a set, you can quickly categorize your feelings. Whether it's the 'bulkweh' of a crowded bus or the 'soksang' of a failed test, you now have a toolkit of words to replace or supplement '기분 나쁘다' depending on the exact 'flavor' of the bad feeling you are experiencing.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'gi' (氣) in 'gibun' is the same 'chi' used in Chinese medicine and martial arts, referring to vital energy. So '기분 나쁘다' literally means your vital energy is divided or distributed in a bad way.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ki.bun na.p͈ɯ.da/

US /ki.bun nɑ.p͈u.dɑ/

The stress is relatively even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable of 'nappeuda' due to the tense double consonant.

Rhymes With

바쁘다 (bappeuda - to be busy) 예쁘다 (yeppeuda - to be pretty) 아프다 (apeuda - to be sick/hurt) 고프다 (goppeuda - to be hungry) 슬프다 (seulpeuda - to be sad) 기쁘다 (gippeuda - to be happy) 가쁘다 (gappeuda - to be breathless) 미쁘다 (mippeuda - to be trustworthy)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'pp' as a soft 'p'. It must be tense (pp).
Forgetting to conjugate: saying '기분 나쁘다' instead of '기분 나빠요' in speech.
Mispronouncing the 'eu' (ㅡ) in 'nappeuda' as 'oo' (ㅜ).
Adding a 'g' sound to 'nappeuda' (there is no 'g').
Treating it as two separate words with a long pause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once you know '기분' and '나쁘다'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'ㅡ' irregular conjugation.

Speaking 2/5

Very common and easy to use in daily life.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, often spoken with clear emotional emphasis.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

기분 나쁘다 좋다 사람 말

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속상하다 짜증나다 불쾌하다 언짢다

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기분을 잡치다 감정의 골 불쾌지수

Grammar to Know

ㅡ Irregular Conjugation

나쁘다 + 어요 -> 나빠요

Adjective to Adverb (-게)

기분 나쁘다 -> 기분 나쁘게

Adjective to Modifier (-ㄴ/은)

기분 나쁘다 -> 기분 나쁜 (사람)

Reasoning with -아/어서

기분 나빠서 안 먹어요.

Change of state -아/어지다

기분이 나빠졌어요.

Examples by Level

오늘 기분 나빠요.

I feel bad today.

Simple present polite form.

기분이 나빠요.

My mood is bad.

Using the subject marker -이.

왜 기분 나빠요?

Why do you feel bad?

Question form.

그거 기분 나빠요.

That makes me feel bad.

Referring to a specific thing.

기분 나빠? (Casual)

Are you in a bad mood?

Informal/Banmal form.

정말 기분 나빠요.

I really feel bad.

Using '정말' for emphasis.

기분 나빠요. 미안해요.

I feel bad. I'm sorry.

Combining two simple sentences.

기분 나빠서 학교 안 가요.

I'm not going to school because I feel bad.

Using -아/어서 for reason.

어제는 기분이 나빴어요.

I felt bad yesterday.

Past tense polite form.

그 사람이 나를 기분 나쁘게 봐요.

That person is looking at me in an unpleasant way.

Adverbial form -게.

기분 나쁜 꿈을 꿨어요.

I had an unpleasant dream.

Modifier form -ㄴ before a noun.

말하지 마세요. 기분 나빠요.

Don't talk. I'm in a bad mood.

Imperative -지 마세요 with feeling.

비가 와서 기분이 나빠졌어요.

The rain made my mood turn bad.

Using -아/어지다 for change of state.

기분 나쁘게 생각하지 마세요.

Please don't take it the wrong way.

Common social phrase.

왜 그렇게 기분 나쁜 표정이에요?

Why do you have such an unpleasant expression?

Describing a facial expression.

그 소식은 정말 기분 나쁘네요.

That news is really unpleasant/upsetting.

Using -네요 for exclamation/realization.

기분 나쁘면 바로 말씀해 주세요.

If you feel offended, please tell me right away.

Conditional -면 and honorific -세요.

그의 무례한 행동 때문에 기분이 나빴다.

I felt bad because of his rude behavior.

Plain style -다 ending.

기분 나쁜 일이 생겨서 일찍 집에 왔어요.

Something unpleasant happened, so I came home early.

Noun phrase '기분 나쁜 일'.

남의 험담을 들으면 기분이 나쁘기 마련이다.

It's natural to feel bad when you hear gossip about others.

-기 마련이다 (it is bound to happen).

기분이 나빠서 아무것도 하고 싶지 않아요.

I'm in such a bad mood that I don't want to do anything.

-고 싶지 않다 (don't want to).

그 영화는 분위기가 좀 기분 나빴어요.

That movie's atmosphere was a bit creepy/unpleasant.

Describing atmosphere.

기분 나쁘게 들릴 수도 있겠지만 사실이에요.

It might sound offensive, but it's the truth.

-ㄹ 수도 있겠지만 (might..., but...).

자꾸 그렇게 말하면 기분 나빠질 거야.

If you keep talking like that, I'm going to get upset.

Future change of state -아/어질 거다.

그는 기분 나쁠 정도로 나를 빤히 쳐다봤다.

He stared at me so much it was unpleasant.

-ㄹ 정도로 (to the extent that...).

기분 나쁜 예감이 들어서 발길을 돌렸다.

I had a bad premonition, so I turned back.

Abstract usage: 'premonition'.

상대방의 기분을 나쁘게 하는 말은 삼가야 한다.

One should refrain from saying things that make others feel bad.

-아/어야 한다 (must/should).

그의 사과는 오히려 나를 더 기분 나쁘게 만들었다.

His apology actually made me feel even worse.

-게 만들다 (to make someone feel...).

기분 나쁜 일이 있어도 겉으로는 웃어야 했다.

Even if something unpleasant happened, I had to smile on the outside.

-아/어도 (even if).

그 방에서는 기분 나쁜 냄새가 났다.

There was an unpleasant/disgusting smell in that room.

Sensory usage.

기분 나쁜 농담은 분위기를 망칠 뿐이다.

Offensive jokes only ruin the atmosphere.

-ㄹ 뿐이다 (only/nothing but).

그녀의 차가운 태도에 기분이 몹시 나빴다.

I felt very bad due to her cold attitude.

Using '몹시' (extremely).

기분 나쁘게 들리지 않도록 최대한 완곡하게 표현했다.

I expressed it as euphemistically as possible so it wouldn't sound offensive.

-지 않도록 (so that... not).

그의 말속에는 기분 나쁜 가시가 돋쳐 있었다.

There were unpleasant thorns (hidden barbs) in his words.

Metaphorical usage.

기분 나쁜 상황을 모면하기 위해 화제를 돌렸다.

I changed the subject to avoid an unpleasant situation.

Using '모면하다' (to avoid/evade).

그 장소의 기분 나쁜 아우라에 압도당하는 느낌이었다.

I felt overwhelmed by the unpleasant aura of that place.

Describing a complex 'aura'.

사소한 오해가 기분 나쁜 감정의 골을 깊게 만들었다.

A minor misunderstanding deepened the rift of unpleasant feelings.

Advanced idiom: '감정의 골' (rift of feelings).

기분 나쁜 일을 겪고 나면 한동안 마음이 가라앉지 않는다.

After going through something unpleasant, my heart doesn't settle for a while.

-고 나면 (after doing...).

그의 눈빛에는 형용할 수 없는 기분 나쁜 기운이 서려 있었다.

There was an indescribable, unpleasant energy in his eyes.

Using '서려 있다' (to be permeated/suffused).

기분 나쁜 기억은 왜 이리도 선명하게 남는 것일까?

Why do unpleasant memories remain so vividly?

Rhetorical question form.

인간의 무의식 저편에는 기분 나쁜 공포가 도사리고 있다.

In the depths of the human subconscious, an unpleasant fear lies in wait.

Philosophical/Psychological usage.

그 문학 작품은 독자로 하여금 기분 나쁜 카타르시스를 느끼게 한다.

That literary work makes the reader feel an unpleasant catharsis.

-로 하여금 (making/letting someone...).

기분 나쁜 예감이 적중했을 때의 그 서늘함이란 말로 다 할 수 없다.

The chill when an unpleasant premonition comes true is beyond words.

-란... 말로 다 할 수 없다 (is beyond words).

사회 전반에 퍼진 기분 나쁜 냉소주의가 우려스럽다.

The unpleasant cynicism spread throughout society is worrying.

Societal critique.

그의 문체는 기분 나쁠 정도로 치밀하고 집요했다.

His writing style was meticulously and relentlessly unpleasant.

Critiquing style.

기분 나쁜 과거의 잔재를 털어내기란 쉽지 않은 일이다.

It is no easy task to shake off the remnants of an unpleasant past.

-기란... (as for doing...).

그 공간이 주는 기분 나쁜 압박감은 시간이 갈수록 더해갔다.

The unpleasant sense of pressure from that space intensified over time.

Describing psychological pressure.

기분 나쁜 침묵은 때로 어떤 말보다 더 많은 것을 시사한다.

An unpleasant silence sometimes suggests more than any words.

Abstract suggestion.

Common Collocations

기분이 몹시 나쁘다

기분 나쁘게 들리다

기분 나쁜 표정

기분 나쁜 냄새

기분 나쁜 예감

기분 나쁜 꿈

기분이 나빠지다

기분 나쁘게 쳐다보다

기분 나쁜 사람

기분 나쁜 소문

Common Phrases

기분 나빠!

— I'm in a bad mood! / I'm offended!

나 진짜 기분 나빠!

기분 나쁘게 생각하지 마세요.

— Don't take it the wrong way / Don't feel bad about it.

기분 나쁘게 생각하지 마시고 들어주세요.

기분 나빠요?

— Are you in a bad mood? / Are you offended?

혹시 제 말 때문에 기분 나빠요?

기분 나쁜 일이 있어요?

— Is something wrong? / Did something bad happen?

얼굴이 안 좋은데 기분 나쁜 일이 있어요?

기분 나쁠 거 없잖아.

— There's no reason to feel bad/offended.

그냥 농담인데 기분 나쁠 거 없잖아.

기분이 아주 나빠졌다.

— My mood became very bad.

그 소식을 듣고 기분이 아주 나빠졌다.

기분 나쁜 티를 내다

— To show/express that one is in a bad mood.

그는 사장님 앞에서도 기분 나쁜 티를 냈다.

기분 나쁘게 하지 마.

— Don't make me feel bad / Don't offend me.

제발 나 좀 기분 나쁘게 하지 마.

기분 나쁜 소리

— Unpleasant sound or offensive talk.

그런 기분 나쁜 소리는 하지 마세요.

기분 나빠 죽겠다

— I'm feeling so bad I could die (hyperbole).

오늘 진짜 기분 나빠 죽겠어.

Often Confused With

기분 나쁘다 vs 슬프다

Slpeuda means 'sad'. 기분 나쁘다 is 'offended/annoyed/bad mood'.

기분 나쁘다 vs 아프다

Apeuda is physical pain or sickness. 기분 나쁘다 is emotional mood.

기분 나쁘다 vs 화나다

Hwanada is 'to be angry'. 기분 나쁘다 is a broader, sometimes more passive 'bad mood'.

Idioms & Expressions

"기분을 잡치다"

— To spoil or ruin someone's mood completely.

비가 와서 여행 기분을 잡쳤다.

Colloquial

"기분이 상하다"

— To have one's feelings hurt or pride wounded.

친구의 무시하는 말투에 기분이 상했다.

Neutral

"기분이 바닥을 치다"

— To be in the worst possible mood (hit rock bottom).

오늘 내 기분은 바닥을 쳤어.

Slang

"기분 전환을 하다"

— To do something to change one's mood for the better.

기분 나쁠 때는 기분 전환을 해야 해.

Neutral

"기분이 언짢다"

— To be displeased in a dignified or formal way.

선생님께서 기분이 언짢으신 것 같다.

Formal

"기분이 풀리다"

— For one's bad mood to dissipate or be resolved.

맛있는 걸 먹으니 기분이 풀렸다.

Neutral

"기분 나쁜 가시"

— Hidden barbs or insults in someone's speech.

그의 말에는 기분 나쁜 가시가 있다.

Literary

"기분이 들뜨다"

— To be in a restless or overly excited mood (can be negative or positive).

기분이 나빠서 마음이 들떠 있다.

Neutral

"기분을 맞추다"

— To try to please someone or cater to their mood.

그의 기분을 맞추기가 정말 힘들다.

Neutral

"기분이 뒤숭숭하다"

— To feel uneasy, troubled, or restless in one's mood.

꿈 자리가 사나워 기분이 뒤숭숭하다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

기분 나쁘다 vs 불쾌하다

Both mean 'unpleasant'.

불쾌하다 is more formal and often implies a violation of social norms or physical discomfort.

그의 행동은 매우 불쾌했다.

기분 나쁘다 vs 속상하다

Both involve feeling bad.

속상하다 is specifically about being 'upset' or 'hurt' because something didn't go well.

장난감이 고장 나서 속상해요.

기분 나쁘다 vs 짜증나다

Both are negative feelings.

짜증나다 is 'annoyance' or 'frustration'. 기분 나쁘다 is the 'mood' resulting from it.

동생이 자꾸 귀찮게 해서 짜증나요.

기분 나쁘다 vs 언짢다

Both mean 'displeased'.

언짢다 is more refined/formal and used to describe a superior's or an elder's state.

할아버지는 기분이 언짢으셨다.

기분 나쁘다 vs 찝찝하다

Both describe unpleasant feelings.

찝찝하다 is specifically an 'uneasy' or 'icky' feeling, often after doing something wrong or seeing something dirty.

손을 안 씻어서 찝찝해요.

Sentence Patterns

기분 나빠요.

지금 기분 나빠요.

N 때문에 기분 나빠요.

비 때문에 기분 나빠요.

기분 나쁜 N

기분 나쁜 사람이에요.

V-아서 기분 나빠요.

시험을 못 봐서 기분 나빠요.

기분 나쁘게 V

기분 나쁘게 말하지 마세요.

기분 나쁠 정도로 ADJ

기분 나쁠 정도로 추워요.

기분 나쁜 예감이 들다

기분 나쁜 예감이 들어서 멈췄다.

기분 나쁜 침묵이 흐르다

방 안에 기분 나쁜 침묵이 흘렀다.

Word Family

Nouns

기분 (mood)

나쁨 (badness/negativity)

Verbs

기분 나빠하다 (to show/feel that one is in a bad mood - used for third person)

Adjectives

나쁘다 (bad)

기분 나쁜 (unpleasant/offending)

기분 좋다

기분 전환

기분 상하다

기분파

분위기

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

Saying '기분 나쁘아요' → 기분 나빠요
The 'ㅡ' irregular rule means 'ㅡ' disappears when adding '-아요'.
Using it for physical pain → 머리가 아파요
'기분 나쁘다' is for mood, '아프다' is for physical pain.
Using it for sadness → 슬퍼요
'기분 나쁘다' is more about irritation or offense than pure sadness.
Using it directly to a boss → 기분이 조금 안 좋습니다
It is too blunt for formal hierarchy; use softer, more indirect language.
Saying '맛이 기분 나빠요' for bad taste → 맛없어요
'기분 나쁘다' describes mood, not the quality of flavor, unless the texture is creepy.

Tips

Soften the blow

When telling someone they are making you feel bad, add '조금' (a little) to sound less aggressive: '조금 기분 나빠요'.

The 'ㅡ' Rule

Always remember the 'ㅡ' irregular rule. 나쁘다 -> 나빠요. This applies to many other adjectives like 바쁘다 and 아프다.

Watch your Nunchi

If someone says '기분 나쁘게 생각하지 마세요,' pay close attention—they are about to say something potentially offensive.

Workplace etiquette

At work, instead of saying you are '기분 나쁘다', it's better to say '컨디션이 안 좋아요' (I'm not in good condition).

Learn the pairs

Learn '기분 나쁘다' and '기분 좋다' together as a set to double your emotional vocabulary instantly.

Beyond emotions

Use it for bad smells or creepy stares. It's a very 'visceral' word in Korean.

Apologizing

If you accidentally offend someone, say '기분 나쁘게 해서 죄송합니다' (I'm sorry for making you feel bad).

Drama watching

Listen for this phrase in K-Dramas; the way actors spit out '기분 나빠!' tells you everything about their character's pride.

Modifier usage

Use '기분 나쁜' (adjective form) to describe nouns in your stories or journals to add emotional depth.

Intonation

A rising intonation at the end makes it a question (Are you offended?), while a falling one makes it a statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'G-Bun' (Great Bun) that turned 'Nappeuda' (Nap-Bad). Imagine a Great Bun (기분) that tastes Bad (나쁘다).

Visual Association

Imagine a dark, prickly cloud floating around someone's head. The cloud represents the 'Gibun' and its prickliness represents 'Nappeuda'.

Word Web

Mood Bad Offended Creepy Unpleasant Disgusting Irritated Upset

Challenge

Try to use '기분 나빠요' in three different scenarios today: when you're tired, when you see something gross, and when someone is slightly rude.

Word Origin

A compound of the Sino-Korean word '기분' (氣分) and the native Korean adjective '나쁘다'.

Original meaning: '기분' (Gibun) originally refers to the 'division of energy' or 'atmosphere' within a person or space. '나쁘다' (Nappeuda) is the standard native Korean word for bad.

Koreanic (Native Korean) + Sino-Korean.

Cultural Context

Be careful using this with elders or bosses, as it can sound like a direct complaint or lack of emotional control.

English speakers might find '기분 나쁘다' more versatile than just 'bad mood,' as it includes 'creepy' and 'offended.'

Used frequently in K-Dramas during 'slap' scenes or heated arguments. Commonly found in K-Pop lyrics about heartbreak. A staple phrase in Korean webtoons for expressing character frustration.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After being insulted

기분 나빠요.
왜 그렇게 말해요?
사과하세요.
정말 무례하시네요.

Encountering something creepy

저 사람 좀 기분 나빠요.
여기 분위기 기분 나빠요.
빨리 가요.
무서워요.

Having a bad day

오늘 기분 진짜 나빠요.
아무도 만나고 싶지 않아요.
그냥 내버려 두세요.
기분 전환이 필요해요.

Before giving criticism

기분 나쁘게 듣지 마세요.
도움이 되고 싶어서 하는 말이에요.
오해하지 마세요.
제 생각은 이래요.

Talking about the weather

날씨가 기분 나쁘게 더워요.
습도가 높아서 기분 나빠요.
비가 와서 기분이 별로예요.
찝찝하고 기분 나빠요.

Conversation Starters

"오늘 기분이 어때요? 혹시 기분 나쁜 일 있었어요?"

"그 영화 봤어요? 분위기가 너무 기분 나쁘지 않아요?"

"기분 나쁠 때 보통 뭐 하세요?"

"누군가 기분 나쁘게 하면 어떻게 반응해요?"

"기분 나쁜 꿈을 꾸면 하루 종일 신경 쓰이지 않나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나를 기분 나쁘게 했던 일에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about something that made you feel bad today.)

기분이 나쁠 때 내가 가장 먼저 하는 행동은 무엇인가요? (What is the first thing you do when you are in a bad mood?)

누군가에게 기분 나쁜 말을 들었을 때 어떻게 대처하나요? (How do you handle hearing something offensive from someone?)

기분 나쁜 분위기의 장소에 가본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever been to a place with an unpleasant atmosphere?)

나의 '기분'을 관리하는 나만의 방법은? (What is your own way of managing your mood?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '아프다' (apeuda) for physical sickness. '기분 나쁘다' is only for your mood or an unpleasant sensation/vibe.

It can be very direct. If you say it to a boss or stranger, it sounds like you are complaining. Use '기분이 좀 안 좋아요' (My mood isn't great) to be softer.

It becomes '기분 나빴어요' (gibun nappasseoyo). The 'ㅡ' drops and is replaced by '았'.

Yes, it is very commonly used to describe a person or place that gives you a bad vibe or makes you feel uncomfortable.

'기분이 안 좋다' (mood is not good) is more neutral and common for a general bad day. '기분 나쁘다' is stronger and often implies you are offended or disgusted.

Only if the food is 'creepy' or 'gross' in a way that affects your mood. If it just doesn't taste good, use '맛없다' (maseopda).

'기분 나빠요' is the most common way to say this, along with '기분 상했어요'.

The direct opposite is '기분 좋다' (gibun jota), meaning to feel good.

In Korean, it is a descriptive verb, which is equivalent to an adjective in English.

Yes, if the weather is unpleasantly hot, humid, or gloomy, you can say '날씨 때문에 기분 나빠요'.