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B1 phrase #4,500 most common 8 min read

마음을 다치다

ma-eumeul dachida
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 마음을 다치다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 마음을 다치다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are beginning to understand very basic phrases and common expressions related to everyday life. They can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at satisfying concrete needs. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer basic questions about personal details. Understanding nuanced emotional expressions like '마음을 다치다' is beyond the scope of A1.
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At the A2 level, learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. While they might grasp the literal meaning of 'heart' and 'hurt', the idiomatic and emotional depth of '마음을 다치다' would still be challenging to fully comprehend or use accurately.
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At the B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. This is where learners begin to grasp phrases like '마음을 다치다' as they develop a better understanding of idiomatic expressions and emotional nuances in language.
At the B2 level, learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Learners at this level can confidently use and understand phrases like '마음을 다치다' in a variety of contexts.
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At the C1 level, learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. '마음을 다치다' would be a familiar and easily understood idiom at this level, used with full appreciation of its nuances.
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At the C2 level, learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. '마음을 다치다' would be a common idiom that C2 learners would use and understand effortlessly, recognizing its subtle implications and cultural context.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

마음을 다치다 in 30 Seconds

  • Phrase: 마음을 다치다 (ma-eum-eul da-chi-da)
  • Meaning: To hurt someone's feelings or to be emotionally wounded.
  • Usage: Expresses emotional pain caused by words or actions.
  • Key takeaway: It refers to psychological rather than physical injury.
This phrase, '마음을 다치다' (ma-eum-eul da-chi-da), literally translates to 'to damage the heart' or 'to hurt the heart'. However, in Korean, '마음' (ma-eum) doesn't just refer to the physical organ; it encompasses one's feelings, emotions, mind, and spirit. Therefore, '마음을 다치다' is used to describe the experience of having one's feelings hurt, being emotionally wounded, or feeling deeply upset by someone's words or actions. It's a common way to express that someone has been made sad, disappointed, or distressed on an emotional level. This phrase is widely used in everyday conversations, in literature, and in media to convey emotional pain. It can be used when someone feels rejected, betrayed, criticized harshly, or ignored in a way that causes them significant emotional distress. The nuance is that the hurt is internal and psychological, rather than physical. When someone says their '마음이 다쳤다' (ma-eum-i da-chyeot-da), it means their feelings have been wounded. Conversely, when someone '마음을 다치게 하다' (ma-eum-eul da-chi-ge ha-da), they are causing someone else emotional pain. The intensity can range from mild disappointment to deep emotional suffering, depending on the context and the relationship between the people involved. It's a versatile expression that captures a universal human experience of emotional vulnerability and the impact of social interactions on our inner well-being. People often use this phrase to explain why they are upset or to describe the emotional impact of a particular event or interaction. It highlights the importance of empathy and consideration in interpersonal relationships.
Literal Breakdown
마음 (ma-eum): heart, mind, feelings, spirit. 다치다 (da-chi-da): to get hurt, to be wounded, to be damaged.
Figurative Meaning
To have one's feelings wounded; to be emotionally hurt or upset.

His careless words really made my 마음을 다치다.

Contexts of Use
Used in personal conversations when explaining emotional distress, in literature to describe character's feelings, and in media to depict interpersonal conflicts and their emotional impact.
Understanding the grammatical structure is key to using '마음을 다치다' effectively. The phrase itself is a verb phrase, and it can be conjugated like any other Korean verb. The most common form you'll encounter is the past tense, '마음을 다쳤다' (ma-eum-eul da-chyeot-da), meaning 'my feelings were hurt' or 'I was emotionally wounded'. To express causing someone to feel this way, you use the causative form '마음을 다치게 하다' (ma-eum-eul da-chi-ge ha-da), meaning 'to make someone's heart hurt' or 'to hurt someone's feelings'. You can also use the present progressive form '마음을 다치고 있다' (ma-eum-eul da-chi-go it-da) to describe the ongoing process of feeling hurt. When describing the potential for someone's feelings to be hurt, you might use '마음을 다칠까 봐' (ma-eum-eul da-chil-kka bwa), meaning 'for fear of hurting someone's feelings'. The object marker '을/를' is attached to '마음', so it becomes '마음을'. The verb '다치다' conjugates based on tense, politeness level, and other grammatical nuances. For instance, in a polite present tense, it would be '마음을 다칩니다' (ma-eum-eul da-chim-ni-da). In informal speech, it might be '마음 다쳤어' (ma-eum da-chyeoss-eo). The phrase is often used with subjects like '나' (I), '그녀' (she), '그' (he), or '사람' (person). It can also be used impersonally, referring to a general situation where feelings can be hurt. For example, '그의 말에 내 마음이 다쳤다' (geu-ui mal-e nae ma-eum-i da-chyeot-da) - 'My heart was hurt by his words.' Or, '아이들의 순수한 말에 어른들이 마음을 다칠 때도 있다' (a-i-deul-ui sun-su-han mal-e eo-reun-deul-i ma-eum-eul da-chil ttae-do it-da) - 'Sometimes adults get their feelings hurt by the innocent words of children.' It's crucial to remember that '마음' refers to the emotional and psychological state, so the hurt is internal. This phrase is a powerful way to express vulnerability and the impact of communication on our emotional well-being. It is used across various social situations, from casual conversations with friends to more formal discussions about emotional impact.
Basic Structure
Subject + 마음을 + 다치다 (conjugated)
Causative Form
Subject + 마음을 + 다치게 하다 (conjugated) - To cause someone's feelings to be hurt.

I didn't mean to 마음을 다치게 하다 you.

You'll hear '마음을 다치다' frequently in various everyday scenarios in Korea. It's a staple in discussions about relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. For instance, friends might confide in each other, saying '네 말 때문에 내 마음이 다쳤어' (ne mal ttaemune nae ma-eum-i da-chyeoss-eo) - 'My feelings were hurt because of your words.' In family settings, a parent might express concern to a child, '엄마 마음을 다치게 하지 마' (eom-ma ma-eum-eul da-chi-ge ha-ji ma) - 'Don't hurt mom's feelings.' Dramas and movies are rife with characters experiencing emotional turmoil, and this phrase is often used to articulate that pain. A character might say to another, '당신 때문에 내 마음이 얼마나 다쳤는지 알아?' (dang-sin ttaemune nae ma-eum-i eol-ma-na da-chyeot-neun-ji a-ra?) - 'Do you know how much my heart was wounded because of you?' It's also common in situations involving misunderstandings or perceived slights. For example, if someone feels left out or ignored, they might say, '나는 네가 나를 무시해서 마음이 다쳤어' (na-neun ne-ga na-reul mu-si-hae-seo ma-eum-i da-chyeoss-eo) - 'I was hurt because you ignored me.' Workplace dynamics can also involve this phrase, especially when discussing interpersonal conflicts or feedback. A manager might caution an employee, '동료들의 마음을 다치게 하는 발언은 삼가해야 합니다' (dong-nyo-deul-ui ma-eum-eul da-chi-ge ha-neun bal-eon-eun sam-ga-hae-ya ham-ni-da) - 'You must refrain from making remarks that hurt your colleagues' feelings.' Even in casual social media posts or online forums, people express their emotional states using this phrase. It's a direct and relatable way to communicate that one's emotions have been negatively impacted. The phrase is also used in more reflective contexts, such as in songs or poetry, where artists explore the depths of human emotion and the pain of broken relationships. It's a fundamental expression for conveying emotional vulnerability and the consequences of unkindness or insensitivity.
Interpersonal Conflicts
Used when one person's words or actions cause emotional pain to another.
Media and Literature
Frequently appears in dramas, movies, novels, and songs to depict emotional distress.

The main character's 마음을 다치다 was the central theme of the episode.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing '마음을 다치다' with physical injury. While '다치다' can mean to get physically hurt, when paired with '마음', it exclusively refers to emotional pain. So, saying 'I hurt my mind physically' would be incorrect. Another pitfall is misapplying the causative form. Learners might incorrectly say '나는 그녀의 마음을 다쳤다' (na-neun geu-nyeo-ui ma-eum-eul da-chyeot-da) to mean 'I hurt her feelings'. The correct way to express this is '나는 그녀의 마음을 다치게 했다' (na-neun geu-nyeo-ui ma-eum-eul da-chi-ge haet-da). The direct conjugation '마음을 다쳤다' is for when *you* are the one feeling hurt. Similarly, learners might forget the object marker '을/를' after '마음', saying '마음 다치다' instead of '마음을 다치다'. This omission can sound unnatural or grammatically incorrect. Some learners might also use overly strong or weak expressions. For instance, using '마음을 다치다' for a very minor disappointment might be an exaggeration, while understating a significant emotional wound could lead to miscommunication. It's important to gauge the severity of the emotional impact when using the phrase. Lastly, direct translation from English can lead to awkward phrasing. For example, trying to translate 'my heart aches' literally might not capture the nuance of '마음을 다치다'. It's better to understand the idiomatic usage. Always remember that '마음' in this context is about feelings and emotional well-being.
Physical vs. Emotional Hurt
Confusing the emotional meaning of '마음을 다치다' with physical injury. It exclusively refers to psychological pain.
Incorrect Causative Usage
Using the passive form '마음을 다쳤다' when intending to say 'I hurt someone's feelings'. The correct causative form is '마음을 다치게 했다'.

Mistake: He physically 마음을 다치다 me. Correct: He hurt my feelings.

While '마음을 다치다' is a common and versatile phrase, there are other expressions that convey similar meanings, often with slightly different nuances.
속상하다 (sok-sang-ha-da)
Meaning: To be upset, to feel disheartened, to be bummed out. This is a very general term for feeling unhappy or disappointed. It's less intense than '마음을 다치다' and can be used for minor setbacks. Example: '그 소식을 듣고 정말 속상했어.' (geu so-sik-eul deut-go jeong-mal sok-sang-haess-eo.) - 'I was really upset when I heard that news.' Comparison: '마음을 다치다' implies a deeper emotional wound, whereas '속상하다' is more about general unhappiness.
기분이 상하다 (gi-bun-i sang-ha-da)
Meaning: To have one's mood or feelings spoiled; to be offended. This phrase is very close in meaning to '마음을 다치다' and is often interchangeable. It suggests that someone's positive mood has been negatively affected. Example: '농담이었는데 기분이 상했나 봐.' (nong-dam-i-eot-neun-de gi-bun-i sang-haet-na bwa.) - 'It was a joke, but I guess her feelings were hurt.' Comparison: '기분이 상하다' specifically refers to a negative change in one's mood or disposition, while '마음을 다치다' can imply a more profound emotional injury.
상처받다 (sang-cheo-bat-da)
Meaning: To be wounded, to be hurt (emotionally or physically). This is a more direct translation of 'to be wounded'. It can be used for both emotional and physical wounds. Example: '그의 비난에 깊이 상처받았다.' (geu-ui bi-nan-e gip-i sang-cheo-bat-da.) - 'I was deeply wounded by his criticism.' Comparison: '상처받다' is broader and can refer to physical wounds too, whereas '마음을 다치다' is strictly about emotional hurt.
실망하다 (sil-mang-ha-da)
Meaning: To be disappointed. This is used when expectations are not met. While disappointment can lead to hurt feelings, it's not as strong as being emotionally wounded. Example: '결과가 기대에 미치지 못해 실망했다.' (gyeol-gwa-ga gi-dae-e mi-chi-ji mot-hae sil-mang-haet-da.) - 'I was disappointed that the results did not meet expectations.' Comparison: Disappointment is a specific emotion that can be a component of '마음을 다치다', but '마음을 다치다' is a more encompassing emotional injury.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Korean culture, the 'heart' (마음) is considered the seat of emotions, thoughts, and intentions. Therefore, hurting someone's '마음' is a direct way to express causing emotional pain or distress. This contrasts with some Western languages where 'heart' might more strictly refer to love or affection.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɑː.ɯm.ɯl ta.t͡ʃi.da/
US /mɑː.ɯm.ɯl ta.t͡ʃi.da/
Generally even, with slight emphasis on the first syllable of the phrase '마음'.
Rhymes With
받치다 (bat-chi-da) 바치다 (ba-chi-da) 자라다 (ja-ra-da) 가다 (ga-da) 오다 (o-da) 하다 (ha-da) 나다 (na-da) 사다 (sa-da)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing '음' (eum) as a full 'um' sound instead of a more closed nasal sound.
  • Over-aspirating the 'ㅊ' (ch) in '치다' (chi-da) as if it were 'tch'.
  • Mispronouncing the particle '을' (eul), which is often a very short vowel sound.
  • Confusing the vowel sounds in '마' (ma) and '다' (da).
  • Adding unnecessary stress to individual syllables.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

At the B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. '마음을 다치다' is a common idiomatic expression that appears frequently in everyday contexts, making it understandable for B1 readers. However, fully grasping its nuances and avoiding confusion with literal meanings might require some effort.

Writing 3/5

B1 learners can produce simple connected text on familiar topics. Using '마음을 다치다' correctly in writing requires understanding the difference between causing hurt and being hurt, and conjugating the verb appropriately. It's a common phrase, but learners might initially struggle with the causative form or the subtle distinction between this and other related expressions.

Speaking 3/5

B1 learners can deal with most situations likely to arise when travelling. Expressing oneself spontaneously using '마음을 다치다' in a conversation about feelings or interpersonal issues is achievable. However, ensuring naturalness and avoiding literal interpretations might be a challenge for some.

Listening 3/5

B1 learners can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. Hearing '마음을 다치다' in conversations, dramas, or news reports should be manageable, as it's a frequently used phrase. Context will be key to understanding the intended emotional weight.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

마음 (heart, mind, feelings) 다치다 (to get hurt) 말 (words) 행동 (behavior) 느끼다 (to feel)

Learn Next

감정을 상하게 하다 (to offend someone's feelings) 마음을 헤아리다 (to understand someone's feelings) 마음을 위로하다 (to comfort someone's heart) 서운하다 (to feel disappointed/sad)

Advanced

한 (han - deep sorrow/resentment) 정 (jeong - deep emotional connection) 감정선 (emotional line/arc)

Grammar to Know

Conjugation of '다치다' (to get hurt).

마음을 다쳤어요 (past tense, polite) - My feelings were hurt. / 마음을 다칠까 봐 걱정돼요 (future potential, polite) - I'm worried about hurting my feelings.

Use of the object particle '을/를'.

'마음' takes the object particle '을' because it ends in a consonant: 마음 + 을 = 마음을.

Causative verb formation: '-게 하다'.

To make someone hurt their feelings: 마음을 다치게 하다. Example: 그의 말은 나를 마음 다치게 했다. (His words made me hurt my feelings.)

Expressing reasons with '-어서/아서'.

그의 비난 때문에 마음을 다쳤어. (geu-ui bi-nan ttae-mun-e ma-eum-eul da-chyeoss-eo.) - Because of his criticism, my feelings were hurt.

Using adverbs to modify the degree of hurt.

마음이 '많이' 다쳤어요. (ma-eum-i 'man-i' da-chyeoss-eo-yo.) - My feelings were 'greatly' hurt.

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Examples by Level

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8

1

친구가 나쁜 말을 해서 마음이 아팠어요.

My friend said bad words, so my heart hurt.

아프다 (a-peu-da) means 'to hurt' or 'to be sick'. Here, it's used similarly to emotional pain.

2

그 소식은 나를 슬프게 했어요.

That news made me sad.

슬프다 (seul-peu-da) means 'sad'. This describes the feeling resulting from hurt feelings.

3

나는 네가 나에게 화내서 속상했어.

I was upset because you were angry at me.

속상하다 (sok-sang-ha-da) means 'to be upset'.

4

그녀는 그의 말에 기분이 안 좋았다.

She didn't feel good because of his words.

기분이 안 좋다 (gi-bun-i an jo-ta) means 'to not feel well' or 'to have a bad mood'.

5

그녀의 행동은 나에게 상처를 주었다.

Her actions gave me a wound.

상처를 주다 (sang-cheo-reul ju-da) means 'to give a wound', similar to causing emotional pain.

6

나는 그의 무시에 마음이 아팠다.

I was hurt by his ignoring me.

무시하다 (mu-si-ha-da) means 'to ignore'.

7

그녀의 비난은 나를 아프게 했다.

Her criticism hurt me.

비난하다 (bi-nan-ha-da) means 'to criticize'.

8

나는 그의 차가운 태도에 상처받았다.

I was wounded by his cold attitude.

태도 (tae-do) means 'attitude'.

1

그의 비판적인 말에 내 마음이 많이 다쳤어.

My feelings were greatly hurt by his critical words.

비판적인 (bi-pan-jeok-in) means 'critical'. The phrase '많이 다쳤어' indicates a significant level of hurt.

2

나는 그녀가 나를 오해해서 마음이 상했어.

I was upset because she misunderstood me.

오해하다 (o-hae-ha-da) means 'to misunderstand'. '기분이 상하다' is used here, similar to '마음을 다치다'.

3

그의 무례한 행동 때문에 내 마음이 다쳤다.

My feelings were hurt because of his rude behavior.

무례한 (mu-rye-han) means 'rude'.

4

친구가 약속을 지키지 않아서 마음이 아팠다.

I was hurt because my friend didn't keep their promise.

약속을 지키다 (yak-sok-eul ji-ki-da) means 'to keep a promise'.

5

그녀의 칭찬 없는 말에 나는 상처받았다.

I was wounded by her uncomplimentary words.

칭찬 (ching-chan) means 'praise'.

6

나는 그의 거짓말에 마음이 다치는 것을 느꼈다.

I felt my heart being hurt by his lie.

거짓말 (geo-jit-mal) means 'lie'.

7

그녀는 내가 자신을 무시한다고 생각해서 마음이 상했다.

She felt upset because she thought I was ignoring her.

무시하다 (mu-si-ha-da) means 'to ignore'.

8

그의 차가운 태도는 내 마음에 상처를 주었다.

His cold attitude wounded my heart.

태도 (tae-do) means 'attitude'.

1

그의 솔직한 비평이 내 마음을 너무 다치게 했다.

His frank criticism hurt my feelings too much.

솔직한 (sol-jik-han) means 'frank' or 'honest'. '너무' means 'too much'.

2

나는 그가 나를 배신했다는 사실에 마음이 다치고 말았다.

I ended up having my feelings hurt by the fact that he betrayed me.

배신하다 (bae-sin-ha-da) means 'to betray'. '~고 말았다' indicates an unintentional or regrettable outcome.

3

그녀의 무관심은 내 마음에 깊은 상처를 남겼다.

Her indifference left a deep wound in my heart.

무관심 (mu-gwan-sim) means 'indifference'.

4

나는 그가 내 말을 제대로 이해하지 못해 마음이 상했다.

I was upset because he didn't understand my words properly.

제대로 (je-dae-ro) means 'properly' or 'correctly'.

5

그녀의 거절은 내게 큰 상처가 되었다.

Her rejection became a big wound to me.

거절 (geo-jeol) means 'rejection'.

6

나는 그가 나를 잊었다는 생각에 마음이 다쳤다.

I was hurt by the thought that he had forgotten me.

잊다 (it-da) means 'to forget'.

7

그녀의 냉담한 반응은 내 마음에 큰 타격을 주었다.

Her cold reaction dealt a big blow to my heart.

냉담한 (naeng-dam-han) means 'cold' or 'indifferent'. 타격을 주다 (ta-gyeok-eul ju-da) means 'to deal a blow'.

8

그의 섣부른 판단은 내 마음에 상처를 입혔다.

His hasty judgment inflicted a wound on my heart.

섣부른 (seot-bu-reun) means 'hasty' or 'rash'. 판단 (pan-dan) means 'judgment'.

1

그의 일방적인 통보는 나의 감정을 크게 다치게 했다.

His unilateral notification greatly hurt my feelings.

일방적인 (il-bang-jeok-in) means 'unilateral' or 'one-sided'. 통보 (tong-bo) means 'notification' or 'announcement'.

2

나는 그녀의 변명 뒤에 숨겨진 진실 때문에 마음이 다쳤다.

I was hurt by the truth hidden behind her excuses.

변명 (byeon-myeong) means 'excuse'. 숨겨진 (sum-gyeo-jin) means 'hidden'.

3

그녀의 무자비한 말은 내 마음에 깊은 생채기를 냈다.

Her ruthless words left a deep scratch on my heart.

무자비한 (mu-ja-bi-han) means 'ruthless' or 'merciless'. 생채기 (saeng-chae-gi) means 'scratch' or 'bruise'.

4

나는 그가 나의 노력을 폄하하는 것을 보고 마음이 상했다.

I was upset seeing him belittle my efforts.

노력 (no-ryeok) means 'effort'. 폄하하다 (pyeom-ha-ha-da) means 'to belittle' or 'to disparage'.

5

그녀의 침묵은 때로는 가장 날카로운 칼날보다 더 내 마음을 다치게 했다.

Her silence sometimes hurt my heart more than the sharpest blade.

침묵 (chim-muk) means 'silence'. 날카로운 (nal-ka-ro-un) means 'sharp'.

6

나는 그가 나를 완전히 무시하는 듯한 느낌에 마음이 다쳤다.

I was hurt by the feeling that he was completely ignoring me.

완전히 (wan-jeon-hi) means 'completely'.

7

그의 경솔한 발언은 나의 섬세한 감정을 다치게 했다.

His careless remarks hurt my delicate feelings.

경솔한 (gyeong-sol-han) means 'careless' or 'thoughtless'. 섬세한 (seom-se-han) means 'delicate' or 'sensitive'.

8

나는 그가 나를 믿지 않는다는 사실에 마음이 다쳤다.

I was hurt by the fact that he didn't trust me.

믿다 (mit-da) means 'to trust'.

1

그의 냉혹한 진단은 나의 취약한 자존심을 여지없이 다치게 했다.

His harsh diagnosis utterly wounded my fragile self-esteem.

냉혹한 (naeng-hok-han) means 'harsh' or 'cruel'. 진단 (jin-dan) means 'diagnosis'. 취약한 (chwi-yak-han) means 'fragile'.

2

나는 그녀가 나의 진심을 왜곡하는 것을 보고 마음이 다칠 수밖에 없었다.

I couldn't help but have my feelings hurt seeing her distort my sincerity.

진심 (jin-sim) means 'sincerity'. 왜곡하다 (wae-gok-ha-da) means 'to distort'.

3

그녀의 침묵은 마치 보이지 않는 칼날처럼 내 마음에 깊은 상처를 새겼다.

Her silence carved a deep wound in my heart, like an invisible blade.

보이지 않는 (bo-i-ji an-neun) means 'invisible'.

4

나는 그가 나를 향한 기대를 저버리는 것을 보고 마음이 다쳤다.

I was hurt seeing him abandon the expectations he had for me.

기대 (gi-dae) means 'expectation'. 저버리다 (jeo-beo-ri-da) means 'to abandon' or 'to betray'.

5

그의 무자비한 평가는 나의 섬세한 예술혼을 여과 없이 다치게 했다.

His merciless critique wounded my delicate artistic spirit without filtration.

예술혼 (ye-sul-hon) means 'artistic spirit'.

6

나는 그가 나를 향한 관심을 거두는 것을 보고 마음이 다쳤다.

I was hurt seeing him withdraw his attention from me.

관심 (gwan-sim) means 'attention' or 'interest'. 거두다 (geo-du-da) means 'to withdraw'.

7

그녀의 냉소적인 태도는 나의 희망을 짓밟으며 내 마음을 다치게 했다.

Her cynical attitude trampled my hopes, hurting my heart.

냉소적인 (naeng-so-jeok-in) means 'cynical'. 짓밟다 (jit-balp-da) means 'to trample'.

8

나는 그가 나를 향한 신뢰를 저버리는 것을 보고 마음이 다쳤다.

I was hurt seeing him betray the trust he had in me.

신뢰 (sin-roe) means 'trust'.

Common Collocations

무례한 말에 마음을 다치다
오해로 마음을 다치다
배신감에 마음을 다치다
무시당해서 마음을 다치다
거짓말에 마음을 다치다
비난 때문에 마음을 다치다
차가운 태도에 마음을 다치다
기대에 못 미쳐 마음을 다치다
솔직한 말에 마음을 다치다
사소한 일로 마음을 다치다

Common Phrases

마음이 다쳤어요.

— My feelings are hurt. / I am emotionally wounded.

네가 그렇게 말하니 마음이 다쳤어요.

마음을 다치게 하지 마세요.

— Please don't hurt my feelings. / Don't wound my heart.

내 마음을 다치게 하지 마세요. 저는 상처받기 쉬워요.

내 마음이 다쳤을 거야.

— My feelings must have been hurt. / My heart must have been wounded.

그렇게 말하면 상대방 마음이 다쳤을 거야.

마음을 다치게 한 것 같아요.

— I think I hurt someone's feelings. / I think I wounded their heart.

제가 무심코 한 말로 그 사람 마음을 다치게 한 것 같아요.

마음이 다치는 경험

— An experience of having one's feelings hurt. / An experience of being emotionally wounded.

그는 마음이 다치는 경험을 통해 성장했다.

마음을 다치지 않도록

— So as not to hurt someone's feelings. / To avoid wounding someone's heart.

서로 마음을 다치지 않도록 조심해야 한다.

마음 다쳐서 말도 하기 싫어.

— I'm so hurt that I don't even want to talk.

그의 행동에 마음 다쳐서 말도 하기 싫어.

마음을 다치는 일

— Something that hurts one's feelings. / A matter that wounds the heart.

그런 마음을 다치는 일은 다시 겪고 싶지 않다.

그의 말에 마음이 다쳤다.

— His words hurt my feelings. / My heart was wounded by his words.

그의 비난하는 말에 마음이 다쳤다.

마음을 다치게 하는 사람

— A person who hurts others' feelings. / Someone who wounds hearts.

그는 주변 사람들의 마음을 다치게 하는 사람이다.

Often Confused With

마음을 다치다 vs 몸을 다치다

This means 'to hurt one's body' or 'to get physically injured'. It's important to distinguish between physical injury ('몸') and emotional injury ('마음').

마음을 다치다 vs 상처를 내다

'To make a wound' or 'to cause a scar'. While related to injury, '마음을 다치다' specifically focuses on the emotional aspect and the feeling of being wounded internally.

마음을 다치다 vs 마음이 아프다

Literally 'my heart hurts'. This is very similar and often used interchangeably, but '마음을 다치다' can imply a more specific cause or a deeper wound inflicted by someone else.

Idioms & Expressions

"마음을 덜컥 다치다"

— To be suddenly and severely emotionally hurt or shocked.

예상치 못한 소식에 마음을 덜컥 다치고 말았다.

Informal
"마음이 닳아 다치다"

— To be emotionally exhausted and hurt from repeated suffering or disappointment.

그녀는 오랜 시간 동안 마음이 닳아 다치고 말았다.

Literary
"마음을 굳게 다치다"

— To steel one's heart against emotional pain, to become emotionally resilient or hardened.

더 이상 상처받지 않기 위해 마음을 굳게 다치기로 결심했다.

Figurative
"마음을 억지로 다치다"

— To intentionally try to hurt someone's feelings, often out of anger or spite.

그는 화가 나서 일부러 상대방의 마음을 억지로 다치게 하려고 했다.

Figurative
"마음을 살살 다치다"

— To be mildly or subtly hurt emotionally, often without realizing it immediately.

그녀의 가벼운 농담에 마음을 살살 다치고 말았다.

Figurative
"마음을 꽁꽁 다치다"

— To shut down emotionally, to refuse to let others in due to past hurt.

과거의 상처 때문에 그는 마음을 꽁꽁 다치고 살았다.

Figurative
"마음이 찢어지듯 다치다"

— To be heartbroken, to experience extreme emotional pain as if one's heart is being torn apart.

사랑하는 사람을 잃고 마음이 찢어지듯 다쳤다.

Literary
"마음을 콕 다치다"

— To be hurt in a very specific or sensitive spot emotionally.

그의 말은 나의 가장 약한 부분을 콕 다치게 했다.

Figurative
"마음을 덮어놓고 다치다"

— To hurt someone's feelings carelessly or without consideration.

생각 없이 말해서 상대방의 마음을 덮어놓고 다치게 했다.

Informal
"마음을 억누르며 다치다"

— To suppress one's own feelings of hurt, often leading to internal emotional damage.

그는 자신의 마음이 다치는 것을 억누르며 애써 괜찮은 척했다.

Figurative

Easily Confused

마음을 다치다 vs 상처받다

Both '마음을 다치다' and '상처받다' refer to being wounded or hurt. '상처' literally means 'wound'.

'마음을 다치다' specifically refers to emotional hurt, using '마음' (heart/mind/feelings) as the object of injury. '상처받다' is broader and can refer to both emotional and physical wounds. When used emotionally, '상처받다' emphasizes the state of being wounded, while '마음을 다치다' can emphasize the act of being hurt or the feeling of hurt itself.

그의 말에 마음이 다쳤다. (My feelings were hurt by his words.) vs. 그의 비난에 깊이 상처받았다. (I was deeply wounded by his criticism.)

마음을 다치다 vs 속상하다

Both express negative emotions like sadness or disappointment.

'속상하다' is a more general term for being upset, disheartened, or bummed out. It often describes a less intense feeling of unhappiness or disappointment. '마음을 다치다' implies a more direct emotional wound or injury inflicted by someone's actions or words, suggesting a deeper level of pain.

시험 결과 때문에 속상했어. (I was upset because of the test results.) vs. 친구의 배신에 마음이 다쳤다. (My feelings were hurt by my friend's betrayal.)

마음을 다치다 vs 기분이 상하다

Both describe a negative change in one's emotional state due to external factors.

'기분이 상하다' specifically refers to one's mood or disposition being spoiled or offended. It suggests a negative impact on one's general feeling. '마음을 다치다' is more about a deeper emotional injury or wound, implying a more significant level of hurt or distress that goes beyond just a spoiled mood.

농담이었는데 기분이 상했나 봐. (It was a joke, but I guess her mood was spoiled.) vs. 그의 무례한 행동에 내 마음이 다쳤다. (My feelings were hurt by his rude behavior.)

마음을 다치다 vs 마음이 아프다

Both phrases use '마음' (heart/mind) and express pain or hurt.

'마음이 아프다' literally means 'my heart hurts' and is a very common and direct way to express emotional pain or sadness. '마음을 다치다' also means to hurt one's feelings or be emotionally wounded, but it can sometimes imply a more specific cause or a more direct infliction of pain by an external agent. '마음이 아프다' can be more about the internal feeling, while '마음을 다치다' can highlight the action of being hurt.

네가 힘들어하는 걸 보니 마음이 아프다. (Seeing you struggle makes my heart ache.) vs. 그의 거짓말에 마음이 다쳤다. (My feelings were hurt by his lie.)

마음을 다치다 vs 실망하다

Disappointment can often lead to hurt feelings.

'실망하다' means 'to be disappointed', which occurs when expectations are not met. While disappointment can be a component of '마음을 다치다', it's usually a less intense emotion. '마음을 다치다' implies a deeper emotional wound or injury caused by someone's actions or words, which might include disappointment but also sadness, betrayal, or distress.

결과가 기대에 미치지 못해 실망했다. (I was disappointed that the results did not meet expectations.) vs. 친구의 배신에 마음이 다쳤다. (My feelings were hurt by my friend's betrayal.)

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + 는/은 + 마음이 + 아프다/속상하다.

나는 마음이 아팠어요.

B1

Subject + 는/은 + 마음을 + 다치다 (conjugated).

그의 말에 내 마음이 다쳤다.

B1

Subject + 가/이 + Object + 의 + 마음을 + 다치게 하다 (conjugated).

그녀는 친구의 마음을 다치게 했다.

B2

Reason + 때문에/때문에 + Subject + 는/은 + 마음을 + 다치다 (conjugated).

그의 무례한 행동 때문에 내 마음이 다쳤다.

B2

Subject + 는/은 + 마음이 + 상하다.

그녀는 내 말에 마음이 상했다.

C1

Adverb + Subject + 는/은 + 마음을 + 다치다 (conjugated).

그의 비난은 나의 마음을 깊이 다치게 했다.

C1

Object + 의 + 마음을 + 다치게 하다 + -지 않다 (negation).

나는 그의 마음을 다치게 하지 않으려고 노력했다.

C2

Figurative expression + Subject + 는/은 + 마음을 + 다치다 (conjugated).

그녀의 침묵은 마치 칼날처럼 내 마음을 다치게 했다.

Word Family

Nouns

마음 (ma-eum) - heart, mind, feelings
상처 (sang-cheo) - wound, scar
아픔 (a-peum) - pain, ache

Verbs

다치다 (da-chi-da) - to get hurt, to be wounded
아프게 하다 (a-peu-ge ha-da) - to make someone hurt
상처주다 (sang-cheo-ju-da) - to wound, to hurt

Adjectives

아픈 (a-peun) - painful, hurt
다친 (da-chin) - hurt, wounded

Related

마음을 열다 To open one's heart, to become receptive emotionally.
마음을 닫다 To close one's heart, to become emotionally withdrawn.
마음을 진정시키다 To calm one's mind or heart.
마음을 졸이다 To be anxious or worried.
마음을 놓다 To relax, to let go of worries.
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How to Use It

frequency

High

Common Mistakes
  • Using '마음을 다치다' to mean physical injury. → Use '몸을 다치다' for physical injury.

    '마음을 다치다' specifically refers to emotional hurt. '몸을 다치다' refers to physical harm. Confusing the two leads to nonsensical statements.

  • Incorrectly conjugating the causative form. → To say 'I hurt someone's feelings', use '마음을 다치게 하다' (conjugated). For example, '그가 내 마음을 다치게 했다.'

    Many learners mistakenly use the passive form '마음을 다쳤다' (my feelings were hurt) when they intend to say they hurt someone else's feelings. The causative form '-게 하다' is essential for indicating that someone else caused the hurt.

  • Omitting the object particle '을/를' after '마음'. → '마음을 다치다' (with '을').

    The noun '마음' (heart/mind) acts as the direct object of the verb '다치다' (to get hurt). Therefore, it requires the object particle '을' (since '마음' ends in a consonant). Saying '마음 다치다' is grammatically incomplete.

  • Using '마음을 다치다' for very minor disappointments. → Use more general terms like '속상하다' or '기분이 안 좋다' for minor upsets.

    While '마음을 다치다' can be used for varying degrees of hurt, it often implies a more significant emotional wound. Overusing it for trivial matters can dilute its meaning and sound exaggerated.

  • Confusing '마음을 다치다' with '마음이 아프다' in terms of nuance. → Understand that '마음을 다치다' can imply a more direct infliction of hurt by external factors, while '마음이 아프다' can focus more on the internal feeling of pain.

    Although often interchangeable, '마음을 다치다' can sometimes place more emphasis on the agent or cause of the hurt, whereas '마음이 아프다' might focus more on the resulting feeling. Recognizing these subtle differences enhances natural usage.

Tips

Understand the Nuance

Remember that '마음을 다치다' is about emotional pain, not physical. The 'heart' (마음) here represents feelings, mind, and spirit. So, it's like an emotional bruise or wound.

Conjugation is Key

The verb '다치다' needs to be conjugated correctly based on tense, politeness, and whether you are the one being hurt ('마음을 다쳤다') or causing the hurt ('마음을 다치게 했다').

Distinguish from Similar Words

While '속상하다' and '기분이 상하다' are related, '마음을 다치다' often implies a deeper or more specific emotional wound inflicted by someone's actions or words.

Clear Syllables

Focus on pronouncing each syllable clearly: '마-음-을 다-치-다'. Avoid overly strong stress on any single syllable, as Korean pronunciation is generally more even.

Empathy Matters

In Korean culture, causing someone to '마음을 다치다' is considered inconsiderate. Being mindful of others' feelings is highly valued, so use this phrase thoughtfully.

Listen and Imitate

Watch Korean dramas or listen to Korean songs. Pay attention to how native speakers use '마음을 다치다' in different situations to grasp its natural usage and emotional weight.

Causative Form

To say 'I hurt someone's feelings', use the causative form '마음을 다치게 하다'. For example, '그의 말은 내 마음을 다치게 했어.'

Visual Association

Imagine your '마음' (heart) as a delicate object that can be chipped or cracked ('다치다') by harsh words. This visual can help you remember the meaning.

Use in Sentences

Practice creating your own sentences describing situations where someone's feelings were hurt, either your own or someone else's. This active recall solidifies understanding.

Avoid Literal Translation

Do not translate directly from English. Understand the idiomatic meaning of '마음을 다치다' rather than trying to find a word-for-word equivalent.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine your '마음' (mind/heart) is like a delicate glass. When someone says something hurtful, it's like that glass gets '다치다' (hurt/chipped), leaving a crack or a bruise. Visualize the glass cracking with sharp words.

Visual Association

Picture a heart-shaped balloon that has been pricked and is slowly deflating, showing it's been emotionally 'hurt'. Or, imagine a soft, plush toy being squeezed too hard, its stuffing coming out a little – representing emotional damage.

Word Web

마음을 다치다 감정 (emotion) 상처 (wound) 슬픔 (sadness) 아픔 (pain) 속상하다 (upset) 기분 (feeling/mood) 언어폭력 (verbal abuse)

Challenge

Try to recall a time someone's words hurt your feelings. Describe that situation in Korean using '마음을 다치다' or a similar phrase. Focus on the emotional impact.

Word Origin

The phrase '마음을 다치다' is a compound expression formed from the noun '마음' (ma-eum), meaning 'heart' or 'mind' in a broad sense encompassing feelings and emotions, and the verb '다치다' (da-chi-da), meaning 'to get hurt' or 'to be wounded'. The combination signifies an emotional injury rather than a physical one.

Original meaning: Literally 'to wound the heart/mind'.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

It's important to be mindful of the emotional impact of your words and actions. Causing someone to '마음을 다치다' can have lasting effects on relationships. Conversely, acknowledging when you've been hurt and expressing it using this phrase is a way of communicating your emotional needs.

In English, we might say 'hurt my feelings', 'upset me', 'wounded me emotionally', or 'my heart ached'. The Korean phrase is a direct and commonly used idiom for this.

The concept of '한' (han), a deep-seated feeling of sorrow and resentment, can sometimes be linked to prolonged emotional suffering, which '마음을 다치다' can contribute to. Many Korean dramas feature plotlines where characters experience significant emotional pain, often expressed through this phrase or similar sentiments. Traditional Korean poetry and literature often explore themes of heartache and emotional wounds, making '마음을 다치다' a recurring motif.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Interpersonal conflicts between friends or family members.

  • 네 말에 내 마음이 다쳤어.
  • 왜 내 마음을 다치게 했어?
  • 마음을 다치게 해서 미안해.

Discussing romantic relationships and breakups.

  • 그의 배신에 마음이 다쳤다.
  • 더 이상 마음을 다치고 싶지 않아.
  • 우리의 관계가 내 마음을 다치게 했어.

Workplace disagreements or feedback sessions.

  • 그의 비판은 내 마음을 다치게 했다.
  • 동료의 마음을 다치게 하지 않도록 주의해야 한다.
  • 내 마음이 다쳤다는 것을 알아주었으면 좋겠어.

Expressing personal feelings of sadness or disappointment.

  • 오늘 마음이 많이 다쳤어.
  • 그 일 때문에 마음이 다치는 것을 느꼈다.
  • 마음을 다치고 싶지 않아.

Literary or dramatic narratives describing emotional distress.

  • 그녀의 마음은 깊이 다쳤다.
  • 이 상황은 나의 마음을 다치게 했다.
  • 마음을 다치는 경험을 극복하다.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like your feelings were deeply hurt by someone's words?"

"How do you usually react when someone says something that makes you feel emotionally wounded?"

"What's the difference between being physically hurt and having your '마음' (heart/feelings) hurt?"

"Can you share a time when you accidentally hurt someone's feelings?"

"How important is it to be careful with your words to avoid hurting others' feelings?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a situation where you felt your emotions were wounded. What happened, and how did it make you feel?

Reflect on a time you might have unintentionally hurt someone's feelings. What could you have done differently?

How do you cope when you feel emotionally wounded? What helps you heal?

Write about the importance of empathy in preventing people from hurting each other's feelings.

Consider the phrase '마음을 다치다'. How does this concept play out in your own life and relationships?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'마음을 다치다' refers to emotional or psychological hurt, meaning to hurt someone's feelings or to be emotionally wounded. '몸을 다치다' refers to physical injury, meaning to hurt one's body or to get physically injured. The key difference lies in whether the injury is emotional ('마음') or physical ('몸').

Yes, it can be used for varying degrees of hurt. While it can describe deep emotional wounds, it can also be used for less severe instances where someone's feelings are slightly bruised or upset. Context and accompanying adverbs (like '많이' - greatly, or '조금' - a little) help clarify the intensity.

You would use the causative form: '당신의 마음을 다치게 해서 미안해요' (dang-sin-ui ma-eum-eul da-chi-ge hae-seo mi-an-hae-yo), which translates to 'I'm sorry for hurting your feelings.' The structure is 'Subject + Object + 의 + 마음을 + 다치게 하다 (conjugated)'. '당신' (you) is often omitted if contextually clear.

It's a versatile phrase used in both formal and informal contexts, but its conjugation changes based on the politeness level. For informal speech, you might say '마음 다쳤어' (ma-eum da-chyeoss-eo). For polite speech, '마음이 다쳤어요' (ma-eum-i da-chyeoss-eo-yo) or '마음을 다쳤습니다' (ma-eum-eul da-chyeoss-seum-ni-da) are used. The causative form also conjugates accordingly.

Besides '마음을 다치다', you can use '속상하다' (to be upset), '기분이 상하다' (to have one's mood spoiled/to be offended), '마음이 아프다' (my heart hurts), and '서운하다' (to feel disappointed/sad). The choice depends on the nuance and intensity of the emotion.

While it often implies an external cause (someone's words or actions), it can also be used to describe a state of being emotionally wounded due to circumstances or internal struggles, though this is less common. The primary usage is for hurt inflicted by another party or by a specific event.

Both are used, but '마음을 다치다' uses the object particle '을', indicating that '마음' is the direct object being acted upon (hurt). '마음이 다치다' uses the subject particle '이', implying that '마음' is the subject that is undergoing the state of being hurt. Both are generally understood to mean the same thing in common usage, but '마음을 다치다' is grammatically more precise when indicating someone actively inflicting hurt.

Yes, '다치다' is primarily used with '몸' (body) to mean 'to get physically hurt' (e.g., '팔을 다치다' - to hurt one's arm). When used with '마음', it takes on the idiomatic meaning of emotional hurt.

In Korean culture, maintaining harmonious relationships and showing consideration for others' feelings are important. Causing someone to '마음을 다치다' is seen as a failure in social etiquette and empathy. Conversely, being sensitive to one's own and others' '마음' is valued. The phrase reflects the deep connection between words/actions and emotional well-being.

Try creating sentences about hypothetical situations where someone's feelings might be hurt. Role-play scenarios with a language partner, or write short stories where characters experience emotional pain. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in dramas and conversations.

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