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거세다

A2 adjective 8 min read

거세다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 거세다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 거세다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn '세다' (strong) or '강하다' (strong). '거세다' might be a bit difficult, but you can think of it as 'very, very strong' wind or water. You will mostly see this in weather pictures. If you see a picture of a tree bending in a big storm, that wind is '거세다'. Just remember: Wind is '거세다', but a person is '힘이 세다'. Keep it simple and focus on the weather.

At the A2 level, you should start using '거세다' to describe the weather more accurately. Instead of just saying '바람이 많이 불어요' (It's blowing a lot), you can say '바람이 거세다' (The wind is fierce). This level is about expanding your adjectives. You might also see this word in basic news clips about typhoons. It is a good word to know for travel, especially if you visit Korea during the monsoon season when the rain and wind are very strong.

At the B1 level, you will start to see '거세다' used in metaphorical ways. It's not just about the wind anymore; it's about people's feelings or 'trends'. For example, if many people dislike a new movie, the 'criticism' (비판) can be '거세다'. You should be able to understand this word in newspaper headlines and use it in your own writing to describe strong reactions or intense natural phenomena. You should also distinguish it from '강하다'.

At the B2 level, '거세다' is a standard part of your descriptive vocabulary. You should feel comfortable using it to describe social movements, economic trends, and intense natural events. You will notice it frequently in literature and formal reports. You should also understand the difference between '거세다' and its synonyms like '격렬하다' or '맹렬하다'. At this level, you are expected to use the word with correct particles and in complex sentence structures.

At the C1 level, you understand the subtle nuances and historical weight of '거세다'. You can use it to describe the 'fierce flow' of history or the 'unstoppable tide' of social change. You recognize its use in classical literature and high-level journalism. You can also appreciate how it adds a specific 'texture' to a sentence—evoking a sense of raw, natural power that '강하다' lacks. Your usage should be precise, choosing '거세다' specifically when momentum and surge are involved.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '거세다'. You can use it in creative writing to create atmosphere and tension. You understand its etymological roots and how it interacts with other poetic or archaic words. You can explain the difference between '거센 바람' and '모진 바람' (harsh wind) to others. This word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressing complex observations about the world's most powerful forces.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

거세다 in 30 Seconds

거세다 means 'fierce' or 'violent' and is mostly used for wind, waves, and strong public opposition.
It is an adjective, so it describes the state of something rather than an action.
Commonly paired with nature (바람, 파도) and social reactions (비판, 반대).
Do not use it for a person's physical muscle strength; use '강하다' instead.

The Korean adjective 거세다 is a powerful word primarily used to describe natural forces, such as wind, waves, or currents, that are not just strong but fierce, violent, and overwhelming. While the word '세다' simply means 'strong,' 거세다 carries an additional nuance of intensity and unstoppable momentum. It evokes an image of nature at its most untamed, where the sheer volume and speed of movement create a sense of danger or awe. For an English speaker, it is best translated as 'fierce,' 'violent,' or 'raging.' When you hear a weather reporter talking about a typhoon, they will almost certainly use 거세다 to describe the wind gusts or the sea swells.

Physical Intensity: This word is most frequently paired with nature. Think of a storm where the wind is so strong it shakes buildings, or waves that are crashing over a sea wall. In these contexts, '강하다' (strong) feels too clinical, while 거세다 captures the wild energy of the moment.

바람이 거세다. (The wind is fierce.)

Beyond the physical world, 거세다 is also used metaphorically to describe social or psychological forces. If a new government policy is met with massive, angry protests, those protests are described as 거세다. If a particular trend is taking over the country with unstoppable speed, the trend is 거세다. It implies a force that is difficult to resist or push back against. It is often used in news headlines to describe public outcry, opposition, or even the 'fury' of a competitive market.

Metaphorical Force: When public opinion turns sharply against someone, or when competition in a business sector becomes cutthroat, Koreans use this word to signify the overwhelming pressure of the situation.

In daily life, you might use this word when describing a particularly bad storm you witnessed or when talking about a heated argument where the emotions were 'fierce.' It is a word that adds dramatic weight to your description. If you say the rain is '거세다,' you aren't just saying it's raining hard; you're saying the rain is hitting the ground with violent force. This distinction is key for moving from basic Korean to a more descriptive, emotive level of fluency.

Using 거세다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior and its typical subjects. As an adjective (descriptive verb in Korean), it functions just like '크다' (big) or '작다' (small). You can use it at the end of a sentence to describe a subject, or you can use its modifier form 거센 to describe a noun directly. Because it describes intensity, it is rarely used in the imperative or suggestive moods; you are simply observing the state of something's power.

Sentence Endings: In formal settings, use '거셉니다'. In polite everyday speech, use '거세어요' or '거세요' (though 거세어요 is more standard). In casual speech among friends, '거세' or '거세다' (plain form) is common.

파도가 너무 거세서 배가 뜰 수 없어요. (The waves are so fierce that the boat cannot set sail.)

When modifying a noun, the stem '거세-' takes the ending '-ㄴ' to become 거센. This is how you describe 'fierce winds' (거센 바람) or 'fierce opposition' (거센 반대). Notice how the word naturally flows into the noun it is describing. This is a very common pattern in news reporting where the adjective-noun pair sets the tone for the entire article.

Common Noun Pairings: 1. 바람 (Wind), 2. 파도 (Waves), 3. 물결 (Current/Tide), 4. 반대 (Opposition), 5. 비판 (Criticism), 6. 항의 (Protest).

In complex sentences, 거세다 often appears with causal connectors like '-아/어서' (because) or '-지만' (but). For example, '바람이 거세지만 밖으로 나갔다' (The wind was fierce, but I went outside). This allows you to contrast the intensity of the force with an action. Mastering these transitions will help you sound more natural when describing difficult situations or extreme weather conditions.

If you watch Korean news (뉴스) or listen to weather forecasts (일기예보), 거세다 is an essential vocabulary word. It is the standard way to describe a typhoon (태풍) approaching the peninsula. Reporters standing on the coast, struggling to hold their microphones while the wind howls around them, will repeatedly use the phrase '바람이 매우 거셉니다' (The wind is very fierce). It conveys the urgency and danger of the weather better than any other word.

태풍의 영향으로 물결이 거세지고 있습니다. (Due to the typhoon's influence, the waves are becoming fierce.)

Another common arena for this word is politics and social issues. In Korea, public demonstrations and protests can be quite intense. When the media covers these events, they describe the 'fierce opposition' (거센 반대) from the public or the 'fierce criticism' (거센 비판) from opposition parties. You will see this word in bold headlines on portals like Naver or Daum whenever there is a major controversy involving a celebrity or a politician. It signals that the backlash is not just minor, but a significant force to be reckoned with.

Media Usage: In dramas, you might hear this word during a heated argument between family members or business rivals. One character might describe the other's temper or the pressure they are applying as '거세다'.

Finally, you will encounter this word in literature and historical accounts. When describing a historical battle or a turbulent period in Korean history, authors use 거세다 to describe the 'winds of change' or the 'fierce onslaught' of an invading army. It is a word that carries the weight of history and the relentless power of time and nature. By recognizing this word, you unlock a deeper understanding of how Koreans perceive and describe high-stakes, high-intensity situations.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is confusing 거세다 with '강하다' (strong) or '힘이 세다' (to have physical strength). While all these words relate to power, their usage is strictly divided. You cannot use 거세다 to describe a person's physical muscles or their ability to lift heavy objects. If you say '그 남자는 거세다,' it sounds very strange and potentially implies he has a 'fierce' or 'violent' personality, rather than being physically strong.

Mistake: Physical Strength: Correct: 근육이 강하다 (Muscles are strong). Incorrect: 근육이 거세다.

성격이 거세다 (Incorrect for 'strong personality'). Use '강하다' or '드세다' instead.

Another mistake is using 거세다 for static strength. This word implies movement and momentum. A wall is '튼튼하다' (sturdy) or '강하다' (strong), but a wall is never '거세다' because a wall doesn't move. However, the wind hitting the wall is '거세다'. Remember: 거세다 is for things that flow, blow, or surge—like water, air, or public emotion.

Mistake: Static Objects: Correct: 건물이 튼튼하다 (The building is sturdy). Incorrect: 건물이 거세다.

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 거세다 is an adjective. In Korean, adjectives don't take the '-ㄴ다' ending in the present tense plain form. Some students mistakenly say '바람이 거센다' (incorrect) instead of '바람이 거세다' (correct). Always double-check if the word you are using is a verb or an adjective to ensure your sentence endings are grammatically accurate.

Understanding the synonyms of 거세다 will help you choose the exact level of intensity you want to convey. While 거세다 is the most common word for fierce weather, other words like '맹렬하다' (fierce/vehement) and '격렬하다' (intense/violent) are often used in similar contexts but with slightly different flavors.

거세다 vs. 맹렬하다: 거세다: Focuses on the physical force and momentum (wind, waves).
맹렬하다: Focuses on the speed and aggression of an action (a fierce attack, a fierce fire).

불길이 맹렬하게 타오르고 있다. (The flames are burning fiercely.)

Another alternative is '격렬하다'. This word is almost always used for human actions or emotions rather than nature. You would use '격렬하다' for a violent protest or a heated debate. While 거세다 can also be used for protests, '격렬하다' implies more physical clashing or extreme emotional outbursts.

거세다 vs. 격렬하다: 거세다: The 'surge' of opposition (the volume of people).
격렬하다: The 'violence' of the protest (fighting with police).

Finally, '강하다' (strong) is the most general term. If you are unsure which specific word to use, '강하다' is usually safe, but it will lack the descriptive 'oomph' that 거세다 provides. By choosing 거세다, you show that you understand the nuance of Korean vocabulary and can describe the world with more precision and impact.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While it sounds similar to '거세' (castration) in Hanja, they are completely unrelated. Be careful with the context!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kʌ.se.da/

US /kʌ.se.da/

In Korean, syllables usually have equal weight, but the '세' is slightly more emphasized because of the tense 's' sound.

Rhymes With

매섭다 (partially) 드세다 (perfect rhyme) 내세우다 (partial) 밤새다 해세다 대세다 만세다 어세다

Common Errors

Pronouncing '거' like 'go'. It should be an open 'o' sound.
Pronouncing '세' like 'see'. It should be 'seh'.
Adding a 'n' sound like 'geosenda'. Adjectives don't do that.
Stress on the last syllable.
Making the 's' in 'se' too soft.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in news and weather contexts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowing which nouns it can modify.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of '거' and '세' needs to be accurate.

Listening 3/5

Common in media, so easy to hear frequently.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

세다 강하다 바람 파도 비

Learn Next

맹렬하다 격렬하다 치열하다 풍파

Advanced

노도 질타 성토 파고

Grammar to Know

Adjective Modifier Form (-ㄴ)

거세다 -> 거센 (거센 바람)

Adverbial Form (-게)

거세다 -> 거세게 (거세게 불다)

Change of State (-아/어지다)

거세다 -> 거세지다 (바람이 거세지다)

Reasoning (-아서/어서)

거세서 (파도가 거세서 배가 못 가요)

Contrast (-지만)

거세지만 (바람이 거세지만 나갔다)

Examples by Level

바람이 거세다.

The wind is fierce.

Plain form adjective.

파도가 거세다.

The waves are fierce.

Subject + Adjective.

비가 거세게 와요.

The rain is coming down fiercely.

Adverb form '거세게'.

거센 바람이 불어요.

A fierce wind is blowing.

Modifier form '거센'.

물이 거세다.

The water is fierce (strong current).

Simple description.

바람이 너무 거세다.

The wind is too fierce.

Using '너무' for emphasis.

거센 파도를 봐요.

Look at the fierce waves.

Object marker with modifier.

날씨가 거세다.

The weather is fierce (stormy).

Describing the general weather.

태풍 때문에 바람이 거셉니다.

The wind is fierce because of the typhoon.

Formal ending '-습니다'.

파도가 거세서 배가 못 가요.

The waves are fierce, so the boat cannot go.

Causal connector '-아서'.

거센 빗줄기가 창문을 때려요.

Fierce streaks of rain are hitting the window.

Descriptive modifier '거센'.

바람이 거세니까 조심하세요.

The wind is fierce, so please be careful.

Reasoning connector '-(으)니까'.

강물이 거세게 흐르고 있어요.

The river water is flowing fiercely.

Progressive form '-고 있다'.

어제는 바람이 정말 거셌어요.

The wind was really fierce yesterday.

Past tense '-었/았어요'.

거센 파도 소리가 들려요.

I can hear the sound of fierce waves.

Modifier describing a sound.

바람이 거세지만 춥지는 않아요.

The wind is fierce, but it's not cold.

Contrast connector '-지만'.

정부의 정책에 대한 반대가 거세다.

Opposition to the government's policy is fierce.

Metaphorical use for 'opposition'.

새로운 유행이 거세게 불고 있다.

A new trend is blowing fiercely (spreading rapidly).

Metaphorical use for 'trends'.

비판이 거세지자 그는 사과했다.

As the criticism became fierce, he apologized.

Becoming form '-아/어지다'.

거센 항의로 인해 행사가 취소됐다.

The event was canceled due to fierce protests.

Noun phrase '거센 항의'.

그의 인기는 여전히 거세다.

His popularity is still fierce (very high).

Metaphorical use for 'popularity'.

거센 물살을 가르며 수영했다.

He swam through the fierce current.

Describing physical resistance.

변화의 바람이 거세게 불고 있다.

The winds of change are blowing fiercely.

Idiomatic expression.

거센 폭풍우가 밤새 계속되었다.

A fierce rainstorm continued all night.

Compound noun '폭풍우'.

시민들의 거센 비난이 쏟아졌다.

Fierce criticism from citizens poured out.

Used with verb '쏟아지다' (to pour).

경쟁이 거세서 살아남기 힘들다.

Competition is fierce, so it's hard to survive.

Metaphorical use for 'competition'.

거센 눈보라 속에서 길을 잃었다.

I got lost in the fierce blizzard.

Describing extreme weather.

여론의 거센 압박을 견디지 못했다.

He could not withstand the fierce pressure of public opinion.

Metaphorical use for 'pressure'.

거센 기세로 몰아치는 파도.

Waves rushing in with a fierce momentum.

Using '기세' (momentum/spirit).

거센 반발에 부딪혀 계획이 무산됐다.

The plan fell through after hitting fierce backlash.

Idiom '반발에 부딪히다'.

거센 불길이 온 산을 뒤덮었다.

Fierce flames covered the entire mountain.

Describing fire intensity.

거센 저항에도 불구하고 전진했다.

They moved forward despite fierce resistance.

Connector '-에도 불구하고'.

시대의 거센 흐름을 거스를 수 없다.

One cannot go against the fierce flow of the times.

Philosophical usage.

거센 풍파를 겪으며 성장했다.

He grew up while going through fierce winds and waves (hardships).

Idiomatic '풍파' (hardships).

거센 어조로 상대방을 몰아붙였다.

He pushed the opponent with a fierce tone of voice.

Describing speech style.

자본의 거센 논리에 밀려났다.

They were pushed out by the fierce logic of capital.

Abstract economic usage.

거센 소용돌이 속으로 휘말려 들어갔다.

He was sucked into a fierce whirlpool.

Describing a chaotic situation.

거센 투쟁의 역사가 기록되어 있다.

A history of fierce struggle is recorded.

Historical context.

거센 비바람을 뚫고 도착했다.

Arrived after pushing through fierce wind and rain.

Compound word '비바람'.

그녀의 거센 열정은 누구도 못 말린다.

No one can stop her fierce passion.

Positive metaphorical use.

거센 노도와 같은 민중의 함성.

The shouts of the people were like a fierce, surging wave.

Literary simile '노도와 같은'.

거센 명분 앞에 개인은 무력했다.

Before a fierce justification, the individual was powerless.

High-level abstract noun '명분'.

운명의 거센 장난에 놀아났다.

They were toyed with by the fierce pranks of fate.

Personification of fate.

거센 파고를 넘어야 진정한 평화가 온다.

True peace comes only after crossing fierce heights (waves/challenges).

Metaphorical '파고'.

거센 기류가 감지되어 회항을 결정했다.

A fierce air current was detected, so they decided to return.

Technical/Aviation context.

거센 질타를 겸허히 받아들였다.

He humbly accepted the fierce scolding/rebuke.

Formal word '질타'.

거센 황소바람이 문틈으로 들어온다.

A fierce, biting winter wind comes through the door crack.

Specific term '황소바람'.

거센 성토의 장이 마련되었다.

A venue for fierce denunciation was prepared.

Formal word '성토'.

Common Collocations

바람이 거세다

파도가 거세다

반대가 거세다

비판이 거세다

물살이 거세다

항의가 거세다

빗줄기가 거세다

기세가 거세다

추위가 거세다

반발이 거세다

Common Phrases

거센 바람

— A fierce wind that is difficult to walk against.

거센 바람을 뚫고 걸어갔다.

거센 파도

— Large, violent waves in the sea.

거센 파도가 배를 덮쳤다.

거센 비판

— Strong, widespread criticism from many people.

그 영화는 거센 비판을 받았다.

거센 반대

— Strong opposition to a plan or idea.

주민들의 거센 반대에 부딪혔다.

거센 물결

— Fierce waves or a metaphorical tide of change.

거센 물결이 밀려온다.

거센 항의

— A fierce and loud protest.

거센 항의가 이어졌다.

거센 추위

— A severe and fierce cold snap.

거센 추위가 기승을 부린다.

거센 불길

— Fierce and uncontrollable flames.

거센 불길이 번지고 있다.

거센 기세

— A fierce momentum or spirit.

거센 기세로 몰아붙였다.

거센 풍파

— Fierce winds and waves, often meaning life's hardships.

그는 거센 풍파를 다 겪었다.

Often Confused With

거세다 vs 거세 (Castration)

A Hanja noun that sounds the same but is used in medical or biological contexts. Context prevents confusion.

거세다 vs 세다 (Strong)

A general term. Use '거세다' for more 'fierce' or 'surging' strength.

거세다 vs 거칠다 (Rough)

Means rough or coarse (like skin or a surface). '거세다' is about power/momentum.

Idioms & Expressions

"거센 풍파를 겪다"

— To go through many hardships and trials in life.

어린 나이에 거센 풍파를 다 겪었다.

Literary

"변화의 바람이 거세다"

— The trend or tide of change is very strong.

디지털 시대에 변화의 바람이 거세다.

Journalistic

"거센 물결에 휩쓸리다"

— To be caught up in a major social trend or event.

그는 역사의 거센 물결에 휩쓸렸다.

Literary

"거센 반발을 사다"

— To provoke strong opposition or backlash.

그의 발언은 거센 반발을 샀다.

Formal

"거센 기세로"

— With overwhelming momentum.

우리 팀은 거센 기세로 결승에 올랐다.

Neutral

"거센 폭풍우 속에서도"

— Even in the midst of great trouble or danger.

거센 폭풍우 속에서도 희망을 잃지 마라.

Poetic

"거센 저항에 부딪히다"

— To encounter strong resistance.

개혁안이 거센 저항에 부딪혔다.

Formal

"거센 비바람"

— A metaphor for severe difficulties.

거센 비바람을 견뎌낸 나무.

Literary

"거센 파고를 넘다"

— To overcome a major crisis or difficulty.

우리는 거센 파고를 함께 넘었다.

Formal

"거센 불길처럼"

— Spreading or growing very quickly and fiercely.

소문이 거센 불길처럼 퍼졌다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

거세다 vs 강하다

Both mean strong.

강하다 is solid/durable; 거세다 is fierce/surging.

강한 의지 (Strong will) vs 거센 바람 (Fierce wind).

거세다 vs 세다

Both mean strong.

세다 is general; 거세다 is more intense and used for fluids/air.

힘이 세다 (Strong power) vs 물살이 거세다 (Fierce current).

거세다 vs 격렬하다

Both mean intense.

격렬하다 is for human conflict; 거세다 is for nature or public momentum.

격렬한 싸움 (Violent fight) vs 거센 비판 (Fierce criticism).

거세다 vs 맹렬하다

Both mean fierce.

맹렬하다 is about speed and aggression; 거세다 is about volume and power.

맹렬한 불길 (Aggressive flames) vs 거센 파도 (Fierce waves).

거세다 vs 매섭다

Both mean fierce.

매섭다 is sharp/biting; 거세다 is overwhelming.

매서운 추위 (Biting cold) vs 거센 추위 (Fierce cold).

Sentence Patterns

N이/가 거세다

바람이 거세다.

거센 N

거센 파도.

N이/가 거세게 V

비가 거세게 내린다.

N에 대한 반대가 거세다

계획에 대한 반대가 거세다.

N이/가 거세지다

물결이 거세지고 있다.

거센 N에 부딪히다

거센 반발에 부딪혔다.

거센 N을 뚫고

거센 비바람을 뚫고 갔다.

거센 N의 물결

변화의 거센 물결.

Word Family

Nouns

거셈 The state of being fierce or strong.

Verbs

거세지다 To become fierce or strong.

Adjectives

거세다 Fierce, strong.

세다 (strong)

강하다 (strong)

기세 (momentum)

위세 (power/influence)

공세 (offensive/attack)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, literature, and weather reports; moderately common in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

근육이 거세다. → 근육이 강하다.
You cannot use '거세다' for physical muscle strength.
바람이 거센다. → 바람이 거세다.
It's an adjective, so it doesn't take '-ㄴ다' in the present tense.
목소리가 거세다. → 목소리가 크다 / 어조가 강하다.
While you can have a 'fierce tone' (거센 어조), usually '거세다' is for physical forces or momentum.
거센 건물. → 튼튼한 건물.
Static objects cannot be '거세다' because they don't have movement or momentum.
커피 맛이 거세다. → 커피 맛이 강하다.
Flavor intensity uses '강하다', not '거세다'.

Tips

Think of Water

Whenever you see a river flowing very fast or waves crashing, '거세다' is your go-to word.

Adjective Ending

Remember it's an adjective. In the plain form, it's just '거세다', not '거센다'.

News Vocabulary

This is a 'news word'. If you want to sound more educated when discussing politics, use '비판이 거세다'.

Not for Muscles

Never use it for physical body strength. Keep it for nature and abstract forces.

Fierce Force

Associate the 'G' in 'Geoseda' with 'Gust' or 'Gush'.

The 'Se' Sound

Make sure the '세' is clear and crisp, not like '시'.

Modifier Form

Practice using '거센' before nouns like 바람, 파도, and 반대.

Typhoon Season

Listen for this word in August and September in Korea; it will be everywhere in the news.

More than Strong

It's not just strong; it's fierce. Use it when '세다' feels too weak.

Public Opinion

Use it to describe a 'storm' of comments or reactions online.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'GUST' (거스트) of wind that is 'SAY-da' (strong). 'Geoseda' sounds like a gust saying something strong.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant wave crashing over a lighthouse. That wave is '거세다'.

Word Web

바람 파도 반대 비판 물결 폭풍 기세 항의

Challenge

Try to use '거세다' three times today when looking at the weather or reading the news.

Word Origin

Pure Korean origin word. It is a combination of the concept of '세다' (to be strong/powerful) with an intensive prefix-like nuance from the '거' sound.

Original meaning: The original meaning specifically referred to the power of wind and water currents.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse with the Hanja word for castration (거세) in very formal writing, though the context usually makes it clear.

English speakers might use 'strong' for everything, but Korean uses specific words like '거세다' for nature's intensity.

Weather reports during 'Jangma' (monsoon season). Historical dramas (Sageuk) describing battles. News headlines about K-pop scandals or political protests.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

바람이 거세다
파도가 거세다
비바람이 거세다
거센 눈보라

Politics/News

비판이 거세다
반대가 거세다
반발이 거세다
항의가 거세다

Nature/Travel

물살이 거세다
파도가 거세지다
거센 바람을 뚫고
거센 파도 소리

Business

경쟁이 거세다
변화가 거세다
거센 압박
거센 유행

Literature

인생의 거센 풍파
역사의 거센 물결
거센 기세
거센 열정

Conversation Starters

"오늘 바람이 정말 거센데, 밖에 나가실 거예요?"

"뉴스 보셨어요? 그 정책에 대한 반대가 정말 거세네요."

"바다에 파도가 너무 거세서 배가 안 뜬대요."

"요즘 이 브랜드의 인기가 정말 거센 것 같아요."

"어제 비바람이 거세서 잠을 설쳤어요."

Journal Prompts

인생에서 거센 풍파를 겪었던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a time you experienced fierce hardships in life.)

오늘의 날씨를 '거세다'라는 단어를 사용해서 묘사해 보세요. (Describe today's weather using the word '거세다'.)

최근 사회에서 가장 거센 논란은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is the fiercest controversy in society recently?)

자신이 가진 거센 열정에 대해 이야기해 보세요. (Talk about a fierce passion you have.)

거센 바람이 부는 바닷가에 서 있다면 어떤 기분이 들까요? (How would you feel standing on a beach with fierce winds?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. If you say a person is '거세다', it might imply they have a very fierce, almost violent personality, but it's not a common way to describe someone. Use '성격이 강하다' or '드세다' instead.

Mostly it's used for neutral natural forces or negative social reactions. However, it can be used for 'fierce passion' (거센 열정) which is positive.

'거칠다' means rough, like a rough road or rough skin. '거세다' means fierce in terms of power and momentum.

No. For strong flavors, use '맛이 강하다' or '맵다'.

You can say '바람이 거세지고 있어요'.

It is an adjective (descriptive verb). This means it doesn't take the '-ㄴ다' ending in the present tense.

No, use '소리가 크다'. But you can say '거센 파도 소리' (the sound of fierce waves).

It's used in lyrics to describe intense feelings, the wind, or a 'fierce' dance/momentum.

'잔잔하다' is the best word for calm waves.

No, use '빠르다'. But you can say the 'momentum' (기세) of the car is 거세다 if it's rushing dangerously.