A2 adjective #2,000 most common 9 min read

서운하다

At the A1 level, you can think of '서운하다' as a special kind of 'sad' (슬퍼요). You use it when you want to say you are a little bit sad because a friend is leaving or because you didn't get something you wanted from a person. It is simpler than other words for disappointment. For example, if your friend goes home early, you can say '서운해요!' This tells your friend that you like them and want to spend more time with them. It is a very useful word to show your feelings in a friendly way. You don't need complex grammar; just use '서운해요' or '서운했어요.' Remember, it's about people, not things. If you lose your umbrella, you are '슬퍼요' or '속상해요,' but if your friend forgets your birthday, you are '서운해요.' This is a great word to start expressing your social emotions in Korean.
At the A2 level, you should understand that '서운하다' is used when someone close to you doesn't meet your expectations. It's more specific than 'sad.' You can use it with the '-아서/어서' grammar to explain why you feel this way. For example: '친구가 연락을 안 해서 서운해요' (I'm hurt because my friend didn't call). You should also know that it's often used when saying goodbye. It's a 'soft' way to complain. Instead of getting angry, Koreans use '서운하다' to let the other person know their feelings are hurt. This helps keep relationships smooth. You should also be able to use it with '조금' (a little) to sound more natural. '조금 서운해요' is a very common phrase. It shows you are hurt but not extremely angry. This level is about using the word in daily social situations with friends and family.
At the B1 level, you need to distinguish '서운하다' from similar words like '아쉽다' and '섭섭하다.' While '아쉽다' is about feeling a lack of something or a missed opportunity (like a short vacation), '서운하다' is strictly about the emotional letdown from a person. You should also start using the third-person form '서운해하다.' For example, '어머니께서 제가 선물을 안 드려서 서운해하세요' (My mother is feeling hurt because I didn't give her a gift). You can also use it to modify nouns, such as '서운한 마음' (a feeling of disappointment). At this level, you should understand the cultural nuance of 'Jeong' (정) and how '서운함' is a natural part of close relationships. It's not a sign of a bad relationship, but rather a sign that you value the other person's attention. You can use it in more complex sentences with various connectors like '-지만' (but) or '-(으)니까' (because).
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '서운하다' to describe complex social dynamics. You understand that this word can be used strategically to express dissatisfaction without being confrontational. You can use it in professional settings (in a lighthearted way) or in deep personal discussions. You should also be familiar with the noun form '서운함' and how it's used in writing. For example, '서운함을 토로하다' (to vent one's disappointment). You can recognize the word in literature and media where it describes the bittersweet nature of human bonds. You also understand the difference between '서운하다' and '실망하다'—where the latter implies a loss of trust or respect, while '서운하다' implies a desire for more affection. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the social hierarchy and when it is appropriate to express '서운함' to a superior versus a subordinate.
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the psychological depth of '서운하다.' You can use it to discuss the nuances of Korean social interactions and the concept of 'Gong-gam' (empathy). You understand how '서운함' can build up over time (서운함이 쌓이다) and lead to larger conflicts if not addressed. You can use the word in formal essays or debates about social relationships. You are also aware of its use in idiomatic expressions and poetic contexts. For example, describing the '서운한 계절' (a season that leaves one feeling empty/regretful) when autumn turns to winter. You can analyze how the word functions as a social lubricant in Korean society, allowing for the expression of vulnerability. Your vocabulary includes related high-level terms like '유감스럽다' (regrettable) and you know exactly when '서운하다' is the more emotionally resonant choice.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '서운하다' and its existential implications in the Korean language. You can discuss the word's role in the 'collectivist' nature of Korean culture, where individual expectations are often tied to group harmony. You can interpret the subtle use of '서운하다' in high-level literature, where it might represent a character's entire outlook on life or their relationship with their heritage. You understand the historical and cultural evolution of the word and can compare it to similar concepts in other languages (like 'saudade' in Portuguese or 'mono no aware' in Japanese, though they differ). You can use the word with perfect register and tone, knowing exactly how to balance the 'softness' of the word with the gravity of the situation. You are capable of explaining the 'untranslatable' nature of the word to others, highlighting how it captures the specific intersection of love, expectation, and disappointment.

서운하다 in 30 Seconds

  • Used for 'hurt feelings' in relationships.
  • Commonly used when saying goodbye (regretful).
  • Softer and more personal than 'silmanghada' (disappointed).
  • Essential for expressing vulnerability in Korean culture.

The Korean adjective 서운하다 (seoun-hada) is a uniquely nuanced emotional descriptor that captures a specific type of disappointment or sadness. Unlike the broad term for sadness, 슬프다 (seulpeuda), or the heavy weight of disappointment, 실망하다 (silmanghada), 서운하다 resides in the realm of interpersonal relationships and expectations. It is the feeling you get when someone you care about fails to meet a small emotional expectation, or when a situation ends sooner than you'd like. It often implies a sense of 'I expected more from our bond' or 'I wish this moment lasted longer.' In Korean culture, this word is deeply tied to the concept of Jeong (정)—the deep social and emotional bond between people. When you feel 서운하다, it is often because that bond was not acknowledged in the way you anticipated.

Core Nuance
It is a 'soft' hurt. It's not necessarily anger, but a lingering feeling of being let down by someone close to you.
Interpersonal Context
It is most commonly used between friends, family members, or lovers. Using it with a complete stranger would be unusual because there are no prior expectations to be missed.

친구들이 나만 빼고 밥을 먹으러 가서 정말 서운하다.

Translation: I feel really hurt/let down because my friends went to eat without me.

To understand 서운하다, imagine you worked hard on a project and your best friend didn't even say 'good job.' You aren't 'angry' (화나다), but you feel a bit empty and 'seoun-hae.' It is a reactive emotion based on the perceived lack of attention or care. It can also be used when saying goodbye. If a friend leaves a party early, you might say '벌써 가? 서운하게!' (Are you leaving already? I'm disappointed/I'll miss you!). This shows that the word also covers the feeling of regret when something pleasant comes to an end. It is a vital word for expressing one's feelings in a way that is honest but not overly aggressive, allowing the other person to realize they've missed a social or emotional cue.

선생님이 제 이름을 기억 못 하셔서 조금 서운했어요.

Translation: I was a bit hurt that the teacher didn't remember my name.

Furthermore, the word can describe the feeling of 'missing' someone or something that is about to depart. When a beloved colleague retires, the remaining staff might feel 서운하다. This isn't just sadness; it's the feeling of a gap being created in one's daily social fabric. It's a complex mix of affection and the pain of its absence. In literature, it often describes the bittersweet nature of human connections. The word is essentially a bridge between 'I like you' and 'I am hurt by you,' making it one of the most frequently used emotional adjectives in daily Korean conversation. It allows for a level of vulnerability that is central to maintaining close-knit social groups in Korea.

Using 서운하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as an adjective (descriptive verb). In Korean, adjectives function similarly to verbs, meaning they can end a sentence or modify a noun. When expressing your own feelings, you simply use the standard polite or casual endings. However, when talking about a third person's feelings, Koreans often use the form 서운해하다 (to show signs of feeling hurt/disappointed), which converts the internal state into an observable action.

Sentence Patterns
[Person] + 이/가 + 서운하다 (I feel/You feel...)
[Reason] + -아서/어서 + 서운하다 (I feel hurt because...)

연락이 없어서 서운해.

Translation: I'm hurt because I haven't heard from you.

One of the most common ways to use this word is with the particle -에게 or -한테 (to/towards someone). If you want to say 'I am disappointed in you,' you would say '너한테 서운해.' This specifically targets the source of the feeling. It's also frequently used with adverbs like 조금 (a little), 무척 (very), or 정말 (really) to modulate the intensity of the emotion. Because it's a 'soft' word, adding '조금' (a little) is a very common way to soften a complaint, making it sound more like a plea for attention than a harsh criticism.

그렇게 말씀하시니 참 서운하네요.

Translation: It's quite disappointing to hear you say that.

In more advanced usage, you might see it modifying nouns: 서운한 마음 (a feeling of disappointment) or 서운한 표정 (a disappointed look). When someone looks like they are about to cry or looks dejected because they were left out, you can describe their face as '서운한 표정.' It's also important to note the past tense 서운했다. If you say '서운했어요,' it implies that you felt that way in the past, but perhaps you've moved on now. However, in Korean, the present tense '서운해요' is often used even for things that just happened, to express the immediate emotional impact.

You will encounter 서운하다 in almost every Korean drama (K-Drama) or variety show. It is the quintessential 'emotional conflict' word. In romantic dramas, one partner might say it when the other forgets an anniversary. In family dramas, a mother might say it to her son when he visits for only five minutes. It is a word that signals a need for reconciliation. When someone says 'I'm 서운해,' the culturally appropriate response is usually an apology or an explanation, rather than a defensive argument.

Variety Shows
Often used jokingly when a cast member isn't invited to a gathering or when a guest doesn't pick them as their favorite.
Daily Life
At farewell parties, graduation ceremonies, or when a neighbor moves away.

“벌써 가시게요? 정말 서운해요.”

Translation: “Are you leaving already? I'm really sad/disappointed (to see you go).”

Another common place to hear this is in the workplace, though usually in a slightly more indirect or joking manner. If a team goes out for drinks and forgets to invite one person, that person might say, '어제 회식하셨다면서요? 저 서운해요!' (I heard you had a team dinner yesterday? I'm hurt!). Here, the word acts as a social lubricant, allowing the person to express their exclusion without creating a major confrontation. It signals: 'I want to be part of the group.'

부모님은 제가 전화를 자주 안 해서 서운해하세요.

Translation: My parents feel hurt because I don't call often.

In music, particularly ballads, 서운하다 is used to describe the lingering feelings after a breakup. It's that sense of 'how could you leave me so easily?' or 'I feel empty now that you're gone.' It captures the 'residue' of a relationship. Whether it's a child feeling left out of a game or an elderly person feeling neglected by their busy children, 서운하다 is the universal Korean word for the pain of emotional distance where there should be closeness.

One of the biggest mistakes learners make is confusing 서운하다 with 슬프다 (sad). While both involve negative emotions, 슬프다 is for general sadness (like watching a sad movie), whereas 서운하다 almost always requires a social context or an expectation that wasn't met. You wouldn't say you are 서운하다 because a character in a book died; you would say you are 슬프다. However, you might feel 서운하다 if the author ended the book too abruptly.

Mistake 1: Using it for 'Disappointed' in objects
If a new phone you bought is broken, you are 실망하다 (disappointed), not 서운하다. 서운하다 is for people and relationships.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 섭섭하다
These are very similar, but 섭섭하다 is often slightly more formal or used for 'regretful goodbyes,' while 서운하다 is more about personal hurt feelings.

[Wrong] 영화가 재미없어서 서운해요.

Correction: Use '실망했어요' (I was disappointed) because a movie isn't a person you have a relationship with.

Another mistake is the misuse of particles. As mentioned before, you cannot use '서운하다' with the object particle '을/를'. For example, '너를 서운해' is grammatically incorrect. You must say '너한테 서운해' or '너에게 서운해.' Also, be careful with the intensity. Since 서운하다 is a relatively 'soft' word, using it in a very serious, high-stakes conflict might make you sound like you're sulking rather than addressing a major issue. In those cases, words like 화가 나다 (to be angry) or 상처받다 (to be hurt/wounded) are more appropriate.

[Wrong] 친구가 약속을 잊어서 슬퍼요.

Correction: '서운해요' is better here because the friend missed an expectation in your relationship.

Finally, remember the third-person rule. If you say 'My sister is disappointed,' you must use 서운해해요. Saying '제 동생은 서운해요' sounds like you are describing your sister as a 'disappointing person' (though this is a rare interpretation, it's grammatically awkward). To describe her current state of feeling, always use the -해하다 form. Mastering this distinction is a key step in moving from A2 to B1 proficiency.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for emotions, and 서운하다 is often grouped with several other words that learners find confusing. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms will help you express yourself more precisely. The most common similar words are 섭섭하다, 아쉽다, and 실망하다. While they all touch on 'not being happy with a situation,' their focus varies significantly.

서운하다 vs. 섭섭하다
These are almost interchangeable. However, 서운하다 is more commonly used for personal hurt feelings, while 섭섭하다 is often used for the regret of parting ways or when someone doesn't show enough gratitude.
서운하다 vs. 아쉽다
아쉽다 means 'to be a pity' or 'to feel the lack of something.' It's used when you miss an opportunity (e.g., missing a bus by 1 second). 서운하다 is always about feelings/people.
서운하다 vs. 실망하다
실망하다 is 'to be disappointed' in a result or a person's character. It is much stronger and colder than 서운하다.

헤어지기 아쉽다 vs. 헤어지기 서운하다

Note: '아쉽다' focuses on the time being too short. '서운하다' focuses on the emotional pain of the separation.

There is also 허전하다, which means to feel empty or like something is missing. While 서운하다 can lead to feeling 허전하다, they are different stages of emotion. 서운하다 is the initial sting of disappointment, while 허전하다 is the hollow feeling that follows. For example, after a friend moves away, you might feel 서운하다 during the goodbye, and then feel 허전하다 when you look at their empty house. Understanding these layers allows you to describe the 'after-effects' of social interactions with great depth.

시험 결과에 실망했어요. (I was disappointed in the test result.)

You cannot use '서운하다' here because a test result isn't a social relationship.

In summary, choose 서운하다 when the 'heart' is involved. If you feel like someone didn't treat you with the warmth or importance you deserve, that is the perfect moment for 서운하다. It is a word of connection, even in its sadness, because it proves that you care about the other person's actions. Without care, there is no 서운함.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

친구가 집에 가서 서운해요.

I'm sad because my friend went home.

Simple present tense.

2

선물이 없어서 서운했어요.

I was disappointed because there was no gift.

Past tense.

3

벌써 가요? 서운해요.

Are you leaving already? I'm sad.

Common phrase for goodbyes.

4

동생이 사탕을 안 줘서 서운해요.

I'm hurt because my brother didn't give me candy.

Reason + -아서/어서.

5

선생님이 안 오셔서 서운해요.

I'm disappointed because the teacher didn't come.

Honorific -시- used for teacher.

6

엄마가 안 놀아줘서 서운해.

I'm sad because Mom won't play with me.

Casual (반말) form.

7

우리만 빼고 가서 서운해요.

I'm hurt because they went without us.

Exclusion context.

8

전화 안 해서 서운해요.

I'm hurt because you didn't call.

Negative '안' + verb.

1

생일인데 아무도 연락이 없어서 서운했어요.

It was my birthday, but I was hurt because no one contacted me.

Contrastive '-(으)ㄴ데'.

2

친구가 제 비밀을 말해서 정말 서운해요.

I'm really hurt because my friend told my secret.

Emphasis with '정말'.

3

열심히 준비했는데 반응이 없어서 서운하네요.

I prepared hard, but I'm disappointed there was no reaction.

Sentence ending '-네요' for realization.

4

언니가 저한테만 안 알려줘서 조금 서운해요.

I'm a bit hurt because my sister didn't tell only me.

Particle '-한테만' (only to).

5

같이 밥 먹기로 했는데 약속을 취소해서 서운해요.

We were supposed to eat together, so I'm hurt that you canceled.

Supposed to '-기로 하다'.

6

인사도 없이 그냥 가버려서 서운했어요.

I was hurt because you just left without even saying goodbye.

Compound verb '가버리다' (to go away).

7

제 이름을 틀리게 불러서 조금 서운했어요.

I was a bit hurt because you called me by the wrong name.

Adverb '조금' to soften the complaint.

8

부모님이 제 마음을 몰라주셔서 서운해요.

I'm hurt because my parents don't understand my feelings.

Negative '몰라주다' (not understand for me).

1

오랫동안 사귄 친구가 연락을 끊으니 서운한 마음이 드네요.

I feel hurt since a long-time friend cut off contact.

Noun phrase '서운한 마음'.

2

제가 도와줬는데 고맙다는 말도 없어서 서운했어요.

I helped out, but I was hurt because there wasn't even a thank you.

Quoted speech '고맙다는 말'.

3

팀장님이 제 아이디어를 무시하셔서 좀 서운했습니다.

I was a bit disappointed because the team leader ignored my idea.

Formal '-습니다' ending.

4

동생은 자기만 빼고 외식했다고 서운해해요.

My younger sibling is feeling hurt because we ate out without them.

Third-person '-해하다'.

5

졸업식을 비대면으로 하니까 정말 서운하더라고요.

It was really disappointing to have the graduation ceremony online.

Retrospective '-더라고요'.

6

친구가 제 생일을 잊어버린 것 같아 서운해요.

I'm hurt because it seems like my friend forgot my birthday.

Apparent state '-ㄴ 것 같다'.

7

힘들 때 곁에 아무도 없어서 서운한 기분이 들었어요.

I felt hurt/lonely because no one was by my side when I was struggling.

Time clause '-(으)ㄹ 때'.

8

그렇게 차갑게 말하니까 정말 서운하다.

I'm really hurt because you're speaking so coldly.

Adverb '차갑게' (coldly).

1

믿었던 사람에게 배신을 당하니 서운함을 넘어 화가 나네요.

Being betrayed by someone I trusted, I feel beyond disappointment and into anger.

Noun form '서운함'.

2

퇴임하시는 교수님을 보내드리는 마음이 참 서운합니다.

It feels very regretful/sad to see the retiring professor go.

Regretful goodbye context.

3

노력에 비해 성과가 나지 않아 서운한 구석이 있습니다.

There's a part of me that feels disappointed because the results don't match the effort.

Idiomatic '서운한 구석' (a part/corner of feeling hurt).

4

가족들이 내 고민을 진지하게 들어주지 않아 서운함이 쌓였다.

Disappointment built up because my family didn't listen to my concerns seriously.

Passive/Resultative '쌓였다' (piled up).

5

오해 때문에 친구와 멀어지게 되어 무척 서운합니다.

I am very sad/hurt that I became distant from my friend due to a misunderstanding.

Causative/Resultative '-게 되다'.

6

그의 무심한 태도에 서운함을 느끼는 것은 당연하다.

It is natural to feel hurt by his indifferent attitude.

Gerund '-는 것'.

7

축제 분위기가 벌써 끝나가는 것 같아 서운하네요.

I'm sad that the festival atmosphere seems to be ending already.

Bittersweet ending context.

8

어릴 적 살던 동네가 변한 모습을 보니 서운한 마음이 듭니다.

Seeing how my childhood neighborhood has changed makes me feel a sense of loss/regret.

Nostalgic context.

1

인간관계에서 서운함은 대개 사소한 오해에서 비롯된다.

In human relationships, feelings of hurt usually stem from trivial misunderstandings.

Formal '비롯된다' (originates).

2

그녀는 서운한 기색을 감추려 애써 미소를 지어 보였다.

She tried to hide her disappointed look by forcing a smile.

Noun '기색' (look/sign).

3

부모님께 서운한 점이 있어도 말 못 하는 경우가 많다.

There are many cases where one cannot speak even if they have things they are hurt about regarding their parents.

Noun '점' (point/aspect).

4

서운함을 달래기 위해 친구와 긴 대화를 나누었다.

I had a long conversation with my friend to soothe my hurt feelings.

Verb '달래다' (to soothe).

5

동료의 성공을 진심으로 축하하면서도 한편으로는 서운함이 남았다.

While sincerely congratulating my colleague on their success, a sense of disappointment remained on the other hand.

Contrastive '한편으로는'.

6

정든 집을 떠나려니 서운한 감정이 복받쳐 올랐다.

As I was about to leave the house I grew fond of, feelings of regret/sadness welled up.

Verb '복받쳐 오르다' (to well up).

7

서운함이 깊어지면 결국 관계의 단절로 이어질 수 있다.

If disappointment deepens, it can eventually lead to a break in the relationship.

Conditional '-(으)면'.

8

그의 사과 한마디에 쌓였던 서운함이 눈 녹듯 사라졌다.

With a single word of apology from him, the accumulated disappointment vanished like melting snow.

Simile '눈 녹듯'.

1

서운함이라는 감정은 타인에 대한 기대의 크기에 비례한다.

The emotion of 'seoun-ham' is proportional to the magnitude of one's expectations of others.

Philosophical statement.

2

작가는 소설 속에서 이별의 서운함을 미학적으로 승화시켰다.

The author aesthetically sublimated the regret of parting in the novel.

Literary analysis.

3

공동체 의식이 강한 사회일수록 개인은 서운함을 더 자주 느낄 수 있다.

In societies with a strong sense of community, individuals may feel 'seoun-ham' more frequently.

Sociological observation.

4

서운함은 단순한 슬픔이 아니라, 관계의 밀도를 증명하는 지표이다.

'Seoun-ham' is not mere sadness, but an indicator that proves the density of a relationship.

Metaphorical usage.

5

그의 문체에는 삶에 대한 깊은 통찰과 서운함이 교차하고 있다.

In his writing style, deep insight into life and a sense of regret/sadness intersect.

Abstract noun usage.

6

서운함을 표현하는 방식은 문화적 배경에 따라 판이하게 다르다.

The way of expressing 'seoun-ham' differs starkly depending on cultural background.

Adverb '판이하게' (starkly).

7

인생의 황혼기에서 느끼는 서운함은 젊은 시절의 그것과는 본질적으로 다르다.

The regret felt in the twilight of life is essentially different from that of youth.

Comparative '그것' (that/it).

8

서운함의 근원을 탐구하는 것은 자아 성찰의 중요한 과정이다.

Exploring the root of one's disappointment is an important process of self-reflection.

Formal '탐구' (exploration).

Common Collocations

서운한 마음
서운한 표정
서운함이 쌓이다
서운함을 느끼다
무척 서운하다
조금 서운하다
서운하게 들리다
서운함이 남다
서운해하는 기색
서운함을 토로하다

Common Phrases

서운하게 생각하지 마세요

정말 서운해요

벌써 가시다니 서운하네요

나한테 서운한 거 있어?

서운한 일이 생기다

서운함을 풀다

서운한 소리

서운하게 굴다

서운함이 가득하다

서운한 감정

Often Confused With

서운하다 vs 슬프다

General sadness vs. interpersonal hurt.

서운하다 vs 실망하다

Broken trust/quality vs. broken affection.

서운하다 vs 아쉽다

Missed opportunity/lack vs. emotional hurt.

Idioms & Expressions

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

서운하다 vs

서운하다 vs

서운하다 vs

서운하다 vs

서운하다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

It's more about the relationship than the event itself.

formality

Appropriate for all levels of formality, but adjust the ending.

Common Mistakes
  • Using it for inanimate objects.
  • Using 을/를 instead of 이/가.
  • Confusing it with 슬프다 in general contexts.
  • Forgetting to use -해하다 for third persons.
  • Using it for very serious betrayals where '상처' or '분노' is better.

Tips

Expressing Feelings

Don't be afraid to use this word with friends; it shows you value them.

Third Person

Always use 서운해하다 when talking about someone else's feelings.

Adverbs

Use '무척' or '정말' to show deep disappointment.

Avoid 을/를

Never use the object particle with this word.

Goodbyes

Say '서운해요' when a friend leaves a party to show you enjoyed their company.

Drama Context

In K-Dramas, this word often precedes a romantic confession.

Journaling

Write about a time you felt 서운하다 to practice emotional vocabulary.

Softening

Add '좀' (short for 조금) to make your complaint sound softer.

Vs. 실망

Remember: Silmang = Head (logic), Seoun = Heart (emotion).

Natural Flow

Pronounce it as [서우나다] in fast speech.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Native Korean word.

Cultural Context

When someone says they are '서운하다' to you, don't be defensive. Acknowledge their feeling first.

Used frequently between parents and children to express a need for more frequent contact.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"혹시 저한테 서운한 거 있으세요?"

"벌써 가신다니 너무 서운해요."

"어제 연락 안 주셔서 조금 서운했어요."

"서운한 마음을 어떻게 풀어야 할까요?"

"친구가 제 선물을 마음에 안 들어 하는 것 같아 서운해요."

Journal Prompts

최근에 누구에게 서운함을 느꼈나요? 왜 그랬나요?

서운한 감정이 들 때 어떻게 표현하나요?

친구를 서운하게 했던 경험이 있나요?

서운함과 실망함의 차이는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

이별할 때 느끼는 서운함에 대해 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, use 실망하다 (disappointed). 서운하다 is for people.

They are very similar, but 섭섭하다 is often used for goodbyes or lack of gratitude.

It can be, unless said in a lighthearted, joking way. Be careful.

서운하게 해서 미안해요 (I'm sorry for making you feel hurt).

Yes, it's most commonly used to express your own feelings.

No, it's a relatively 'soft' emotional word.

No, but it can lead to anger if the feeling persists.

Yes, if your dog ignores you, you can say you're 서운하다!

서운함 (Seoun-ham).

Yes, especially in literature or personal essays.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate: 'I am hurt because my friend didn't call.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Are you leaving already? I'm disappointed.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'My mother is feeling hurt.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using '서운한 마음'.

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writing

Translate: 'I was a bit hurt.'

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writing

Translate: 'I'm disappointed in you.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '서운함'.

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writing

Translate: 'It's a pity to say goodbye.'

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writing

Translate: 'Don't be hurt.'

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writing

Translate: 'I prepared hard, but I'm hurt there was no reaction.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a forgotten birthday.

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writing

Translate: 'I feel hurt because I was left out.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I'm hurt by your cold attitude.'

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writing

Translate: 'The teacher didn't remember my name.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '무척 서운하다'.

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writing

Translate: 'I want to soothe my hurt feelings.'

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writing

Translate: 'He has a disappointed look.'

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writing

Translate: 'I'm hurt because you didn't say thank you.'

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writing

Translate: 'I'm sad to leave this house.'

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writing

Translate: 'There is a part of me that feels hurt.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 서운하다

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I'm hurt' politely.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I'm a little hurt' politely.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Are you leaving already?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I'm disappointed in you' casually.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My friend is feeling hurt' (3rd person).

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I'm hurt because you forgot my birthday.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Don't feel hurt' politely.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It's quite disappointing' using -네요.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I'm really hurt' using 무척.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Practice the intonation of '서운하게!'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I felt hurt yesterday.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I'm sad to say goodbye.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'There's a part of me that's hurt.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I'm hurt because there was no reaction.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I'm hurt because you didn't call.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I'm hurt because I was left out.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I'm hurt because you're cold.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry for making you feel hurt.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I feel a bit empty/hurt.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 서운해요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 조금 서운했어요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 벌써 가요? 서운하게.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 친구가 서운해해요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 서운한 마음이 들어요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the emotion: '아무도 안 와서 속상하고 슬퍼요.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 너한테 서운해.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 서운하게 생각하지 마세요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 서운함이 쌓였어요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 참 서운하네요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 연락이 없어서 서운해요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 인사도 없이 갔어요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 서운한 표정.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 무척 서운합니다.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 서운함을 달래다.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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