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A2 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

앓다

alta Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 앓다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 앓다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn basic words for being sick, like '아프다' (to be sick/hurt). '앓다' is a slightly more advanced word that you might hear when people talk about having a cold (감기) for a few days. Think of it as 'to have' a sickness over time. For example, '감기를 앓다' means 'to have a cold'. At this stage, just remember that it is often used with '감기' (cold) or '몸살' (body ache from being tired). The most important thing for A1 learners is to recognize the word when you hear it and know it relates to being sick. You don't need to use it in complex ways yet. Just focus on the simple 'Disease + 을/를 + 앓아요' pattern. Also, notice the spelling '앓다' has two letters at the bottom (ㄹ, ㅎ), which is a bit special. When you say '앓아요', it sounds like 'ara-yo'.

At the A2 level, you can start using '앓다' to describe common illnesses more accurately. Instead of just saying you are sick, you can say you are 'suffering' from something like the flu (독감) or a stomach ache (배앓이). You will notice that '앓다' is a verb, so it describes an action or a state that lasts for a while. A very common phrase you should learn is '몸살을 앓다'. Koreans use this when they are so tired from working or studying that their whole body hurts. You might also see '앓아눕다', which means to be so sick that you have to lie down in bed. At this level, you should practice the conjugation: 앓아요 (present), 앓았어요 (past), 앓을 거예요 (future). Remember that the 'ㅎ' sound is usually quiet when followed by a vowel, but it makes the 'ㄷ' sound like 'ㅌ' in '앓다' [알타].

At the B1 level, you should understand that '앓다' is not just for physical sickness. It is also used for emotional pain. A very famous expression is '상사병을 앓다', which means to be 'lovesick'—suffering because you like someone so much but cannot be with them. You will also hear '속앓이를 하다', which means to suffer internally or keep your worries to yourself. This shows a deeper level of Korean culture where people sometimes hide their pain. You should also start noticing '앓다' in news stories about social problems. For example, a city might 'suffer' from a lack of water or a company might 'suffer' from a strike. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word with both physical and metaphorical objects, and understand the nuance of 'enduring' something difficult over a period of time.

At the B2 level, you can use '앓다' to describe complex social and economic situations. It is frequently used in editorials and news reports to personify organizations or the economy. For instance, '경제 위기를 앓다' (suffering from an economic crisis) or '인력난을 앓고 있는 중소기업' (small businesses suffering from a labor shortage). You should also be aware of the noun form '앓이' used as a suffix. For example, '앓이' can be attached to various words to mean 'suffering from X'. In pop culture, fans might say they have 'XX 앓이', meaning they are obsessed with a certain celebrity or drama (e.g., '도깨비 앓이'). This level requires you to distinguish between '앓다' and more formal terms like '질환을 겪다' (to experience a disease) or '고충을 겪다' (to experience difficulties). You should be able to use '앓다' to add a descriptive, almost literary weight to your sentences.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the literary and nuanced uses of '앓다'. It often appears in modern Korean poetry and prose to describe the existential or deep psychological suffering of characters. It conveys a sense of 'pathos' that '아프다' cannot reach. You should be able to use it in professional medical or psychological discussions where the duration and nature of the suffering are important. For example, discussing '만성 질환을 앓는 환자들' (patients suffering from chronic diseases). You should also master the subtle differences between '앓다', '시달리다' (to be hounded/suffer from), and '진통을 겪다' (to go through birth pains/growing pains). At this stage, your use of '앓다' should reflect an understanding of its ability to personify non-human entities, like '사회가 불신으로 몸살을 앓고 있다' (society is suffering/aching from distrust).

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '앓다' across all registers. You understand its historical roots and how its usage has evolved in Korean literature. You can use it to discuss abstract philosophical concepts, such as '인간은 존재의 고독을 앓는 존재이다' (Humans are beings who suffer from the loneliness of existence). You are also familiar with archaic or highly formal variations and can identify the word in classical-style modern literature. You understand the phonetic shifts perfectly and can explain the 'ㅀ' cluster's behavior to others. Furthermore, you can use '앓다' in highly creative ways, such as in satirical writing or high-level journalism, to evoke specific emotions or to criticize systemic failures in society by framing them as 'illnesses' that the collective body is enduring.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

앓다 in 30 Seconds

앓다 means to suffer from an illness or emotional pain over a period of time, emphasizing the process of being sick.
It is commonly used with diseases like colds (감기) or flu (독감), and with the object marker 을/를.
Metaphorically, it describes internal worries (속앓이) or social problems (인력난을 앓다) affecting organizations or countries.
Spelling and pronunciation are tricky due to the 'ㅀ' final consonant, becoming [알타] when followed by '다'.

The Korean verb 앓다 (alta) is a foundational term used to describe the state of suffering from a physical illness, a psychological burden, or a persistent emotional pain. Unlike the more general word '아프다' (apeuda), which simply indicates that something hurts or that one is currently feeling pain, 앓다 carries a nuance of duration and the process of undergoing a sickness. It implies that the person is 'going through' a period of illness or is 'afflicted' by a specific condition. For English speakers, it can be translated as 'to suffer from,' 'to be ill with,' or 'to ache with.' It is most commonly used with the object marker 을/를, indicating the specific disease or pain that is being endured.

Physical Affliction: This is the primary usage. When someone has the flu (독감), a cold (감기), or a chronic disease, they are said to '앓다' that condition. It suggests the body is actively battling the ailment over a period of time.
Emotional and Mental Pain: Metaphorically, it describes internal suffering that isn't visible. Phrases like '속을 앓다' (to suffer inside) or '가슴앓이를 하다' (to have a heartache) illustrate how emotional distress is likened to a physical disease.
Social and Collective Suffering: In news or academic contexts, it can describe a society or an organization suffering from systemic problems, such as '인력난을 앓다' (to suffer from a labor shortage).

그는 오랫동안 지병을 앓다가 결국 세상을 떠났다.
— Translation: He suffered from a chronic illness for a long time before eventually passing away.

Understanding the conjugation of 앓다 is crucial because of its double consonant final (받침) 'ㅀ'. When followed by a vowel, the 'ㅎ' sound is often silent, and the 'ㄹ' carries over. For example, '앓아' is pronounced [아라]. When followed by '다', it becomes [알타] due to the aspiration of 'ㄷ' by 'ㅎ'. This phonetic complexity makes it a word that intermediate learners must practice carefully to sound natural in conversation.

아이들이 홍역을 앓고 나면 부쩍 큰다고들 합니다.
— Translation: People say children grow significantly after they have suffered through the measles.

Register and Tone: The word is neutral to slightly formal. While '아프다' is used in every casual context ('나 아파' - I'm sick), '앓다' sounds more descriptive and clinical or literary ('몸살을 앓고 있어요' - I am suffering from body aches). It provides more weight to the condition being discussed.

In summary, 앓다 is the word you need when you want to emphasize the endurance of a sickness or a struggle. It covers everything from the common cold to the deepest heartache, making it an essential part of the Korean vocabulary for expressing human suffering and resilience.

Using 앓다 correctly requires understanding its role as a process-oriented verb. In English, we might say 'I have a cold,' but in Korean, using 앓다 suggests 'I am going through a cold.' This distinction is vital for achieving a natural-sounding Korean flow. The word is versatile, appearing in medical, emotional, and social narratives.

Standard Sickness Pattern: The most common pattern is [Disease Name] + 을/를 + 앓다. For example, '폐렴을 앓다' (to suffer from pneumonia). This focuses the sentence on the specific medical condition.
The 'Going Through' Nuance: When you use the progressive form '앓고 있다', it emphasizes that the suffering is happening right now. '그는 지병을 앓고 있습니다' (He is currently suffering from a chronic illness).

우리 할머니는 평생 관절염을 앓으셨다.
— Translation: My grandmother suffered from arthritis her whole life.

One of the most interesting ways to use 앓다 is in the context of '몸살' (momsal). Momsal is a uniquely Korean concept of body aches and exhaustion from overwork. Saying '몸살을 앓다' is a very common way to explain why someone is absent or needs rest. It implies a physical breakdown that requires time to recover.

혼자서 고민하며 속을 앓지 말고 친구에게 말해봐.
— Translation: Don't suffer inside by worrying alone; try talking to a friend.

Metaphorical Extensions: In economic news, you might see '경제 위기를 앓다' (to suffer through an economic crisis). This treats the crisis like a disease that the 'body' of the nation must endure and recover from.

When conjugating for honorifics, remember the '으' addition for '앓으시다'. '선생님께서는 오랫동안 당뇨를 앓으셨습니다' (The teacher has suffered from diabetes for a long time). This shows respect to the person suffering while accurately describing their condition.

사랑 때문에 가슴앓이를 앓아본 적이 있나요?
— Translation: Have you ever suffered from heartache because of love?

Finally, the word often appears in the form of a noun phrase '앓이'. By attaching '이' to the stem, it becomes a suffix meaning 'suffering' or 'ache.' Examples include '배앓이' (stomach ache) and '치앓이' (toothache/teething). This productive use of the root 앓- shows how deeply integrated the concept of enduring pain is in the Korean language.

You will encounter 앓다 in a variety of settings, ranging from the very personal to the broadly societal. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the weight the word carries in different situations.

In the Doctor's Office: Medical professionals use '앓다' to discuss patient history. A doctor might ask, '언제부터 이 증상을 앓으셨나요?' (Since when have you been suffering from these symptoms?). It sounds more professional and precise than '아팠어요'.
In K-Dramas and Literature: Melodramas frequently use '앓다' to describe the 'illness of the heart.' Characters might '상사병을 앓다' (suffer from lovesickness) or '가슴앓이를 하다'. It adds a poetic and tragic layer to their emotional state.

전 세계가 기후 변화로 인해 몸살을 앓고 있습니다.
— Translation: The whole world is suffering (aching) due to climate change.

In the news, 앓다 is used to personify institutions or countries. When a city is struggling with heavy traffic or a company is dealing with internal conflict, news anchors will say they are '앓고 있다'. This suggests that the problem is not just a minor glitch but a systemic 'sickness' that needs a cure.

그 영화배우는 유명세를 앓느라 사생활이 거의 없다.
— Translation: That actor suffers from his fame, so he has almost no private life.

Daily Conversations: You'll hear friends say things like '나 어제 독감 때문에 앓아누웠어' (I was laid up with the flu yesterday). The compound '앓아눕다' (to be sick in bed) is a very common idiomatic expression for being bedridden.

Finally, in parenting, you'll hear '성장통을 앓다' (to suffer from growing pains). This can refer to the actual physical pain children feel in their limbs as they grow, or metaphorically to the difficulties teenagers face as they mature. In all these cases, 앓다 provides a narrative of endurance through a difficult phase.

Because 앓다 has several nuances and a tricky spelling, learners often run into a few specific hurdles. Avoiding these will make your Korean sound much more sophisticated.

Confusion with '아프다': The most common mistake is using '앓다' where '아프다' is required. You cannot say '머리를 앓아요' to mean 'My head hurts.' '아프다' is for the sensation of pain. '앓다' is for the condition of the illness. Correct: '두통을 앓고 있어요' (I am suffering from a headache).
Spelling and Pronunciation of 'ㅀ': Many learners forget the 'ㅎ' in '앓다' or mispronounce it. Remember that '앓다' [알타] and '알다' [알다] (to know) sound different. The aspiration in '앓다' is key. In writing, forgetting the 'ㅎ' (writing '알다' instead of '앓다') changes the meaning completely from 'suffering' to 'knowing'.

Incorrect: 배가 앓아요. (My stomach is suffering - sounds weird)
Correct: 배가 아파요. (My stomach hurts)
Correct: 배앓이를 해요. (I have a stomach ache)

Incorrect Particle Usage: As mentioned, '앓다' usually takes the object marker '을/를'. Saying '감기가 앓다' is grammatically incorrect because the cold isn't the one doing the suffering; the person is. It should be '(내가) 감기를 앓다'.

Another mistake is overusing the metaphorical sense. While you can '앓다' from fame or a labor shortage, you shouldn't use it for every minor inconvenience. '컴퓨터 고장을 앓다' (suffering from a computer breakdown) sounds unnatural; '컴퓨터 고장 때문에 고생하다' (to have a hard time because of a computer breakdown) is much better.

Spelling tip: 앓 + 다 = [알타]. The 'ㅎ' hits the 'ㄷ' and makes it 'ㅌ'.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—focusing on duration, using the right particles, and mastering the 'ㅀ' spelling—you will avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this essential verb.

To truly master 앓다, you should know how it compares to other words that describe pain, sickness, or hardship. Korean has a rich vocabulary for these states, and choosing the right one depends on the context.

앓다 vs. 아프다: '아프다' is an adjective (descriptive verb) meaning 'to be painful' or 'to be sick.' It is the most general term. '앓다' is a verb meaning 'to suffer from/through an illness.' Use '아프다' for the feeling and '앓다' for the process.
앓다 vs. 고생하다 (Gosaenghada): '고생하다' means 'to have a hard time' or 'to suffer hardship.' While '앓다' is usually tied to illness (physical or emotional), '고생하다' is broader. You can '고생하다' because of heavy luggage, a difficult boss, or bad weather. If you say '감기로 고생하다', it emphasizes the struggle and trouble the cold is causing you.
앓다 vs. 시달리다 (Sidallida): '시달리다' means 'to be pestered,' 'to be hounded,' or 'to suffer from (something annoying/persistent).' You might '빚에 시달리다' (suffer from debt) or '소음에 시달리다' (be pestered by noise). '앓다' is more internal, while '시달리다' often implies an external pressure or annoyance.

Comparison:
1. 배가 아파요 (My stomach hurts - feeling).
2. 배앓이를 해요 (I have a stomach ache - condition).
3. 식중독을 앓고 있어요 (I am suffering from food poisoning - duration).

When describing someone who is bedridden, you can use '앓아눕다' or '병석에 누워 있다' (to be in a sickbed). '앓아눕다' is more common in daily speech and conveys the physical state of being defeated by the illness.

그는 심한 몸살을 앓느라 며칠째 결근 중이다.
— Translation: He has been absent for several days because he is suffering from severe body aches.

By understanding these synonyms and alternatives, you can tailor your speech to be more precise. Use 앓다 when you want to describe the long-term or significant process of illness, and reach for '고생하다' or '아프다' when the focus is on the hardship or the immediate sensation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The double consonant 'ㅀ' is relatively rare in Korean and almost always involves a verb that indicates a state of being or a process, such as '끓다' (to boil) or '싫다' (to dislike).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /al.tʰa/

US /al.tʰa/

In Korean, stress is generally equal across syllables, but the aspirated 't' in the second syllable '타' may sound slightly more forceful.

Rhymes With

밝다 (to be bright) 닯다 (to resemble - archaic spelling/dialect) 갉다 (to gnaw) 핥다 (to lick) 훑다 (to scan/skim) 옳다 (to be right) 싫다 (to dislike) 끓다 (to boil)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as [알다] (alda) which means 'to know'.
Forgetting the 'l' (ㄹ) sound and only pronouncing the 'h' (ㅎ).
Trying to pronounce the 'h' (ㅎ) separately before the 'd' (ㄷ).
Pronouncing '앓아요' as [알하요] instead of the correct [아라요].
Misspelling it as '알다' in written text.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Spelling '앓다' is slightly difficult for beginners but easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 3/5

The double consonant 'ㅀ' is often misspelled as '알' or '앎'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation shifts (aspiration and liaison) require practice.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with '알다' (to know) if not listening for the aspirated 't'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

아프다 (to be sick) 병 (disease) 감기 (cold) 몸 (body) 마음 (heart/mind)

Learn Next

고생하다 (to suffer/struggle) 시달리다 (to be hounded) 치유하다 (to heal) 간호하다 (to nurse) 진단하다 (to diagnose)

Advanced

병약하다 (to be sickly) 고질병 (chronic disease) 후유증 (aftereffect) 합병증 (complication) 투병하다 (to fight a disease)

Grammar to Know

Double Consonant 'ㅀ' Liaison

앓 + 아요 -> [아라요]

Double Consonant 'ㅀ' Aspiration

앓 + 다 -> [알타]

Object Marker 을/를 with 앓다

독감을 앓다 (O), 독감이 앓다 (X)

Honorific '-(으)시다' with 앓다

할머니께서 앓으십니다.

Progressive '-고 있다' for ongoing sickness

그는 며칠째 앓고 있다.

Examples by Level

저는 감기를 앓고 있어요.

I have a cold (I am suffering from a cold).

Uses 을/를 with the disease '감기'.

동생이 배앓이를 해요.

My younger sibling has a stomach ache.

배앓이 is a noun form derived from 앓다.

어제는 몸살을 앓았어요.

I suffered from body aches yesterday.

Past tense '앓았어요'.

많이 앓지 마세요.

Please don't suffer too much (get well soon).

Negative command '지 마세요'.

우리 강아지가 아파서 앓아요.

My puppy is sick and suffering.

Used to describe a pet's state of illness.

감기를 앓으면 쉬어야 해요.

If you have a cold, you must rest.

Conditional ending '-(으)면'.

그녀는 일주일 동안 앓았어요.

She was ill for a week.

Duration '일주일 동안'.

누가 감기를 앓고 있나요?

Who is suffering from a cold?

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

시험 공부를 하느라 몸살을 앓았어요.

I suffered from body aches because I was studying for exams.

Reasoning '-느라' indicates the cause of the '몸살'.

할머니께서 지병을 앓으십니다.

My grandmother suffers from a chronic illness.

Honorific ending '-(으)십니다'.

그는 독감을 심하게 앓고 나서 살이 빠졌어요.

He lost weight after suffering severely from the flu.

'-고 나서' means 'after doing'.

아이들이 홍역을 앓고 있어요.

The children are suffering from measles.

Plural subject '아이들'.

어머니는 늘 두통을 앓으세요.

My mother always suffers from headaches.

Adverb '늘' (always).

앓아누운 지 벌써 사흘째예요.

It's already the third day since I've been bedridden.

Compound verb '앓아눕다' (to be sick in bed).

무슨 병을 앓고 계신가요?

What disease are you suffering from?

Honorific progressive '-고 계시다'.

심하게 앓더니 얼굴이 안 좋네요.

Since you were so ill, your face doesn't look good.

'-더니' expresses a result based on an observation.

그는 첫사랑 때문에 상사병을 앓았다.

He suffered from lovesickness because of his first love.

Metaphorical use with '상사병'.

혼자서 속을 앓지 말고 말해봐요.

Don't suffer inside alone; tell me about it.

Idiomatic phrase '속을 앓다'.

회사가 노사 갈등으로 몸살을 앓고 있다.

The company is suffering from labor-management conflict.

Personification of a company.

그는 가슴앓이를 하다가 병이 났다.

He got sick after suffering from heartache.

'-다가' indicates a change in state.

사춘기 아들은 성장통을 앓는 중이다.

The adolescent son is going through growing pains.

Metaphorical use of '성장통'.

그 배우는 유명세를 앓느라 고생이 많다.

That actor is having a hard time suffering from his fame.

Metaphorical 'fame' as an illness.

어머니는 자식 걱정에 밤새 속을 앓으셨다.

Mother suffered inside all night worrying about her children.

Reasoning '걱정에' (due to worry).

오랫동안 위장병을 앓아서 음식을 조심해요.

I'm careful with food because I've suffered from stomach disease for a long time.

'-아서' indicates cause/reason.

전 세계가 기후 변화로 몸살을 앓고 있습니다.

The whole world is suffering from climate change.

Societal/Global context.

그 도시는 심각한 교통난을 앓고 있다.

The city is suffering from a serious traffic shortage/congestion.

Using '앓다' for infrastructure problems.

많은 청년들이 취업난을 앓으며 힘들어한다.

Many young people are struggling while suffering from the job shortage.

'-으며' indicates simultaneous actions/states.

정부는 인구 감소 문제를 앓고 있는 지역을 지원한다.

The government supports areas suffering from the population decline problem.

Relative clause modifying '지역'.

그는 어린 시절에 앓았던 병 때문에 다리가 불편하다.

His leg is uncomfortable because of a disease he suffered from in childhood.

Past relative clause '앓았던'.

병을 앓고 난 뒤에야 건강의 소중함을 알게 되었다.

Only after suffering from an illness did I realize the importance of health.

'-고 뒤에야' emphasizes 'only after'.

수도권은 쓰레기 처리 문제로 몸살을 앓고 있다.

The metropolitan area is suffering from the waste disposal problem.

Environmental context.

그녀는 우울증을 앓으면서도 겉으로는 웃었다.

She smiled on the outside even while suffering from depression.

'-으면서도' expresses contrast.

그 작가는 창작의 고통을 앓으며 명작을 남겼다.

The author left a masterpiece while suffering from the pain of creation.

Abstract concept '창작의 고통'.

현대인들은 정보의 홍수 속에서 선택 장애를 앓는다.

Modern people suffer from 'choice paralysis' amidst a flood of information.

Sociological observation.

그 나라는 오랜 내전의 후유증을 앓고 있다.

The country is suffering from the aftereffects of a long civil war.

Political/Historical context.

그는 자신의 정체성에 대해 심한 갈등을 앓았다.

He suffered from severe conflict regarding his identity.

Psychological depth.

농촌 지역은 고령화로 인해 몸살을 앓은 지 오래다.

It has been a long time since rural areas began suffering from aging populations.

'-은 지 오래다' means it's been a long time since.

그의 시는 시대의 아픔을 앓는 지식인의 고뇌를 담고 있다.

His poetry contains the agony of an intellectual suffering from the pains of the era.

Literary analysis.

유명 정치인이 스캔들로 인해 홍역을 앓고 있다.

A famous politician is going through a rough time (suffering from measles) due to a scandal.

Idiomatic use of '홍역을 앓다' for a difficult ordeal.

우리는 모두 각자의 외로움을 앓으며 살아간다.

We all live while suffering from our own respective loneliness.

Existential tone.

인간은 누구나 실존적 허무를 앓는 존재이다.

Every human is a being that suffers from existential nihilism.

Philosophical subject matter.

그 문명은 번영의 끝에서 타락이라는 병을 앓았다.

At the end of its prosperity, that civilization suffered from the disease of corruption.

Historical personification.

언어는 사유의 한계를 앓으며 끊임없이 진화한다.

Language evolves constantly while suffering from the limits of thought.

Abstract linguistic metaphor.

그는 평생토록 조국을 잃은 망향의 한을 앓았다.

Throughout his life, he suffered from the sorrow of longing for his lost homeland.

Deep cultural emotion 'Han'.

자본주의는 부의 불평등이라는 고질병을 앓고 있다.

Capitalism is suffering from the chronic disease of wealth inequality.

Economic critique.

예술가는 시대의 공기를 앓는 예민한 촉수와 같다.

An artist is like a sensitive antenna (tentacle) that suffers from the atmosphere of the times.

Metaphorical comparison.

그 학설은 논리적 모순을 앓다가 결국 폐기되었다.

The theory suffered from logical contradictions and was eventually discarded.

Academic context.

지구는 인류의 탐욕으로 인해 신음하며 앓고 있다.

The Earth is groaning and suffering due to the greed of humanity.

Environmental personification.

Common Collocations

감기를 앓다

몸살을 앓다

지병을 앓다

속을 앓다

상사병을 앓다

성장통을 앓다

진통을 앓다

유명세를 앓다

후유증을 앓다

심하게 앓다

Common Phrases

앓아눕다

— To be so sick that one must lie down in bed.

그는 독감으로 며칠째 앓아누워 있다.

가슴앓이

— Heartache or heartburn; mental distress caused by love or worry.

첫사랑의 가슴앓이는 누구에게나 있다.

배앓이

— A stomach ache, often used for children.

아이가 찬 것을 먹고 배앓이를 한다.

치앓이

— Teething pain or a persistent toothache.

아기가 치앓이를 하느라 밤에 잠을 못 잔다.

속앓이

— Suffering internally without telling others.

부모님은 자식 걱정에 속앓이를 하신다.

홍역을 앓다

— To suffer from measles; idiomatically, to go through a very difficult ordeal.

신입 사원 시절에 업무 때문에 홍역을 앓았다.

성장통을 앓다

— To have growing pains; metaphorically, to struggle during a development phase.

우리 회사는 지금 성장통을 앓고 있다.

열병을 앓다

— To suffer from a fever; metaphorically, to be obsessed with something.

그는 젊은 시절 혁명의 열병을 앓았다.

앓는 소리

— The sound of groaning while sick; idiomatically, complaining about one's situation.

그는 돈이 많으면서도 늘 앓는 소리를 한다.

앓던 이가 빠진 것 같다

— Feeling relieved as if a bad tooth that was causing pain has been pulled out.

문제가 해결되니 앓던 이가 빠진 것 같다.

Often Confused With

앓다 vs 알다

Means 'to know'. Spelling is different (ㄹ vs ㅀ) and pronunciation is [알다] vs [알타].

앓다 vs 아프다

Means 'to be sick' or 'to hurt'. '아프다' is more about the feeling, '앓다' is about the process/duration.

앓다 vs 없다

Means 'to not exist'. Beginners sometimes misread the double consonant 'ㅀ' as 'ㅄ' in fast reading.

Idioms & Expressions

"앓던 이가 빠진 것 같다"

— To feel a huge sense of relief after a long-standing problem is solved.

시험이 끝나니 앓던 이가 빠진 것 같아요.

Informal/Common

"앓느니 죽지"

— Used to express that suffering is so great that death would be preferable (dramatic exaggeration).

이렇게 매일 앓느니 죽는 게 낫겠어.

Informal/Exaggerated

"홍역을 치르다/앓다"

— To go through a very difficult and painful experience that eventually leads to growth.

그 프로젝트 때문에 온 팀이 홍역을 앓았다.

Neutral/Idiomatic

"상사병에는 약도 없다"

— There is no medicine for lovesickness (it can only be cured by the person you love).

상사병을 앓는 그에게는 약도 없지.

Common

"속앓이만 하다"

— To keep all one's pain and worries inside without sharing them.

그는 힘든 일이 있어도 늘 속앓이만 한다.

Neutral

"앓는 소리를 내다"

— To complain about a situation even when it's not that bad; to pretend to be in a worse state.

그는 부자인데도 만날 때마다 앓는 소리를 한다.

Informal

"가슴앓이를 하다"

— To suffer from unspoken emotional pain or unrequited love.

혼자서 가슴앓이를 하느라 얼굴이 반쪽이 됐다.

Literary/Common

"성장통을 겪다/앓다"

— To go through necessary struggles during a period of growth or change.

민주주의가 정착하기 위해 많은 성장통을 앓았다.

Formal/Neutral

"열병을 앓듯"

— To do something with extreme passion or obsession, like having a fever.

그는 열병을 앓듯 연기에 몰두했다.

Literary

"지병처럼 앓다"

— To suffer from something persistently as if it were a chronic illness.

그는 가난을 지병처럼 앓으며 살았다.

Literary

Easily Confused

앓다 vs 아프다

Both relate to being sick.

아프다 is an adjective (subject + 이/가 아프다). 앓다 is a verb (object + 을/를 앓다). 앓다 implies duration.

배가 아파요 vs 배앓이를 해요.

앓다 vs 고생하다

Both mean 'to suffer'.

고생하다 is broader (hardship, effort). 앓다 is specific to illness or deep emotional pain.

이사하느라 고생했어요 vs 감기를 앓았어요.

앓다 vs 시달리다

Both imply persistent suffering.

시달리다 usually implies an external annoyance or pressure. 앓다 is internal or pathological.

소음에 시달리다 vs 당뇨를 앓다.

앓다 vs 앓아눕다

Related to 앓다.

앓아눕다 is a specific compound meaning to be bedridden.

그는 몸살로 앓아누웠다.

앓다 vs 앓이

It's the noun form.

Used as a suffix or standalone noun to mean 'the act of suffering'.

가슴앓이, 앓이 중.

Sentence Patterns

[Disease] + 을/를 앓다

감기를 앓아요.

[Reason] + -(으)로 몸살을 앓다

과로로 몸살을 앓아요.

[Person] + 때문에 상사병을 앓다

그녀 때문에 상사병을 앓았어요.

[Organization] + 이/가 [Problem] + (으)로 몸살을 앓다

병원이 간호사 부족으로 몸살을 앓고 있다.

[Abstract Noun] + 의 후유증을 앓다

식민 지배의 후유증을 앓다.

[Philosophical Concept] + 을/를 앓는 존재

죽음의 공포를 앓는 존재.

앓아눕다

심하게 앓아누웠어요.

속을 앓다

혼자 속을 앓고 있어요.

Word Family

Nouns

앓이 (suffering/ache)

배앓이 (stomach ache)

가슴앓이 (heartache)

속앓이 (internal suffering)

치앓이 (teething pain)

Verbs

앓아눕다 (to be sick in bed)

앓아지다 (to become sick - rare)

앓다 (to suffer/be ill)

아프다 (to be sick)

질병 (disease)

고통 (pain)

환자 (patient)

병 (illness)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in medical and emotional contexts.

Common Mistakes

머리를 앓아요. → 머리가 아파요.
You don't 'suffer' a body part; you feel pain in it. Use '아프다' for body parts.
감기가 앓아요. → 감기를 앓아요.
The cold doesn't suffer; you suffer from the cold. Use the object marker '를'.
Spelling it as '알다'. → 앓다.
'알다' means 'to know'. The 'ㅎ' is necessary for 'to suffer'.
Pronouncing '앓아요' as [알하요]. → [아라요].
The 'ㅎ' is silent before a vowel and the 'ㄹ' moves over.
Using it for a quick, sharp pain. → 아프다 or 따갑다.
'앓다' implies duration. A quick sting isn't something you '앓다'.

Tips

Use Object Markers

Always pair the disease with 을 or 를 when using 앓다. Example: 독감을 앓다.

Learn 'Momsal'

Master the phrase '몸살을 앓다'. It's one of the most common ways Koreans explain being sick from exhaustion.

Aspirate the 'T'

Remember that 앓다 is pronounced [알타], not [알다]. The 'ㅎ' is important for that 'T' sound.

Metaphorical Sickness

Don't be afraid to use 앓다 for emotional pain like '속앓이'. It makes your Korean sound more natural and expressive.

Spelling Check

Check the final consonant cluster 'ㅀ'. It's easy to forget the 'ㅎ'.

Endurance

Understand that 앓다 implies a period of endurance. It's a word that shows respect for the struggle of the person who is sick.

앓다 vs 아프다

Remember: 앓다 is the process/disease, 아프다 is the feeling of pain.

Bedridden

Use '앓아눕다' when you want to say someone is so sick they can't get out of bed.

Context Clues

In listening, if you hear '감기' or '독감' followed by '알-아', it's almost certainly '앓아'.

Social Problems

Read news headlines to see how 앓다 is used for economic or social crises.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'L' (ㄹ) in 앓다 as 'Long' and the 'H' (ㅎ) as 'Hurt'. You are 'Long-Hurt-ing' or suffering for a while.

Visual Association

Imagine someone lying in bed (the flat line of the 'ㄹ') with a small 'h' (ㅎ) representing the sighing or groaning sound of someone who is sick.

Word Web

감기 독감 몸살 상사병 속앓이 가슴앓이 앓아눕다 앓는 소리

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '앓다': one about a physical illness, one about an emotion, and one about a social problem.

Word Origin

The word '앓다' is a pure Korean (native) word. Its roots can be traced back to Middle Korean '앓다', where it has consistently meant to suffer from illness or pain.

Original meaning: To be sick or to endure physical/mental distress.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

When someone says they are '앓고 있다', it is polite to express deep sympathy (걱정하다) because it implies a more serious or lingering condition than a simple '아프다'.

English speakers often just say 'I am sick' (아파요). Using '앓다' adds a layer of 'suffering through' that is more common in literary English like 'afflicted with'.

The term '상사병' (lovesickness) is a staple in K-Drama titles and OST lyrics. Growing pains (성장통) is a common theme in Korean coming-of-age films. The phrase '앓던 이가 빠진 것 같다' is frequently used by variety show hosts when a difficult mission is finally completed.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health/Medical

지병을 앓다
독감을 앓다
암을 앓다
후유증을 앓다

Emotional/Relationships

상사병을 앓다
가슴앓이를 하다
속앓이를 하다
짝사랑으로 앓다

Work/Stress

몸살을 앓다
과로로 앓아눕다
정신적 고통을 앓다
스트레스로 앓다

Social Issues

인력난을 앓다
취업난을 앓다
교통난을 앓다
경제 위기를 앓다

Daily Life/Complaining

앓는 소리를 하다
앓던 이가 빠지다
며칠째 앓다
심하게 앓다

Conversation Starters

"요즘 감기가 유행인데, 혹시 감기 앓고 계신 건 아니죠?"

"몸살을 앓을 때는 어떤 음식을 드세요?"

"예전에 크게 앓았던 병이 있나요?"

"속앓이를 할 때 누구에게 상담을 하시나요?"

"최근에 '성장통'을 앓고 있다고 느낀 적이 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 살면서 가장 심하게 앓았던 병에 대해 써보세요. 그때 어떤 기분이었나요?

남들에게 말하지 못하고 혼자 속앓이를 했던 경험이 있나요? 어떻게 해결했나요?

우리 사회가 현재 앓고 있는 가장 큰 문제는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

사랑 때문에 가슴앓이를 해본 적이 있나요? 그 경험이 당신을 어떻게 변화시켰나요?

몸살을 앓고 나서 건강의 소중함을 깨달았던 순간에 대해 적어보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '앓다' is for illnesses or pains that last for a while. For a small cut, use '아프다' or '다쳤다'. Saying you are '앓다' a cut sounds very dramatic.

'감기가 아파요' is actually incorrect. You should say '감기에 걸렸어요' (I caught a cold) or '감기를 앓고 있어요' (I am suffering from a cold). '아프다' describes the feeling of pain, usually in a body part.

It is pronounced [아라요]. The 'ㄹ' moves to the next syllable, and the 'ㅎ' is silent.

It is neutral. It is used in both daily conversation and formal news reports. However, '질환을 겪다' is a more formal medical alternative.

It means to suffer from 'momsal,' which is a Korean term for body aches and fatigue caused by overwork, stress, or a severe cold.

Yes, you can say '우리 개가 병을 앓고 있어요' (My dog is suffering from a disease).

'상사병' is lovesickness. When combined with '앓다', it means to suffer deeply because of unrequited love or missing someone.

Literally, it's the sound of groaning. Idiomatically, it means complaining about one's financial or personal situation to get sympathy, even if it's not that bad.

It's a historical spelling that affects how the word is conjugated and pronounced when followed by consonants like 'ㄷ', making them aspirated (앓다 -> [알타]).

Yes, in journalism, a city can '앓다' from problems like traffic, pollution, or a lack of resources.