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안쓰럽다

A2 adjective 8 min read

안쓰럽다

ansseureopda

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 안쓰럽다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 안쓰럽다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '안쓰럽다' (ansseureopda) as a special way to say 'I feel sorry for you' in a kind way. In Korean, there are many words for being sorry. This one is used when you see someone you like or care about working very hard or feeling a bit sick. For example, if your friend is studying very late for a big test and they look very tired, you can say '안쓰러워요'. It means your heart feels a little bit sad because they are having a hard time. Usually, we use this for people we know well, like family or friends. A simple way to remember it is: 'My heart feels bad for you because you are struggling.' At this level, just remember the basic form '안쓰러워요' (It is pitiful/I feel sorry). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just imagine seeing a small puppy in the rain—that feeling you get is exactly what '안쓰럽다' describes. It is a very warm and nice word to show you are a kind person who cares about others. You might hear it in simple cartoons or when a teacher talks to a student who is crying. It's a very common 'feeling' word in Korea.

At the A2 level, you should start to understand how '안쓰럽다' is used in daily conversations and its basic conjugation. This word is a 'ㅂ-irregular' adjective. This means when you add '-어요' to the end, the 'ㅂ' changes to '우'. So, it becomes '안쓰러워요'. You will often use it to describe the state of someone else. For example, '동생이 아파서 안쓰러워요' (My younger sibling is sick, so I feel sorry for them). It is important to know that this word is different from '미안하다' (mianhada). '미안하다' is when you did something wrong and you say 'I'm sorry.' '안쓰럽다' is when *someone else* is having a hard time and you feel sympathy for them. You can use it when you see someone working too much, someone who is lonely, or someone who is going through a tough time. It shows that you have 'empathy.' In Korean culture, expressing this feeling is very important for building good relationships. It shows you are paying attention to other people's feelings. You can also use the pattern '-어 보여서 안쓰럽다' (You look [adjective], so I feel sorry). For example: '피곤해 보여서 안쓰러워요' (You look tired, so I feel sorry for you). This is a very natural and polite way to show concern for a friend or colleague.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to distinguish '안쓰럽다' from its synonyms like '불쌍하다' and '안타깝다'. '안쓰럽다' carries a nuance of affection and closeness. It's the feeling of your heart 'aching' for someone. '불쌍하다' is more objective and can sometimes sound like you are looking down on the person. Therefore, when talking about friends or family, '안쓰럽다' is usually the better choice. You can use it in more complex sentences, such as '고생하시는 부모님을 뵈니 마음이 안쓰러웠다' (Seeing my parents struggling, my heart felt sympathetic). Notice how '마음이 안쓰럽다' (My heart feels pitiful) is a very common way to phrase this emotion. You should also be comfortable using it with various endings like '-네요' (to express realization: '안쓰럽네요!') or '-어서/아서' to give reasons. You might also encounter it in the form '안쓰럽게 생각하다' (to regard someone with sympathy). This level also involves understanding that '안쓰럽다' is rarely used for oneself. If you say '내가 안쓰러워', it sounds like you are being very dramatic or self-pitying in a specific way, which is not common in everyday speech. Instead, focus on using it to describe your reaction to others' hardships, especially when those hardships are visible, like physical labor or emotional distress.

At the B2 level, you can explore the deeper cultural roots of '안쓰럽다' and use it in more nuanced social situations. This word is closely tied to the Korean concept of 'Jeong' (affectionate attachment). It’s often used to acknowledge the 'unspoken' struggles of others. For example, you might use it when a colleague is taking on extra work to support their family, even if they don't complain. It’s a way of validating their effort and sacrifice. You should also understand the difference between '안쓰럽다' and '안타깝다' in detail. '안타깝다' is used for regrettable situations (like losing a game), while '안쓰럽다' is specifically for the person's suffering. If a friend fails an exam, you might say '안타깝다' about the result, but if you see them crying afterward, you feel '안쓰럽다' for them. You can also use the adverbial form '안쓰럽게' to describe how someone is doing something: '그는 안쓰럽게도 혼자서 그 무거운 짐을 다 옮겼다' (Pitifully/Sympathetically, he moved all that heavy luggage by himself). This level also involves recognizing the word in literature and media where it is used to build emotional tension between characters. It is a key word for understanding the 'emotional landscape' of Korean interpersonal relationships, where sharing pain is seen as a sign of true intimacy.

For C1 learners, '안쓰럽다' should be used with precision in both spoken and written contexts. You should understand its place in the spectrum of compassion-related vocabulary, including more formal terms like '측은하다' (cheugeunhada) or '애처롭다' (aecheoreopda). While '안쓰럽다' is the go-to word for general sympathy among acquaintances, '애처롭다' is often used for a spouse or someone extremely close, carrying a more heart-wrenching, almost tragic weight. You should be able to analyze the word's usage in social commentary—for example, how a journalist might describe the '안쓰러운 현실' (pitiful reality) of youth unemployment. In these contexts, the word moves beyond individual emotion and becomes a tool for social empathy. You can also use it in the passive-reflective sense, discussing why a certain character in a book evokes '안쓰러움' (the noun form, meaning 'pitifulness' or 'sympathy') in the reader. Furthermore, you should be sensitive to the power dynamics involved; while '안쓰럽다' is generally warm, if used by a superior to a subordinate in a way that highlights the subordinate's lack of agency, it can carry a subtle patronizing tone, though this is rare. Mastering '안쓰럽다' at this level means knowing exactly when to deploy it to sound like a native speaker who truly understands the 'han' (sorrow) and 'jeong' (affection) inherent in the Korean language.

At the C2 level, '안쓰럽다' is a tool for expressing profound empathy and sophisticated emotional analysis. You should be able to discuss the etymological nuances—how the word relates to the feeling of 'not being able to use' or 'not fitting' (안 + 쓰다), which evolved into the discomfort of seeing someone in an 'unusable' or broken state. You can utilize the word in high-level creative writing or academic discussions about Korean aesthetics and emotions. For instance, you might compare '안쓰럽다' with the Buddhist concept of 'Karuna' (compassion) or the Western concept of 'pathos.' You should be able to use the word in complex rhetorical structures, such as '그의 성공 뒤에 가려진 안쓰러운 노력들을 우리는 잊지 말아야 한다' (We must not forget the heart-wrenching efforts hidden behind his success). At this level, you also understand the subtle irony or sarcasm that can be employed in specific social contexts, though '안쓰럽다' is rarely used this way compared to '불쌍하다.' You are fully aware of how this word functions as a social lubricant, allowing for the expression of care without being overly intrusive. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word to evoke specific emotional responses in an audience, whether through a speech, an essay, or a deep philosophical conversation about the nature of human suffering and the beauty of shared empathy in Korean society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

안쓰럽다 in 30 Seconds

Used to express heartfelt sympathy for someone's hardship.
Commonly used by parents for children or between close friends.
Focuses on the observer's emotional heartache for the other person.
Follows the ㅂ-irregular conjugation (안쓰러워요).

The Korean word 안쓰럽다 (ansseureopda) is a deeply emotive adjective that captures a specific shade of sympathy. While English speakers might translate it as 'to feel sorry for' or 'to be pitiful,' these translations often miss the inherent warmth and affection embedded in the Korean term. It describes a feeling of heartache or a 'tugging at the heartstrings' when you witness someone you care about—or even a vulnerable stranger—undergoing hardship, exhaustion, or misfortune. It is less about looking down on someone (which 'pity' can sometimes imply) and more about a shared emotional burden.

Core Nuance: The feeling of 'ansseureopda' usually arises when the subject of your sympathy is perceived as fragile, hardworking beyond their strength, or undeserving of their current struggle. It is the emotion a mother feels seeing her child study until 2 AM, or the feeling you get seeing an elderly person carrying heavy groceries in the rain.

늦게까지 고생하는 직원을 보니 마음이 안쓰럽다.
(Seeing the employee struggling until late, my heart feels heavy with sympathy.)

This word is ubiquitous in Korean daily life because Korean culture places a high value on Jeong (social harmony and deep attachment). When you say something is 'ansseureopda,' you are acknowledging their effort and the pain it causes you to watch them struggle. It is a word of connection. It is frequently used by parents toward children, supervisors toward hardworking subordinates, or between close friends who see each other's hidden struggles.

혼자 밥을 먹는 아이의 뒷모습이 안쓰러워요.
(The sight of the child eating alone from behind looks so pitiful/heartbreaking.)

Common Subjects: Typically used for: overworked family members, sick pets, children who are crying, or people who have failed despite trying their absolute best.

In terms of frequency, you will hear this in K-Dramas constantly. A lead character might look at the second lead who is suffering in silence and say, "마음이 안쓰러워" (My heart feels for you). It is a way of saying 'I see your pain, and it affects me too.' It bridges the gap between mere observation and true empathy.

Grammatically, 안쓰럽다 functions as a descriptive verb (adjective) in Korean. This means it can describe a noun directly or serve as the predicate of a sentence. Because it describes a feeling or a state, it often pairs with the particle -게 to become an adverb or -어 보이다 to mean 'looks/seems pitiful.'

Sentence Structure 1: Subject + 이/가 + 안쓰럽다: This is the standard way to say 'Someone is pitiful' or 'I feel sorry for someone.' Example: "동생이 안쓰러워요" (I feel sorry for my younger sibling).

부모님께서 고생하시는 모습이 참 안쓰럽습니다.
(The sight of my parents struggling is truly heartbreaking.)

When using it to describe your internal emotional state, you often use the phrase 마음이 안쓰럽다 (My heart feels pitiful/sympathetic). This shifts the focus from the person being pitiful to the speaker's own feeling of compassion.

Sentence Structure 2: -어 보여서 안쓰럽다: This structure explains *why* you feel this way. "피곤해 보여서 안쓰러워요" (You look tired, so I feel sorry for you). It connects the observation to the emotion.

비에 젖은 강아지가 안쓰러워서 집에 데려왔어요.
(The puppy soaked in rain looked so pitiful that I brought it home.)

In formal settings, you might use 안쓰럽게 생각하다 (to think of someone as pitiful/to feel sympathy for). This adds a slight distance and is common in written reports or news where a speaker describes their reaction to a tragic event or a difficult social situation.

그의 사정을 듣고 모두가 안쓰럽게 여겼습니다.
(After hearing his circumstances, everyone regarded him with sympathy.)

You will encounter 안쓰럽다 in a variety of contexts, from intimate family conversations to public discourse. Its primary home is in the domestic sphere. Parents are the most frequent users of this word. In Korea, the sacrifice of parents is a major cultural theme, but parents themselves often feel 'ansseureopda' toward their children who have to compete in a high-pressure society.

Family Context: A mother watching her son go to work despite having a cold will sigh and say, "아이구, 우리 아들 안쓰러워서 어떡해..." (Oh, my son, I feel so sorry for you, what should I do...). It expresses a desire to help but an inability to take the pain away.

밤새 공부하는 딸을 보니 정말 안쓰러워요.
(Seeing my daughter study all night truly makes my heart ache.)

In the workplace, a kind manager might use this word toward a team member who is taking on too much responsibility. While Korean work culture can be harsh, 'ansseureopda' is a word that humanizes the relationship. It’s a way for a superior to acknowledge a junior's struggle without necessarily breaking the professional hierarchy.

Another common place is social media or news comments. When there is a story about an orphan or a struggling small business owner, people will comment, "너무 안쓰럽네요. 힘내세요!" (It's so heartbreaking. Please find strength!). It serves as a collective expression of empathy for those facing life's injustices.

유기견들의 사연이 너무 안쓰러워서 눈물이 났어요.
(The stories of the abandoned dogs were so pitiful that I cried.)

Daily Interaction: When a friend tells you they've been working 12-hour shifts and skipping meals, responding with "진짜 안쓰럽다..." is more comforting than just saying "That's hard." It shows you feel their exhaustion.

For English speakers, the biggest challenge is distinguishing 안쓰럽다 from other words related to pity or sadness. Because English often uses 'pity' or 'sorry' for many different situations, learners might use the wrong Korean word and accidentally sound rude or cold.

Mistake 1: Using it for yourself: You generally do NOT say "나는 내가 안쓰러워" (I feel sorry for myself) in a normal context. 'Ansseureopda' is almost always directed outward. If you are sad about your own situation, you would use '슬프다' (sad) or '비참하다' (miserable).

Another common mistake is confusing it with 불쌍하다 (bulssanghada). While they overlap, 'bulssanghada' is more objective and can sometimes imply that the person is in a lowly or pathetic state. If you say a friend is 'bulssanghada,' it might hurt their pride. 'Ansseureopda' is safer because it implies your heart is hurting with them.

Incorrect: 친구가 돈이 없어서 불쌍해요 (My friend is pitiful - sounds a bit like looking down).
Better: 친구가 고생하는 게 안쓰러워요 (It's heartbreaking to see my friend struggling).

Learners also sometimes confuse it with 안타깝다 (antakkapda). 'Antakkapda' is used when a situation is regrettable or frustrating—like when someone loses a game by one point. 'Ansseureopda' is specifically about the *person's suffering* and your emotional reaction to it. If someone misses a flight, it's 'antakkapda'. If someone misses a flight to see a dying relative, it's 'ansseureopda'.

시험에 떨어져서 안타까워요 (Regrettable they failed).
울고 있는 그가 안쓰러워요 (My heart aches for him who is crying).

Finally, remember the conjugation. It is not '안쓰럽어요'. Because of the ㅂ-irregularity, it must be '안쓰러워요'. Forgetting this is a very common beginner error.

To truly master Korean empathy, you need to know where 안쓰럽다 sits among its cousins. Korean has an incredibly rich vocabulary for 'feeling sorry' or 'pitying' someone, each with a different flavor.

1. 불쌍하다 (Bulssanghada): The most common word for 'pitiful.' It is more general and can be used for tragic situations. However, using it for a person directly can feel like you are looking down on them. 'Ansseureopda' is more affectionate.
2. 안타깝다 (Antakkapda): Focuses on the regret or frustration of a situation. Use this when something didn't go as planned, or someone is in a 'shameful/regrettable' situation. It's less about 'heartache' and more about 'what a waste/pity.'
3. 가엽다 / 가엽게 여기다 (Gayeopda): A more literary or poetic word for 'pitiful' or 'poor.' You’ll find this in novels or older speech. It carries a heavy sense of sorrow and mercy.

측은하다 (Cheugeunhada): A formal/academic term for feeling compassion or pity. It often implies a feeling of superiority or a 'noble' sympathy from a higher position.

Choosing the right word depends on your relationship with the person and the intensity of your feeling. If you see a homeless person, '불쌍하다' is common. If you see your hard-working mother, '안쓰럽다' is much more natural and warm. If you see someone lose their wallet, '안타깝다' is the best fit.

In modern slang, people sometimes use '짠하다' (jjan-hada) which is very similar to '안쓰럽다' but slightly more casual and focuses on that 'stinging' feeling in the heart. If you see a friend being rejected by a crush, you might say "아, 진짜 짠하다..."

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In old Korean, the '쓰' part was related to the mind or heart being 'used up' or 'strained' by looking at someone in a bad state.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /an.s͈ɯ.ɾʌp̚.t͈a/

US /an.s͈ɯ.ɾʌp̚.t͈a/

Primary stress is on the second syllable '쓰'.

Rhymes With

부럽다 (bureopda - to be envious) 더럽다 (deoreopda - to be dirty) 무섭다 (museopda - to be scary) 고맙다 (gomapda - to be thankful) 어렵다 (eoryeopda - to be difficult) 즐겁다 (jeulgeopda - to be joyful) 가볍다 (gabyeopda - to be light) 매끄럽다 (maekkeureopda - to be smooth)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '쓰' as '스' (s) instead of the tense 'ss'.
Forgetting the ㅂ-irregular conjugation (saying 안쓰럽어요 instead of 안쓰러워요).
Not tensing the '다' to '따' after the 'ㅂ' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, often appears in emotional scenes.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the ㅂ-irregular conjugation (안쓰러워).

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct tense 'ss' pronunciation and natural intonation.

Listening 2/5

Very common in dramas and variety shows.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

슬프다 아프다 마음 고생 불쌍하다

Learn Next

안타깝다 측은하다 애처롭다 다행이다

Advanced

연민 동정심 비애 애환

Grammar to Know

ㅂ-Irregular Conjugation

안쓰럽다 -> 안쓰러워요, 안쓰러우면, 안쓰러웠다.

-어 보이다 (Looks like...)

피곤해 보여서 안쓰러워요.

-게 여기다 (To regard as...)

그를 안쓰럽게 여겼다.

-아서/어서 (Reasoning)

아파서 안쓰러워요.

-기조차 (Even to...)

안쓰러워서 쳐다보기조차 힘들다.

Examples by Level

아이가 울어서 안쓰러워요.

The child is crying, so I feel sorry for them.

안쓰러워요 is the polite form of 안쓰럽다.

친구가 아파요. 정말 안쓰러워요.

My friend is sick. I really feel sorry for them.

Use '정말' (really) to emphasize the feeling.

강아지가 배고파 보여서 안쓰러워요.

The puppy looks hungry, so I feel sorry for it.

-아/어 보이다 means 'to look like'.

할머니가 무거운 짐을 들고 계셔서 안쓰러워요.

The grandmother is carrying heavy luggage, so I feel sorry for her.

Present progressive: -고 있다.

추운 날씨에 밖에서 일하는 사람이 안쓰러워요.

I feel sorry for the person working outside in the cold weather.

Adjective modifying noun: 일하는 사람.

동생이 숙제가 많아서 안쓰러워요.

My sibling has a lot of homework, so I feel sorry for them.

Reason marker: -아서/어서.

고양이가 혼자 있어서 안쓰러워요.

The cat is alone, so I feel sorry for it.

State of being: 혼자 있다.

마음이 안쓰러워요.

My heart feels sorry/pitiful.

Common idiomatic expression.

밤늦게까지 일하는 남편이 안쓰러워요.

I feel sorry for my husband who works until late at night.

Noun modification: 일하는 남편.

길에서 떠는 고양이를 보니 안쓰러웠어요.

Seeing the cat shivering on the street made me feel sorry.

Past tense: 안쓰러웠어요.

부모님 손이 거칠어서 안쓰러워요.

My parents' hands are rough, so I feel sorry for them.

Reason: -아서.

혼자 밥 먹는 모습이 안쓰러워 보여요.

The sight of eating alone looks pitiful.

-어 보이다 (looks like).

친구가 시험에서 떨어져서 마음이 안쓰러워요.

My friend failed the exam, so my heart feels sorry for them.

Focus on '마음' (heart).

아픈 아이를 보는 엄마의 마음은 안쓰럽습니다.

The heart of a mother watching a sick child is pitiful/aching.

Formal ending: -습니다.

그의 낡은 신발을 보니 안쓰러운 생각이 들었다.

Seeing his old shoes, a sympathetic thought came to mind.

안쓰러운 (adjective form).

너무 무리하지 마세요. 보는 제가 더 안쓰러워요.

Don't overdo it. It's more painful for me to watch you.

보는 제가 (Me, who is watching).

하루 종일 서서 일하는 그녀가 참 안쓰럽게 느껴졌다.

I felt truly sorry for her, who stands and works all day.

-게 느껴지다 (to be felt as...).

어린 나이에 가장이 된 그가 안쓰러워 죽겠어요.

It breaks my heart that he became the head of the household at such a young age.

-어 죽겠다 (exaggeration: 'to death').

비바람 속에서 전단지를 돌리는 할아버지가 안쓰러웠다.

I felt sorry for the elderly man handing out flyers in the rain and wind.

Specific circumstantial description.

자식들을 위해 평생 고생만 하신 어머니가 안쓰러워요.

I feel sorry for my mother who only suffered her whole life for her children.

평생 (lifelong) + 고생 (hardship).

상처 입은 유기견의 눈망울이 너무 안쓰러웠습니다.

The eyes of the injured abandoned dog were so pitiful.

Noun: 눈망울 (eyeballs/eyes).

말도 못 하고 혼자 끙끙 앓는 모습이 안쓰러워 보였어요.

It looked pitiful to see him suffering in silence without saying a word.

끙끙 앓다 (to suffer/groan).

그녀의 안쓰러운 사정을 듣고 나서야 오해가 풀렸다.

Only after hearing her pitiful circumstances was the misunderstanding cleared.

-고 나서야 (only after...).

우는 아이를 달래는 아빠의 뒷모습이 왠지 안쓰러웠다.

The back of the father comforting the crying child was somehow pitiful.

왠지 (somehow/for some reason).

실패를 거듭하면서도 포기하지 않는 그의 모습이 안쓰럽기도 하고 대견하기도 하다.

Seeing him not give up despite repeated failures makes me feel both sorry and proud.

-기도 하고 -기도 하다 (both... and...).

경제적 어려움 때문에 꿈을 포기해야 하는 청년들이 안쓰럽다.

I feel sorry for the young people who have to give up their dreams due to economic difficulties.

Due to: -때문에.

그의 안쓰러운 처지를 모르는 바는 아니지만, 규칙은 지켜야 합니다.

It's not that I don't know his pitiful situation, but the rules must be followed.

-는 바는 아니지만 (It's not that... but...).

주인을 잃고 집 앞을 지키는 강아지의 모습이 참으로 안쓰러웠다.

The sight of the puppy guarding the front of the house after losing its owner was truly heartbreaking.

참으로 (truly/indeed).

어린 나이에 감당하기 힘든 짐을 진 그가 안쓰러워 보였다.

He looked pitiful, carrying a burden that was hard to handle at such a young age.

감당하다 (to handle/cope).

병색이 완연한 그의 얼굴을 마주하니 마음 한구석이 안쓰러워졌다.

Facing his face, which showed clear signs of illness, a corner of my heart felt sympathetic.

마음 한구석 (a corner of the heart).

안쓰러운 마음에 선뜻 도움의 손길을 내밀었다.

With a sympathetic heart, I readily reached out a helping hand.

선뜻 (readily/willingly).

그녀의 안쓰러운 눈빛을 보니 차마 거절할 수가 없었다.

Seeing her pitiful eyes, I couldn't bring myself to refuse.

차마 (cannot bring oneself to).

시대의 파도에 휩쓸려 꿈을 잃어버린 세대의 모습이 참으로 안쓰럽게 다가온다.

The sight of a generation that lost its dreams, swept away by the waves of the era, feels truly pitiful.

-게 다가오다 (to come across as/feel like).

작가는 소설 속 인물의 고독을 매우 안쓰러운 필치로 묘사하고 있다.

The author describes the character's loneliness with a very sympathetic touch.

필치 (touch/style of writing).

동정심보다는 안쓰러움이 앞서는 상황이었다.

It was a situation where sympathy/heartache preceded mere pity.

-이 앞서다 (to come first/precede).

부모님의 굽은 등을 볼 때마다 안쓰러운 마음을 금할 길이 없다.

Every time I see my parents' bent backs, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of sympathy.

-을 금할 길이 없다 (cannot help but...).

그의 안쓰러운 변명을 듣고 있자니 화보다는 슬픔이 밀려왔다.

Listening to his pitiful excuses, sadness rather than anger rushed in.

-고 있자니 (while doing..., I realized...).

사회의 사각지대에서 안쓰럽게 살아가는 이들을 위한 대책이 시급하다.

Measures for those living pitifully in the blind spots of society are urgent.

사각지대 (blind spot).

인간의 유한함이 느껴질 때 문득 우리 모두가 안쓰러운 존재라는 생각이 든다.

When I feel the finitude of humans, I suddenly think that we are all pitiful beings.

유한함 (finitude).

그녀는 안쓰러운 기색을 감추려 애써 미소 지었다.

She tried to smile, attempting to hide her pitiful expression.

기색 (look/expression).

작품 전체를 관통하는 정서는 삶의 비애와 그에 대한 안쓰러운 시선이다.

The emotion penetrating the entire work is the sorrow of life and a sympathetic gaze toward it.

관통하다 (to penetrate/pierce through).

타인의 고통을 안쓰럽게 여길 줄 아는 마음이야말로 인간성의 척도이다.

The heart that knows how to regard others' pain with sympathy is the measure of humanity.

척도 (measure/yardstick).

그의 문장은 화려하지 않으나 독자의 마음을 안쓰럽게 적시는 힘이 있다.

His sentences are not flashy, but they have the power to sympathetically dampen the reader's heart.

적시다 (to dampen/soak).

우리는 종종 자신의 안쓰러운 모습을 직면하는 것을 두려워한다.

We often fear facing our own pitiful selves.

직면하다 (to face/confront).

현대인의 고독은 그 깊이를 가늠할 수 없을 만큼 안쓰러운 면이 있다.

The loneliness of modern people has a pitiful side that is immeasurable in depth.

가늠하다 (to judge/estimate).

부조리한 현실 속에서 안쓰럽게 투쟁하는 개인의 숭고함을 그렸다.

It depicted the nobility of an individual struggling pitifully within an absurd reality.

부조리 (absurdity).

안쓰러움이라는 감정은 때로 논리적인 판단을 흐리게 만들기도 한다.

The emotion of sympathy sometimes clouds logical judgment.

흐리게 만들다 (to make cloudy/blur).

그의 삶은 안쓰러운 실패의 연속이었지만, 그는 결코 비굴하지 않았다.

His life was a series of pitiful failures, but he was never servile.

비굴하다 (servile/cringing).

Common Collocations

마음이 안쓰럽다

안쓰러운 마음

안쓰러운 눈빛

안쓰러운 처지

안쓰럽게 여기다

안쓰러워 보이다

안쓰럽게 생각하다

안쓰러워 죽겠다

안쓰러운 표정

안쓰러운 사연

Common Phrases

보는 내가 다 안쓰럽다

— It hurts me just to watch you go through this.

그렇게 고생하는 걸 보니 보는 내가 다 안쓰럽네.

안쓰러워서 어쩌나

— I feel so sorry, what should I do?

아이가 아파서 안쓰러워서 어쩌나.

정말 안쓰럽네요

— That is truly pitiful/heartbreaking.

이야기를 들으니 정말 안쓰럽네요.

안쓰러운 기색

— A look of sympathy or a pitiful look.

그는 안쓰러운 기색을 감추지 못했다.

안쓰럽게도

— Pitifully/Unfortunately.

안쓰럽게도 그는 기회를 놓치고 말았다.

마음 한구석이 안쓰럽다

— A part of my heart feels sorry.

그를 생각하면 마음 한구석이 안쓰럽다.

안쓰러운 뒷모습

— A pitiful sight of someone's back (often implying loneliness).

그의 안쓰러운 뒷모습을 잊을 수 없다.

안쓰러운 노력

— Heartbreaking effort.

그의 안쓰러운 노력이 결실을 맺길 바란다.

안쓰러움이 밀려오다

— A wave of sympathy/pity comes over someone.

그녀의 얼굴을 보니 안쓰러움이 밀려왔다.

안쓰러워하지 마세요

— Please don't feel sorry for me.

제가 좋아서 하는 일이니 안쓰러워하지 마세요.

Often Confused With

안쓰럽다 vs 미안하다

Guilt (I did something wrong) vs. Empathy (You are struggling).

안쓰럽다 vs 슬프다

General sadness vs. Specific sympathy for another's state.

안쓰럽다 vs 아깝다

Waste of resources/time vs. Heartache for a person.

Idioms & Expressions

"눈 뜨고 볼 수 없다"

— To be so pitiful or terrible that one cannot bear to watch.

그의 가난한 생활은 눈 뜨고 볼 수 없을 만큼 안쓰러웠다.

Common

"가슴이 미어지다"

— One's heart is bursting (with sorrow/pity).

안쓰러운 아이의 모습에 가슴이 미어졌다.

Emotive

"심금을 울리다"

— To touch one's heartstrings.

그의 안쓰러운 사연이 사람들의 심금을 울렸다.

Literary

"눈시울이 뜨거워지다"

— To feel like crying (eyes getting hot).

안쓰러운 광경을 보고 눈시울이 뜨거워졌다.

Common

"애가 타다"

— To be very anxious and worried (often for someone pitiful).

아픈 자식을 보는 엄마는 안쓰러움에 애가 탔다.

Common

"창자가 끊어지는 듯하다"

— Extreme sorrow (like intestines being cut).

자식을 잃은 안쓰러운 어미의 마음은 창자가 끊어지는 듯했다.

Archaic/Dramatic

"피눈물이 나다"

— To cry tears of blood (extreme grief/pity).

그의 안쓰러운 처지에 피눈물이 났다.

Exaggerated

"목이 메다"

— To be choked up with emotion.

너무 안쓰러워서 목이 메어 말을 할 수 없었다.

Common

"간장을 녹이다"

— To deeply move someone's heart (often with a pitiful story).

그의 안쓰러운 노래가 청중의 간장을 녹였다.

Literary

"눈물이 앞을 가리다"

— Tears cloud one's vision (from pity/sadness).

안쓰러운 사연에 눈물이 앞을 가렸다.

Common

Easily Confused

안쓰럽다 vs 불쌍하다

Both mean 'pitiful'.

불쌍하다 is more objective and sometimes patronizing; 안쓰럽다 is warmer and more affectionate.

거지는 불쌍하고, 고생하는 내 친구는 안쓰럽다.

안쓰럽다 vs 안타깝다

Both express a 'pity' in English.

안타깝다 is about a regrettable situation; 안쓰럽다 is about the person's suffering.

1점 차이로 진 것은 안타깝고, 울고 있는 선수는 안쓰럽다.

안쓰럽다 vs 측은하다

Both mean compassion.

측은하다 is much more formal and often used by people in higher positions looking down.

왕이 백성을 측은하게 여겼다.

안쓰럽다 vs 가엽다

Both mean pitiful.

가엽다 is more poetic/literary and sounds a bit more 'tragic'.

가여운 소녀 심청이.

안쓰럽다 vs 애처롭다

Both mean heart-aching pity.

애처롭다 is usually reserved for spouses or extremely intimate loved ones.

병든 아내가 애처롭다.

Sentence Patterns

N-이/가 안쓰러워요.

아이가 안쓰러워요.

V-아/어 보여서 안쓰러워요.

슬퍼 보여서 안쓰러워요.

안쓰러운 마음에 V-았/었어요.

안쓰러운 마음에 밥을 사 줬어요.

N-이/가 안쓰러워 죽겠어요.

동생이 안쓰러워 죽겠어요.

안쓰럽게도 N-이/가...

안쓰럽게도 그는 혼자였다.

N-을/를 안쓰럽게 생각하다.

그녀의 사정을 안쓰럽게 생각해요.

안쓰러움을 금할 길이 없다.

그의 소식에 안쓰러움을 금할 길이 없었다.

안쓰러운 시선으로 바라보다.

세상을 안쓰러운 시선으로 바라본다.

Word Family

Nouns

안쓰러움 The feeling of pity or sympathy.

Verbs

안쓰러워하다 To feel or show sympathy for (someone).

Adjectives

안쓰럽다 Pitiful, sympathetic.

마음 (heart)

동정 (sympathy)

연민 (pity/compassion)

고생 (hardship)

불쌍 (pitifulness)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

안쓰럽어요 → 안쓰러워요
This is a ㅂ-irregular adjective. The ㅂ must change to 우 before adding -어요.
Using it for yourself ('나는 안쓰러워') → 나는 슬퍼 / 나는 힘들어
You don't usually feel 'ansseureopda' for yourself; it's an outward-facing emotion.
Using it instead of '미안하다' when you make a mistake. → 미안해요
'안쓰럽다' is sympathy for someone else's state, not an apology for your own actions.
Confusing it with '안타깝다' for a missed opportunity. → 안타까워요
If a situation is just regrettable but not 'heartbreaking' for a person, use 안타깝다.
Using it in a way that sounds patronizing to a superior. → 고생 많으십니다
Telling a boss they look 'pitiful' can be misinterpreted as them being weak.

Tips

Show Your Heart

Using '안쓰럽다' shows you have a 'warm heart' (마음이 따뜻하다) in Korean culture. Don't be afraid to use it to show concern.

The 'ㅂ' Trap

Always remember: 안쓰럽 + 어요 = 안쓰러워요. Never say 안쓰럽어요.

Soft Intonation

This word is about soft emotions. Speak it gently to match its meaning.

Pair with '고생'

It often goes with '고생' (hardship). '고생하는 모습이 안쓰러워요' is a perfect set phrase.

Avoid for Strangers

For total strangers in very tragic situations, '불쌍하다' or '안타깝다' might be more common unless you feel a personal emotional hit.

Drama Context

When you hear this in a drama, a romance or a deep friendship is usually starting or deepening.

Adverbial Use

Use '안쓰럽게도' at the start of a sentence to mean 'Pitifully...' or 'Sadly...'.

Relationship Building

Telling a friend '네가 안쓰러워' can be a very deep form of validation.

Regret vs. Pity

Remember: Lost wallet = 안타깝다. Sick friend = 안쓰럽다.

Nuance is Key

Focusing on the 'heartache' aspect will help you distinguish it from all other 'pity' words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ans-seureop-da'. 'Ans' sounds like 'Aunt's'. Imagine your 'Aunt's' heart is 'sore' (seureop) because she sees you working too hard. Aunt's-sore-heart = 안쓰럽다.

Visual Association

Visualize a grandmother looking through a window at her grandson studying under a single dim light bulb. Her expression is the definition of 안쓰럽다.

Word Web

Heart Tears Hard work Compassion Affection Family Pain Vulnerability

Challenge

Try to find one person today who is working hard or looks tired. In your head, say '[Name]-가 안쓰러워요'. It will help you link the emotion to the word.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of the prefix '안-' (not), the root '쓰-' (from 쓰다, meaning to use or to be bitter), and the suffix '-럽다' (which turns roots into adjectives).

Original meaning: Historically, it related to a feeling of 'uncomfortableness' or 'not being able to use something properly' because it was broken or sad, which evolved into the modern sense of heartache for someone else.

Koreanic (Native Korean word).

Cultural Context

While warm, be careful not to use it for someone who is very proud and trying to hide their struggle, as it might make them feel exposed.

English speakers often mistake 'pity' for a negative thing, but '안쓰럽다' is almost always a positive, caring emotion in Korean.

Commonly heard in K-Dramas like 'My Mister' (나의 아저씨) where characters share deep empathy. Used in many Korean ballad lyrics to describe the pain of watching a loved one suffer. A frequent theme in Korean 'Sadaebu' literature regarding the plight of the common people.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Seeing someone sick

많이 아파 보여서 안쓰러워요.
안쓰러워라, 어서 나으세요.
그렇게 아픈데도 일하는 게 안쓰럽네요.
안쓰러워서 못 보겠어요.

Seeing someone overwork

밤새는 모습이 안쓰러워요.
너무 무리하지 마세요, 안쓰러우니까.
안쓰러운 마음에 커피 사 왔어요.
보는 제가 다 안쓰럽네요.

Watching a sad news story

사연이 너무 안쓰럽네요.
그 아이의 처지가 안쓰러워요.
안쓰러워서 눈물이 나요.
세상에 참 안쓰러운 일이 많네요.

Talking about family

부모님이 늙으신 게 안쓰러워요.
자식 키우느라 고생한 아내가 안쓰럽다.
동생이 혼자 있는 게 안쓰러워요.
안쓰러운 우리 아들.

Seeing stray animals

비 맞는 고양이가 안쓰러워요.
배고픈 강아지가 안쓰러워서 밥을 줬어요.
안쓰러운 유기견들.
눈빛이 너무 안쓰러웠어요.

Conversation Starters

"어제 티비에서 본 그 아이 사연, 정말 안쓰럽지 않았어요?"

"요즘 우리 과장님 너무 바빠 보이시는데, 좀 안쓰럽지 않나요?"

"부모님이 예전보다 작아 보이실 때 참 안쓰러운 마음이 들어요. 그렇지 않나요?"

"길에서 떠돌이 개를 보면 어떤 기분이 드세요? 저는 너무 안쓰러워요."

"친구가 힘든 일을 겪을 때 '안쓰럽다'는 말 말고 어떤 위로를 해주시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 누군가를 보고 안쓰러운 마음이 들었던 적이 있나요? 왜 그런 마음이 들었는지 써보세요.

부모님이나 가족을 생각할 때 가장 안쓰럽게 느껴지는 부분은 무엇인가요?

자신이 누군가에게 안쓰럽게 보였던 기억이 있나요? 그때 기분이 어땠나요?

안쓰러운 사람을 도와주었던 경험에 대해 일기를 써보세요.

드라마나 영화에서 가장 안쓰러웠던 캐릭터는 누구였나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is very rare. Usually, you use it for others. If you say '내가 안쓰러워', it sounds like you are looking at yourself from a third-person perspective with great sadness.

It can be tricky. If your boss is working very hard, saying '안쓰러워요' might sound a bit too personal or like you are looking down on them. Better to say '고생 많으십니다' (You are working hard).

The noun form is '안쓰러움'. For example: '그를 향한 안쓰러움' (Sympathy toward him).

It becomes '안쓰러웠어요' (I felt sorry/It was pitiful).

Not necessarily stronger, but deeper in terms of affection. '불쌍하다' can be used for a stranger, but '안쓰럽다' is usually for someone you feel a connection with.

Yes, it is very common for pets or stray animals.

No, it is a very kind and empathetic word.

'짠하다' is more casual and emphasizes the 'stinging' feeling in the heart. They are often interchangeable in casual speech.

Usually no, unless the object represents a person's struggle (like 'old shoes').

There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but '얄밉다' (annoying/hateful) is often used as a conceptual opposite in relationships.