It describes a profound state of physical or mental agony that is hard to bear.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for intense physical or emotional suffering.
- Describes a state that is difficult to endure.
- Often used in formal and serious contexts.
개요
'고통스럽다'는 '고통'이라는 명사에 '-스럽다'라는 접미사가 붙어 만들어진 형용사로, 감각적 혹은 감정적으로 힘든 상태를 서술합니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 주어의 상태를 설명하며, '~이/가 고통스럽다'의 형태로 자주 쓰입니다. 명사를 수식할 때는 '고통스러운 상황'과 같이 활용합니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 신체적 부상, 질병, 이별, 실패, 압박감 등 개인이 겪는 부정적인 경험 전반에 걸쳐 광범위하게 사용됩니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '아프다'가 주로 신체적 통증에 국한된다면, '고통스럽다'는 신체적 통증뿐만 아니라 심리적, 정신적 괴로움까지 포괄하는 더 넓고 깊은 의미를 지닙니다.
Examples
다리가 너무 고통스러워서 걷기 힘들다.
everydayMy legs are so painful that it is hard to walk.
그의 죽음은 우리 모두에게 고통스러운 기억이다.
formalHis death is a painful memory for all of us.
너무 고통스러워요.
informalI am in so much pain.
만성 질환은 환자에게 고통스러운 삶을 강요한다.
academicChronic diseases force a painful life upon patients.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
고통스러운 나날
painful days
고통스러운 현실
painful reality
고통스러운 선택
painful choice
Often Confused With
Refers primarily to physical pain or sickness. It is more common and less intense than 고통스럽다.
Very similar to 고통스럽다, but often focuses on mental distress, harassment, or being bothered by something.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is used in both formal and informal registers, though it carries a heavy tone. It is suitable for serious situations involving significant suffering. Be careful not to use it for trivial discomforts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for minor physical pain like a small scratch, which sounds unnatural. It is also sometimes confused with '힘들다' (hard/difficult), but '고통스럽다' implies much deeper agony.
Tips
Use for deep emotional pain
Use this word when describing heartbreak or mental stress rather than just a headache. It conveys a deeper level of suffering.
Avoid overusing in casual talk
Using this word for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly difficult situations.
Cultural depth of suffering
In Korean culture, endurance is often valued, so saying something is '고통스럽다' is a significant admission of hardship.
Word Origin
Derived from the Sino-Korean word '고통'(苦痛) meaning 'bitter pain' plus the Korean suffix '-스럽다' which transforms a noun into an adjective describing a state.
Cultural Context
In Korean culture, people often express pain indirectly. Using '고통스럽다' is a strong signal that one is reaching their limit and needs support or empathy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person 'Go-tong' (sounds like '고통') screaming in pain. The suffix '-스럽다' adds the feeling of being in that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions아프다는 주로 신체적인 통증에 집중되어 있지만, 고통스럽다는 신체적 통증은 물론 마음의 상처나 상황적인 어려움까지 포함하는 더 큰 개념입니다.
네, 하지만 다소 진지한 상황에서 사용됩니다. 가벼운 통증에는 '아프다'를 주로 사용하고, 정말 견디기 힘들 때 '고통스럽다'를 씁니다.
상황에 따라 다르지만, 고통이 없는 상태인 '편안하다'나 '즐겁다'가 반대 의미로 쓰일 수 있습니다.
네, '고통스럽게'라고 하면 고통스러운 상태로 행동하거나 고통스럽게 느껴진다는 의미로 사용할 수 있습니다.
Test Yourself
이별 후의 시간은 정말 ___.
이별은 정신적인 괴로움을 동반하므로 고통스럽다가 적절합니다.
고통스럽다
괴롭다는 고통스럽다와 거의 같은 의미로 쓰이는 유의어입니다.
매우 / 고통스럽다 / 다리가 / .
주어+부사+형용사 순서가 자연스럽습니다.
Score: /3
Summary
It describes a profound state of physical or mental agony that is hard to bear.
- Used for intense physical or emotional suffering.
- Describes a state that is difficult to endure.
- Often used in formal and serious contexts.
Use for deep emotional pain
Use this word when describing heartbreak or mental stress rather than just a headache. It conveys a deeper level of suffering.
Avoid overusing in casual talk
Using this word for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly difficult situations.
Cultural depth of suffering
In Korean culture, endurance is often valued, so saying something is '고통스럽다' is a significant admission of hardship.
Examples
4 of 4다리가 너무 고통스러워서 걷기 힘들다.
My legs are so painful that it is hard to walk.
그의 죽음은 우리 모두에게 고통스러운 기억이다.
His death is a painful memory for all of us.
너무 고통스러워요.
I am in so much pain.
만성 질환은 환자에게 고통스러운 삶을 강요한다.
Chronic diseases force a painful life upon patients.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More military words
명령하다
A1To give an authoritative instruction or order; to command.
항복하다
A1To cease resistance to an enemy and surrender.
무기
A1A tool or device used for fighting or defending oneself.
부대
B1A military unit or detachment of soldiers.
장교
B1A commissioned officer in the armed forces, holding a leadership role.
훈련
A2The process of teaching or learning skills, especially for military service.
지휘
B1The act of giving orders and controlling military operations; command.
탱크
B1An armored fighting vehicle, typically with a cannon, used in warfare.
부상
A2An injury or wound sustained by a person, especially in combat.
용기
A2Bravery in the face of danger or difficulty; courage.
