This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun 9 min read

슬픔

seulpeum

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 슬픔 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 슬픔 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of '슬픔' (seul-peum) as 'sadness.' You will mainly encounter it in simple sentences that describe a basic emotion. It is important to remember that '슬픔' is a noun. At this stage, you are likely learning the adjective '슬프다' (to be sad) first. Think of '슬픔' as the name of the feeling. You might see it in children's books or very simple stories. The most important thing to learn at A1 is how to distinguish it from the adjective '슬퍼요' (I am sad). You can use '슬픔' with the verb '있어요' (there is) to say things like '슬픔이 있어요' (There is sadness). Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just recognize that this word represents the feeling of being sad. You should also be able to recognize it in simple phrases like '큰 슬픔' (big sadness). Start by practicing how to say the word correctly and identifying it when you hear it in songs or see it in basic texts. It is one of the first abstract nouns most learners encounter.

At the A2 level, you can start using '슬픔' in more complete sentences and begin to understand its role as a noun more clearly. You should be able to use it with the object particle '-을/를' and verbs like '느끼다' (to feel). For example, '저는 어제 큰 슬픔을 느꼈어요' (I felt a great sadness yesterday). You are also starting to see how '슬픔' can be modified by simple adjectives, such as '깊은 슬픔' (deep sadness) or '작은 슬픔' (small sadness). At this stage, you might encounter '슬픔' in short diary entries or elementary-level reading passages about people's feelings. You should also begin to notice it in K-pop lyrics, where it is often used to create an emotional atmosphere. A key goal for A2 is to understand that '슬픔' is the result of adding '-ㅁ' to the stem of '슬프다.' This is a common pattern in Korean for turning adjectives into nouns (like '기쁨' from '기쁘다'). Understanding this pattern will help you expand your vocabulary more quickly by recognizing how other emotion words are formed.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '슬픔' in a variety of contexts, including intermediate-level conversations and writing. You can now use it in more complex sentence structures, such as those involving conjunctions or more advanced verbs. For example, '슬픔을 이겨내기 위해서 친구들과 이야기를 나누었어요' (I talked with my friends to overcome my sadness). At this level, you should also be familiar with common collocations like '슬픔에 빠지다' (to fall into sadness) or '슬픔을 나누다' (to share sadness). You will encounter '슬픔' frequently in media, such as dramas and news reports, and you should be able to understand the general context in which it is used. You can also start to distinguish '슬픔' from other similar words like '서운함' (disappointment/hurt feelings) or '우울함' (depression). B1 learners should focus on expressing their own emotions more precisely by using '슬픔' in combination with other words to describe the cause or the depth of the feeling. You might also start to use it in written compositions about personal experiences or social issues.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '슬픔' and be able to use it in formal and academic contexts. You can understand and use more sophisticated collocations and idiomatic expressions, such as '슬픔을 억누르다' (to suppress sadness) or '슬픔이 가시지 않다' (sadness does not go away). You should also be able to recognize '슬픔' in literary works and understand how it contributes to the theme or tone of a piece. At this stage, you can engage in discussions about the nature of sadness and its role in human life, using '슬픔' as a key concept. You should also be aware of the cultural significance of sadness in Korea, including concepts like 'Han' (unresolved sorrow), and how '슬픔' relates to these deeper cultural emotions. B2 learners should be able to write essays or give presentations that explore the causes and effects of '슬픔' in society or literature. You can also use the word to describe complex emotional states where sadness is mixed with other feelings, such as '슬픔과 분노' (sadness and anger). Your use of the word should be accurate in terms of both grammar and register.

At the C1 level, you should have a near-native grasp of '슬픔' and its many nuances. You can use the word in highly formal, academic, or professional settings with ease. You are familiar with rare and poetic uses of the word and can appreciate its impact in classical literature and high-level journalism. At this level, you can analyze how '슬픔' is used by different authors or speakers to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You should also be able to understand and discuss the etymology of the word and its relationship to other terms in the Korean emotional lexicon. C1 learners can use '슬픔' in complex philosophical arguments or in-depth psychological analyses. You are also sensitive to the subtle differences in meaning when '슬픔' is replaced by synonyms like '비애' (sorrow), '애상' (pathos), or '비통' (grief). You can use these terms interchangeably but with a precise understanding of the register and emotional weight each one carries. Your ability to express and interpret '슬픔' should reflect a deep understanding of Korean culture and the human experience.

At the C2 level, you have achieved mastery of '슬픔' and can use it with the same precision and creativity as a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word in any context, from the most subtle interpersonal communication to the most demanding intellectual discourse. You are able to play with the word's connotations and use it in metaphorical or symbolic ways. Your understanding of '슬픔' includes its historical evolution in the Korean language and its representation in various art forms throughout Korean history. You can lead discussions on the aesthetics of '슬픔' in Korean traditional music (Gugak) or contemporary cinema. At this level, you are also aware of how the concept of '슬픔' might be translated or interpreted differently across cultures and can navigate these complexities in professional translation or cross-cultural communication. You can use '슬픔' to articulate the most profound and complex human emotions with clarity and elegance. Your mastery of the word is not just about vocabulary but about a deep, intuitive understanding of the emotional and linguistic landscape it inhabits.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

슬픔 in 30 Seconds

슬픔 is the Korean noun for 'sadness,' derived from the adjective '슬프다.'
It is used to describe the abstract concept or the state of being sad.
Commonly paired with verbs like '느끼다' (feel) and '이겨내다' (overcome).
Essential for expressing deep emotions in dramas, songs, and literature.

The Korean word 슬픔 (seul-peum) is a foundational noun in the Korean language that translates directly to 'sadness' or 'sorrow' in English. It is derived from the descriptive verb (adjective) 슬프다 (seul-peu-da), which means 'to be sad.' In Korean grammar, the addition of the suffix -ㅁ transforms the state of being sad into a concrete noun, representing the abstract concept of the emotion itself. This word is utilized across all registers of the language, from the most intimate personal conversations to the highest forms of poetic literature and formal news reporting. When a person experiences a sense of loss, disappointment, or emotional pain, 슬픔 is the term used to categorize that internal state. It is not merely a fleeting feeling but can also describe a profound, lingering state of grief. Understanding 슬픔 is essential for any learner because Korean culture places a significant emphasis on the shared experience of emotions, often viewing sadness not just as an individual burden but as something that can be shared and understood collectively.

Grammatical Category: Noun (명사). It functions as the subject or object of a sentence and cannot be used as a predicate without a supporting verb like 있다 or 느끼다.
Emotional Depth: It encompasses a wide range of intensity, from the mild disappointment of a rainy day to the soul-crushing agony of losing a loved one.
Social Nuance: In Korean society, expressing 슬픔 is often seen as a way to build 'Jeong' (affectionate bond) with others, as sharing one's pain is a sign of deep trust.

그녀의 눈에는 깊은 슬픔이 서려 있었다. (In her eyes, a deep sadness was gathered.)

우리는 친구의 슬픔을 함께 나누기로 했다. (We decided to share our friend's sadness together.)

In everyday life, you will encounter this word in various contexts. In music, particularly K-ballads, 슬픔 is a central theme, often paired with themes of parting (이별) and longing (그리움). In literature, authors explore the nuances of 슬픔 to reflect the human condition. It is a word that carries weight; it is not used lightly. When someone says they have 슬픔 in their heart, it implies a significant emotional weight. Furthermore, the word is often used in compound forms or with specific verbs to describe the process of experiencing emotion, such as '슬픔에 젖다' (to be soaked in sadness) or '슬픔을 억누르다' (to suppress sadness). By mastering this word, you gain a key to understanding the emotional landscape of Korean speakers, allowing for deeper connection and more nuanced expression of your own feelings in the language.

Using 슬픔 correctly requires an understanding of how nouns function in Korean sentence structures, specifically how they interact with particles and verbs. Because it is a noun, it frequently takes the object particle -을/를 or the subject particle -이/가. One of the most common ways to use it is with the verb 느끼다 (to feel). For example, '나는 큰 슬픔을 느꼈다' (I felt a great sadness). Here, 슬픔 acts as the direct object of the feeling. Another common structure involves using it with existence verbs like 있다 (to exist/have). '마음에 슬픔이 있어요' (There is sadness in my heart). This describes the presence of the emotion within a person.

With Action Verbs: 슬픔을 이겨내다 (to overcome sadness), 슬픔을 표현하다 (to express sadness), 슬픔을 감추다 (to hide sadness).
With Descriptive Verbs: 슬픔이 깊다 (sadness is deep), 슬픔이 크다 (sadness is great/large).

이 노래는 이별의 슬픔을 잘 나타내고 있다. (This song expresses the sadness of parting well.)

그는 자신의 슬픔을 밖으로 드러내지 않았다. (He did not show his sadness outwardly.)

Furthermore, 슬픔 is often modified by adjectives to give it more specific meaning. You might hear '말할 수 없는 슬픔' (unspeakable sadness) or '갑작스러운 슬픔' (sudden sadness). In more formal or literary contexts, it can be paired with the particle -조차 (even) to emphasize the extent of the emotion: '슬픔조차 느낄 수 없었다' (I couldn't even feel sadness). When writing or speaking, remember that while 슬프다 is more common for stating 'I am sad' in the moment, 슬픔 is the tool you use to analyze, describe, and share the concept of that emotion as a part of your life experience or a story's narrative arc.

You will encounter the word 슬픔 in a wide variety of real-world scenarios, making it a high-frequency vocabulary item for learners. One of the most prominent places is in the world of Korean entertainment. K-dramas are famous for their emotional depth, and characters frequently discuss their 슬픔 when dealing with family conflicts, lost loves, or personal growth. In these dramas, you might hear a character say, '내 슬픔을 이해해 주는 사람은 너뿐이야' (You are the only one who understands my sadness). Similarly, the lyrics of K-ballads and even emotional K-pop songs are saturated with this word. Songwriters use 슬픔 to evoke a specific mood, often connecting it with nature (like rain or falling leaves) to amplify the emotional impact on the listener.

In News and Media: News anchors use it when reporting on national tragedies or the passing of public figures, often saying things like '전 국민이 슬픔에 빠졌습니다' (The entire nation has fallen into sadness).
In Literature: Korean novels and poetry frequently use the word to explore philosophical questions about life and suffering.

영화의 마지막 장면은 관객들에게 큰 슬픔을 안겨주었다. (The final scene of the movie gave the audience a great sadness.)

그 시인은 슬픔을 아름다운 언어로 노래했다. (The poet sang of sadness in beautiful language.)

Beyond the media, 슬픔 is used in everyday social interactions, though perhaps less frequently than the adjective form in casual speech. However, in deep conversations (진지한 대화), it is very common. When a friend is going through a hard time, you might offer comfort by acknowledging their 슬픔. In professional settings, such as a workplace funeral or a commemorative event, the word is used to maintain a respectful and solemn atmosphere. It is also a key term in psychology and self-help contexts in Korea, where '슬픔 치유' (healing sadness) is a common topic. By paying attention to how and where this word appears, you can better grasp the emotional pulse of Korean society.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 슬픔 is confusing it with its adjective counterpart, 슬프다. In English, 'sad' can often function in ways that the Korean noun 슬픔 cannot. For instance, you cannot say '나는 슬픔해요' to mean 'I am sad.' In Korean, you must use the adjective form '나는 슬퍼요' or the verb form '나는 슬퍼해요.' The noun 슬픔 must be treated as a thing that exists or is felt. Another common error is using the wrong particle. Beginners often forget that 슬픔 is a noun and might try to use it as an adverb, which is incorrect. The adverbial form is 슬프게 (sadly).

Incorrect Verb Pairing: Saying '슬픔하다' (Incorrect) instead of '슬퍼하다' (Correct - to feel/act sad) or '슬픔을 느끼다' (Correct - to feel sadness).
Confusing with 'Depression': Learners sometimes use 슬픔 when they actually mean '우울함' (depression). While related, 슬픔 is usually a reaction to a specific event, while '우울함' is a more general or clinical state.

Wrong: 나는 슬픔해. (I sadness.)
Right: 나는 슬퍼요. (I am sad.)

Wrong: 슬픔 소식. (Sadness news.)
Right: 슬픈 소식. (Sad news - using the adjective form to modify a noun.)

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the nuance between 슬픔 and 서운함. 서운함 is a specific type of sadness or disappointment felt when someone doesn't meet your expectations or when you feel slightly hurt by someone's actions. Using 슬픔 in those cases might sound too heavy or dramatic. For example, if a friend forgets your birthday, you feel 서운함, not necessarily the deep 슬픔 you would feel at a funeral. Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more natural and precise in your emotional expression. Finally, be careful not to overuse the word; in many casual contexts, Koreans prefer to express their feelings through verbs or adjectives rather than abstract nouns.

While 슬픔 is the general word for sadness, Korean has a rich vocabulary for specific types of emotional pain. Knowing these alternatives will significantly improve your fluency and ability to understand the nuances of Korean communication. For instance, 비애 (bi-ae) is a more formal and literary term that translates to 'sorrow' or 'grief.' It is often used in artistic or historical contexts to describe a profound sense of sadness about the world or human destiny. Another important word is 애도 (ae-do), which specifically refers to 'mourning' or 'condolence' following a death. This is the word you would use in a formal setting to express sympathy.

슬픔 vs. 비애: 슬픔 is general and everyday; 비애 is formal, profound, and often used in literature.
슬픔 vs. 서러움: 서러움 is a sadness mixed with a sense of unfairness or being wronged. It is very common in Korean culture to describe the feeling of being lonely and mistreated.
슬픔 vs. 한 (Han): 한 is a uniquely Korean concept of deep-seated, collective resentment and sorrow that builds up over time due to unresolved suffering.

삶의 비애를 느꼈다. (I felt the sorrow of life.)

타향살이의 서러움이 밀려왔다. (The sorrow/resentment of living in a foreign land washed over me.)

Other related words include 고통 (go-tong) which means physical or mental 'pain,' and 절망 (jeol-mang) which means 'despair.' While 슬픔 is about the feeling of loss, 절망 is the absence of hope. In clinical or more serious psychological contexts, 우울증 (u-ul-jeung) is used for depression. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact word for the situation. For example, if you are watching a sad movie, 슬픔 is perfect. If you are reading a classic tragedy about the fall of a kingdom, 비애 might be more appropriate. If you are talking about the historical suffering of the Korean people, 한 is the essential term. Expanding your emotional vocabulary in this way is a major step toward advanced proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-ㅁ' is one of the oldest ways in Korean to turn an action or state into a physical or abstract concept. You can see this in other words like '기쁨' (joy) and '꿈' (dream).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɯɭ.pʰɯm/

US /sɯl.pʰɯm/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable in isolation.

Rhymes With

기쁨 (gi-ppeum) 아픔 (a-peum) 나쁨 (na-ppeum) 바쁨 (ba-ppeum) 예쁨 (ye-ppeum) 미움 (mi-um) 웃음 (ut-eum) 걸음 (geol-eum)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'seul' like 'soul' (English).
Failing to aspirate the 'p' in 'peum'.
Pronouncing the final 'm' too weakly.
Confusing the 'eu' sound with 'oo' or 'ee'.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize; common in all texts.

Writing 2/5

Must remember the '-ㅁ' ending and correct particle usage.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of 'eu' and 'p' requires some practice.

Listening 1/5

High frequency makes it easy to pick out in audio.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

슬프다 (to be sad) 마음 (heart/mind) 눈물 (tears) 있다 (to be/exist) 느끼다 (to feel)

Learn Next

기쁨 (joy) 아픔 (pain) 외로움 (loneliness) 그리움 (longing) 서운함 (hurt feelings)

Advanced

비애 (sorrow) 애도 (mourning) 한 (Han) 승화 (sublimation) 카타르시스 (catharsis)

Grammar to Know

Nominalization with -ㅁ/-음

슬프다 -> 슬픔, 기쁘다 -> 기쁨

Subject particles -이/가 with existence verbs

슬픔이 있다 / 슬픔이 없다

Object particles -을/를 with transitive verbs

슬픔을 느끼다 / 슬픔을 나누다

Adjective modifying noun (N-ㄴ/은)

깊은 슬픔 / 큰 슬픔

Expressing cause with -때문에

슬픔 때문에 울다

Examples by Level

슬픔이 있어요.

There is sadness.

Simple noun + subject particle '이' + existence verb '있어요'.

큰 슬픔이에요.

It is a big sadness.

Adjective '크다' (big) modifying '슬픔' + '이에요' (to be).

슬픔을 느껴요.

I feel sadness.

Noun '슬픔' + object particle '을' + verb '느껴요' (feel).

이 노래는 슬픔이 많아요.

This song has a lot of sadness.

Subject '이 노래' + particle '는' + '슬픔' + '많아요' (is a lot).

슬픔은 안 좋아요.

Sadness is not good.

Noun '슬픔' + topic particle '은' + '안 좋아요' (not good).

그녀는 슬픔이 있어요.

She has sadness.

Subject '그녀' + '슬픔' + '있어요'.

우리는 슬픔을 알아요.

We know sadness.

Noun '슬픔' + object particle '을' + '알아요' (know).

아이의 슬픔이에요.

It is the child's sadness.

Possessive '아이의' + '슬픔' + '이에요'.

어제 영화를 보고 슬픔을 느꼈어요.

I felt sadness after watching a movie yesterday.

Using '-고' to connect the action of watching with the feeling.

그의 편지에는 깊은 슬픔이 있었다.

There was deep sadness in his letter.

Adjective '깊은' (deep) modifying the noun '슬픔'.

슬픔 때문에 울었어요.

I cried because of sadness.

Noun + '때문에' (because of).

친구의 슬픔을 위로해 주었어요.

I comforted my friend's sadness.

Verb '위로하다' (comfort) + '-어 주다' (do for someone).

이별은 항상 슬픔을 가져와요.

Parting always brings sadness.

Noun '이별' (parting) as the subject.

슬픔이 사라졌으면 좋겠어요.

I wish the sadness would disappear.

Verb '사라지다' (disappear) + '-었으면 좋겠다' (I wish/hope).

그녀의 눈에 슬픔이 가득했어요.

Her eyes were full of sadness.

Adverb '가득' (full) + '하다'.

우리는 서로의 슬픔을 이해해요.

We understand each other's sadness.

Possessive '서로의' (each other's).

그는 슬픔을 이겨내고 다시 일어섰다.

He overcame his sadness and stood up again.

Verb '이겨내다' (overcome) + '-고' (and).

갑작스러운 슬픔에 아무 말도 할 수 없었다.

I couldn't say anything due to the sudden sadness.

Noun + particle '에' (at/due to) + '아무 말도' (not a word).

슬픔을 나누면 반이 된다는 말이 있어요.

There is a saying that shared sadness is halved.

Conditional '-면' + '반이 되다' (become half).

그 영화는 인간의 근원적인 슬픔을 다루고 있다.

That movie deals with the fundamental sadness of humans.

Verb '다루다' (deal with/handle).

슬픔이 밀려올 때면 음악을 들어요.

Whenever sadness washes over me, I listen to music.

Verb '밀려오다' (wash over/rush in) + '-을 때면' (whenever).

그녀의 목소리에는 숨길 수 없는 슬픔이 섞여 있었다.

There was an unmistakable sadness mixed in her voice.

Verb '섞이다' (to be mixed).

우리는 그 소식을 듣고 큰 슬픔에 잠겼다.

We were submerged in great sadness after hearing the news.

Expression '슬픔에 잠기다' (be lost/submerged in sadness).

슬픔을 표현하는 방식은 사람마다 다르다.

The way of expressing sadness is different for each person.

Noun + '-마다' (every/each).

그 시는 이별의 슬픔을 절제된 언어로 표현했다.

The poem expressed the sadness of parting in restrained language.

Modifier '절제된' (restrained) + '언어' (language).

슬픔을 억누르는 것보다 밖으로 표출하는 것이 건강에 좋다.

It is better for health to express sadness rather than suppress it.

Comparison '-보다' (than) + '표출하다' (express/manifest).

전 국민이 참사 소식에 깊은 슬픔에 빠졌다.

The entire nation fell into deep sadness at the news of the tragedy.

Expression '슬픔에 빠지다' (fall into sadness).

그의 작품에는 시대의 슬픔이 투영되어 있다.

The sadness of the era is projected in his works.

Passive verb '투영되다' (to be projected).

슬픔이 가시기도 전에 또 다른 시련이 찾아왔다.

Before the sadness even faded, another trial arrived.

Verb '가시다' (to fade/go away) + '-기도 전에' (even before).

어린 시절의 슬픔이 성인이 된 후에도 영향을 미칠 수 있다.

Sadness from childhood can have an impact even after becoming an adult.

Verb '영향을 미치다' (to exert influence/impact).

그녀는 슬픔을 승화시켜 예술 작품으로 만들었다.

She sublimated her sadness into a work of art.

Verb '승화시키다' (to sublimate).

슬픔을 겪어본 사람만이 타인의 아픔을 진정으로 이해할 수 있다.

Only those who have experienced sadness can truly understand the pain of others.

Noun + '-만이' (only).

작가는 인간 존재의 근원적 슬픔을 실존주의적 관점에서 고찰했다.

The author examined the fundamental sadness of human existence from an existentialist perspective.

Verb '고찰하다' (to examine/contemplate) + '실존주의적' (existentialist).

그의 연주는 슬픔의 카타르시스를 느끼게 해준다.

His performance allows one to feel the catharsis of sadness.

Noun '카타르시스' (catharsis).

역사의 소용돌이 속에서 민초들이 겪어야 했던 슬픔은 이루 말할 수 없다.

The sadness the common people had to endure in the whirlpool of history is unspeakable.

Expression '이루 말할 수 없다' (cannot be expressed in words/unspeakable).

슬픔은 때로 창작의 가장 강력한 동력이 되기도 한다.

Sadness sometimes becomes the most powerful driving force for creation.

Noun '동력' (driving force/power).

그녀의 눈빛에는 형언할 수 없는 슬픔과 허무가 감돌았다.

An indescribable sadness and emptiness hovered in her eyes.

Adjective '형언할 수 없는' (indescribable).

우리는 슬픔을 회피하기보다 직면함으로써 성숙해진다.

We become mature by facing sadness rather than avoiding it.

Verb '직면하다' (to face/confront) + '-함으로써' (by doing).

비극의 미학은 슬픔을 통해 인간의 숭고함을 드러내는 데 있다.

The aesthetics of tragedy lie in revealing human sublimity through sadness.

Noun '숭고함' (sublimity).

슬픔의 무게를 견디지 못하고 무너져 내리는 이들을 위한 사회적 안전망이 필요하다.

A social safety net is needed for those who collapse, unable to bear the weight of sadness.

Noun '안전망' (safety net).

한국 문학의 저변에는 '한'이라는 특수한 형태의 슬픔이 면면히 흐르고 있다.

At the base of Korean literature, a special form of sadness called 'Han' flows continuously.

Adverb '면면히' (continuously/uninterruptedly).

그 철학자는 슬픔을 자아 성찰의 계기로 삼아야 한다고 역설했다.

The philosopher emphasized that sadness should be taken as an opportunity for self-reflection.

Verb '역설하다' (to emphasize/stress).

슬픔의 심연을 들여다본 자만이 생의 찬란함을 이해할 수 있다.

Only those who have looked into the abyss of sadness can understand the brilliance of life.

Noun '심연' (abyss).

예술가는 개인의 슬픔을 보편적 인류애로 승화시키는 존재이다.

An artist is a being who sublimates personal sadness into universal humanity.

Adjective '보편적' (universal).

슬픔의 정조가 지배하는 그의 시 세계는 독특한 매력을 지닌다.

His poetic world, dominated by a sentiment of sadness, possesses a unique charm.

Noun '정조' (sentiment/tenor).

죽음이라는 근원적 상실 앞에서 인간이 느끼는 슬픔은 실존적 고독과 맞닿아 있다.

The sadness humans feel in the face of the fundamental loss of death is in touch with existential loneliness.

Verb '맞닿다' (to touch/be in contact with).

슬픔을 언어화하는 과정 자체가 치유의 시작이 될 수 있다.

The process of verbalizing sadness itself can be the beginning of healing.

Noun '언어화' (verbalization).

시대적 비극 속에서 발현된 집단적 슬픔은 거대한 사회적 변혁의 동인이 되었다.

Collective sadness manifested in the tragedy of the times became a driver of huge social transformation.

Noun '동인' (motive/cause/driver).

Common Collocations

슬픔에 잠기다

슬픔을 느끼다

슬픔을 나누다

슬픔을 이겨내다

슬픔을 감추다

슬픔에 빠지다

슬픔을 억누르다

슬픔이 깊다

슬픔을 달래다

슬픔을 표현하다

Common Phrases

슬픔을 참다

— To hold back or endure sadness. Often used when one tries not to cry.

그는 울지 않으려고 슬픔을 참았다.

슬픔에 젖다

— To be soaked in sadness. Implies being deeply affected by the emotion.

추억에 잠겨 슬픔에 젖었다.

슬픔을 털어놓다

— To pour out or confess one's sadness to someone else.

그녀는 친구에게 자신의 슬픔을 털어놓았다.

슬픔을 잊다

— To forget sadness. Usually implies moving on or finding a distraction.

일이 바빠서 잠시 슬픔을 잊었다.

슬픔을 딛고

— Stepping over sadness. Used to describe moving forward after a tragedy.

슬픔을 딛고 새 출발을 했다.

슬픔을 가누다

— To steady oneself against sadness. Often used in negative as in 'not being able to control oneself'.

그는 슬픔을 가누지 못하고 비틀거렸다.

슬픔을 노래하다

— To sing of sadness. Common in artistic or musical contexts.

이 가수는 항상 슬픔을 노래한다.

슬픔이 밀려오다

— Sadness washes over one like a wave. Describes a sudden feeling.

밤이 되니 슬픔이 밀려왔다.

슬픔을 가라앉히다

— To calm down or settle one's sadness.

심호흡을 하며 슬픔을 가라앉혔다.

슬픔을 함께하다

— To be together in sadness. A way to express sympathy.

우리는 당신의 슬픔을 함께하겠습니다.

Often Confused With

슬픔 vs 슬프다

This is the adjective 'to be sad'. Use it as a predicate (e.g., 'I am sad'). '슬픔' is the noun.

슬픔 vs 서운하다

This is sadness mixed with disappointment toward a person. '슬픔' is more general.

슬픔 vs 아픔

This means 'pain'. While related, '슬픔' is purely emotional, while '아픔' can be physical.

Idioms & Expressions

"슬픔을 씹다"

— To 'chew' on sadness. To brood over or endure sadness internally for a long time.

그는 홀로 방 안에서 슬픔을 씹고 있었다.

Literary

"슬픔이 뼈에 사무치다"

— Sadness pierces to the bones. Describes an extremely deep and painful sorrow.

나라를 잃은 슬픔이 뼈에 사무쳤다.

Formal

"슬픔을 안으로 삭이다"

— To ferment/digest sadness internally. To suppress and deal with sadness without showing it.

어머니는 슬픔을 안으로 삭이며 자식들을 키우셨다.

Neutral

"슬픔을 술로 달래다"

— To soothe sadness with alcohol. A common trope in Korean culture.

그는 실연의 슬픔을 술로 달래고 있었다.

Informal

"슬픔의 눈물"

— Tears of sadness. A very common expression.

그녀의 뺨에 슬픔의 눈물이 흘렀다.

Neutral

"슬픔을 쏟아내다"

— To pour out sadness. To cry or talk about it very intensely.

그는 참았던 슬픔을 한꺼번에 쏟아냈다.

Neutral

"슬픔에 잠 못 이루다"

— To be unable to sleep due to sadness.

슬픔에 잠 못 이루는 밤이 계속되었다.

Neutral

"슬픔을 가슴에 묻다"

— To bury sadness in one's heart. Often used regarding the death of a child or a secret pain.

그녀는 아들을 잃은 슬픔을 가슴에 묻고 살았다.

Neutral

"슬픔을 털다"

— To shake off sadness. To try and get rid of the feeling.

이제 그만 슬픔을 털고 일어나세요.

Neutral

"슬픔의 바다"

— A sea of sadness. A metaphor for overwhelming sorrow.

그녀는 슬픔의 바다에서 헤엄치고 있는 것 같았다.

Literary

Easily Confused

슬픔 vs 기쁨

Both end in '-ㅁ' and are basic emotions.

기쁨 is joy; 슬픔 is sadness. They are direct opposites.

기쁨과 슬픔은 종이 한 장 차이다. (Joy and sadness are a paper's width apart.)

슬픔 vs 외로움

Both are negative emotions often felt together.

외로움 is loneliness (feeling alone); 슬픔 is sadness (feeling sorrow).

혼자 있을 때의 외로움과 이별의 슬픔은 다르다.

슬픔 vs 괴로움

Both describe mental pain.

괴로움 is 'suffering' or 'distress,' often more intense or situational than 'sadness.'

시험 공부의 괴로움과 실패의 슬픔.

슬픔 vs 우울함

Both describe a low mood.

우울함 is depression/melancholy; 슬픔 is specific sadness.

장마철의 우울함과 친구와 싸운 슬픔.

슬픔 vs 그리움

Parting involves both.

그리움 is 'longing' or 'yearning' for someone; 슬픔 is the pain of their absence.

헤어진 후에는 슬픔보다 그리움이 더 컸다.

Sentence Patterns

N + 이/가 + 있어요

슬픔이 있어요.

N + 을/를 + 느껴요

슬픔을 느껴요.

N + 을/를 + 이겨내다

슬픔을 이겨냈어요.

N + 에 + 잠기다

슬픔에 잠겼어요.

N + 을/를 + 억누르다

슬픔을 억눌렀어요.

N + 을/를 + 승화시키다

슬픔을 승화시켰어요.

N + 이/가 + 사무치다

슬픔이 뼈에 사무쳐요.

N + 의 + 정조

슬픔의 정조가 느껴져요.

Word Family

Nouns

슬픔 (sadness)

슬픔증 (rarely used, clinical sadness)

Verbs

슬퍼하다 (to feel/act sad - active verb)

슬프다 (to be sad - descriptive verb/adjective)

Adjectives

슬픈 (sad - modifying form)

슬프디슬픈 (very, very sad)

눈물 (tears)

이별 (parting/breakup)

그리움 (longing)

고통 (pain)

비극 (tragedy)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in literature, music, and emotional discourse.

Common Mistakes

나는 슬픔해. → 나는 슬퍼요.
You cannot add '하다' directly to '슬픔' to make a verb. Use the adjective '슬프다'.
슬픔 영화를 봤어요. → 슬픈 영화를 봤어요.
Use the adjective form '슬픈' to modify a noun like '영화'.
슬픔이 느껴해요. → 슬픔을 느껴요.
The verb '느끼다' takes the object particle '을/를', not the subject particle '이/가' with '해요'.
그는 슬픔게 울었다. → 그는 슬프게 울었다.
To make an adverb (sadly), use the adjective stem + '게', not the noun.
슬픔을 잊어버리다 (in formal speech) → 슬픔을 갈무리하다/이겨내다
While '잊어버리다' is okay, in formal writing, more specific verbs are preferred.

Tips

Noun vs Adjective

Always remember: 슬픔 = sadness (noun), 슬프다 = sad (adjective). Use '슬픈' before other nouns (e.g., 슬픈 영화).

Common Pairs

Learn '슬픔' and '기쁨' together as a pair. They often appear together in literature and daily speech.

Sharing Sadness

In Korea, sharing your '슬픔' with friends is a sign of a strong bond. Don't be afraid to use '슬픔을 나누다'.

The 'Eu' Sound

Keep your lips flat for the 'eu' (ㅡ) sound in both syllables. Avoid rounding your lips like you would for 'u'.

Poetic Expression

If you want to sound more poetic, use '슬픔에 잠기다' (to be submerged in sadness) instead of just '슬프다'.

Don't Overuse

In casual talk, '슬퍼요' is more natural than '슬픔을 느껴요'. Save '슬픔' for more serious or descriptive contexts.

Song Lyrics

Listen to Korean ballads. You will hear '슬픔' used in almost every emotional song.

Overcoming

When someone is sad, a common encouraging phrase is '슬픔을 잘 이겨내길 바래요' (I hope you overcome your sadness well).

Sadness vs Hurt

If you are sad because a friend was mean, '서운함' or '속상함' is often better than '슬픔'.

Suffix Pattern

Notice the pattern: 기쁘다->기쁨, 슬쁘다->슬픔, 아프다->아픔. This makes learning nouns much easier!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Seul' as 'Soul' and 'Peum' as 'Plumb'. You are plumbing the depths of your soul when you feel 'Seul-peum'.

Visual Association

Imagine a blue cloud ('seul') raining down into a cup ('peum') until it overflows.

Word Web

눈물 (tears) 이별 (parting) 가슴 (chest/heart) 노래 (song) 얼굴 (face) 친구 (friend) 기쁨 (joy) 기억 (memory)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '슬픔' with three different verbs: 느끼다, 이겨내다, and 나누다.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Korean adjective '슬프다' (seul-peu-da). The root '슬프-' combined with the nominalizing suffix '-ㅁ'.

Original meaning: The state of being sad or feeling sorrow.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

When discussing someone's '슬픔' at a funeral, it is better to use the formal term '애도' or '삼가 조의를 표합니다'.

English speakers might find the noun form 'sadness' less common in casual speech than the adjective 'sad'. In Korean, '슬픔' is very common in emotional storytelling.

The poem 'Azaleas' (진달래꽃) by Kim Sowol, which explores the '슬픔' of parting. The movie 'Ode to My Father' (국제시장), which captures the '슬픔' of a generation. The song 'Wind Flower' by Lee Sun-hee, often associated with deep '슬픔'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a funeral

슬픔이 크시겠습니다.
슬픔을 함께 나눕니다.
깊은 슬픔에 빠졌습니다.
슬픔을 이겨내시길 바랍니다.

Talking about a movie/book

슬픔이 느껴지는 영화예요.
주인공의 슬픔이 이해돼요.
슬픔을 잘 표현했어요.
슬픔이 너무 깊어요.

Comforting a friend

슬픔을 혼자 참지 마.
내가 네 슬픔을 들어줄게.
슬픔은 시간이 지나면 괜찮아져.
너의 슬픔을 이해해.

In a diary

오늘 큰 슬픔을 느꼈다.
슬픔이 가시지 않는다.
이 슬픔을 어떻게 할까.
슬픔 속에서도 희망을 찾자.

Listening to music

슬픔이 담긴 노래예요.
가사에 슬픔이 많아요.
슬픔을 달래주는 곡이에요.
슬픔이 밀려오네요.

Conversation Starters

"어떤 영화를 볼 때 가장 큰 슬픔을 느꼈나요?"

"슬픔을 이겨내는 당신만의 방법이 있나요?"

"최근에 슬픔을 느낀 적이 언제인가요?"

"슬픔을 다른 사람과 나누는 편인가요?"

"한국 노래 중에서 슬픔이 잘 느껴지는 곡은 무엇인가요?"

Journal Prompts

가장 기억에 남는 슬픔의 순간에 대해 써보세요.

슬픔이라는 감정이 우리 삶에 왜 필요할까요?

누군가의 슬픔을 위로해 주었던 경험을 적어보세요.

슬픔을 이겨낸 후 당신은 어떻게 변했나요?

오늘 하루 느꼈던 작은 슬픔들에 대해 기록해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can't directly say 'I am sad' using just the noun. You should use the adjective form '슬퍼요'. If you must use '슬픔', you can say '슬픔을 느껴요' (I feel sadness) or '제 마음에는 슬픔이 있어요' (There is sadness in my heart).

The word '슬픔' itself is neutral and can be used in any setting. The level of formality depends on the verb and ending you attach to it (e.g., '슬픔을 느껴요' is polite, '슬픔을 느낍니다' is formal).

'슬픔' is the common, everyday word for sadness. '비애' is a more literary and formal term, often used in poetry or to describe a profound, existential sorrow.

Technically yes, but '슬픔' usually implies a somewhat significant emotional weight. For losing a pen, Koreans might just say '속상해요' (I'm upset/annoyed) or '아쉬워요' (It's a pity).

It is spelled '슬' (s + eu + l) and '픔' (p + eu + m). Be careful not to spell it as '슬픰' or '슬품'.

Common verbs include 느끼다 (feel), 나누다 (share), 이겨내다 (overcome), 억누르다 (suppress), and 잠기다 (be lost in).

Yes, very frequently! It is a staple word in ballads and emotional tracks to describe the pain of love and parting.

The most direct opposite is '기쁨' (gi-ppeum), which means joy or happiness.

While '슬픔들' is grammatically possible, it is very rarely used. Sadness is generally treated as an uncountable abstract concept.

The '-ㅁ' is a nominalizing suffix. It turns the adjective stem '슬프-' into the noun '슬픔'. This is a common pattern in Korean grammar.