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A2 verb 8 min read

고통스러워하다

gotongseureowohada
Examples 고통스러워하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 고통스러워하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic Korean words and phrases. They can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Using '고통스러워하다' would be beyond the scope of A1, as it describes a complex emotional and physical state of suffering that requires a more advanced vocabulary and understanding of nuance.
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A2 learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. While they might encounter '고통스러워하다' in simple contexts describing pain, actively using it to express nuanced suffering would still be challenging. They might be able to understand it in a sentence like 'The patient is suffering' if the context is very clear.
B1 learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. At this level, learners can begin to understand and use '고통스러워하다' more effectively, particularly in describing observed suffering or in contexts of illness or emotional distress, but still with some limitations.
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B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. '고통스러워하다' is well within the grasp of B2 learners, allowing them to use it accurately to describe significant physical or emotional suffering in various contexts.
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C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. '고통스러워하다' can be used with precision and nuance by C1 learners, understanding its implications in literature, psychology, and complex social issues.
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C2 learners have a level of mastery of the language that allows them to understand virtually everything heard or read with ease. They can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. At C2 level, '고통스러워하다' would be used with complete naturalness and sophisticated understanding of its full semantic range and connotations.
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Examples

고통스러워하다 in 30 Seconds

  • To suffer, be in pain, agonize.
  • Describes intense physical or emotional distress.
  • Often used to observe another's suffering.
  • More intense than '아프다' (to hurt).

The Korean verb 고통스러워하다 (gotongseureowohada) translates to 'to suffer,' 'to be in pain,' or 'to agonize.' It describes a state of experiencing significant physical or emotional distress. This word is used when someone is enduring hardship, feeling intense discomfort, or going through a difficult emotional experience. It emphasizes the internal feeling of suffering, rather than just the external manifestation of pain. You might hear this in contexts discussing illness, injury, emotional turmoil, or difficult life circumstances.

Physical Pain
When someone is experiencing severe physical discomfort due to an injury or illness, you can say they are '고통스러워하다'. For instance, if someone breaks a bone, they will likely be suffering greatly.
Emotional Distress
This verb is also frequently used to describe deep emotional pain, such as grief, anxiety, or despair. Someone going through a painful breakup or experiencing profound loss might be described as '고통스러워하다'.
Enduring Hardship
It can also refer to the act of enduring a very difficult or unpleasant situation, even if it's not constant pain. For example, someone facing extreme poverty or oppression might be said to '고통스러워하다'.

The patient was clearly 고통스러워하다 from the severe wound.

She seemed to 고통스러워하다 after hearing the bad news.

Nuance of Suffering
The '-어하다' ending often indicates that the speaker is observing or inferring the feeling of another person. Therefore, '고통스러워하다' is commonly used to describe what someone else is experiencing, rather than oneself directly, although it can be used for oneself in more introspective contexts or narratives.

The soldiers began to 고통스러워하다 in the harsh conditions.

The verb 고통스러워하다 (gotongseureowohada) is conjugated like other Korean verbs. Its basic form is the dictionary form, which is used in certain contexts, but more commonly, it appears in its conjugated forms. The '-어하다' ending is crucial here, as it often signifies an observed state or feeling of another person. This means you'll frequently see it used with subjects like 'he,' 'she,' or 'they,' describing their experience of suffering.

Present Tense (Observational)
In the present tense, you'll often use forms like 고통스러워해요 (gotongseureowohaeyo) or 고통스러워합니다 (gotongseureowohamnida). These are used to describe someone currently experiencing suffering.

그 환자는 계속 고통스러워해요.

The patient continues to suffer.

Past Tense
For past events, you might use 고통스러워했어요 (gotongseureowohaesseoyo) or 고통스러워했습니다 (gotongseureowohaetseumnida). This describes someone who was suffering in the past.

그는 지난 몇 년간 매우 고통스러워했어요.

He suffered greatly for the past few years.

Describing a General State
You can also use the '-는 것 같다' (neun geot gatta - seems like) structure to infer someone's suffering.

아이들이 배고파 고통스러워하는 것 같았다.

The children seemed to be suffering from hunger.

Using with Nouns
You can combine '고통' (gotong - pain, suffering) with '스러워하다' to emphasize the suffering itself. However, '고통스러워하다' is a verb in itself and is more direct.

그는 자신의 처지에 고통스러워했다.

He agonized over his situation.

You will encounter 고통스러워하다 (gotongseureowohada) in various real-life situations and media. It's a word that conveys a significant level of distress, so its usage often appears in contexts where serious emotional or physical struggles are being described.

News Reports and Documentaries
When reporting on natural disasters, wars, or humanitarian crises, journalists often use '고통스러워하다' to describe the plight of affected individuals or communities. Documentaries exploring social issues or historical tragedies will also frequently employ this term to convey the suffering experienced by people.

난민들은 열악한 환경에서 고통스러워하고 있다.

The refugees are suffering in the harsh conditions.

Literature and Dramas
In novels, poetry, and dramatic works, '고통스러워하다' is a powerful tool for writers to depict characters' inner struggles, emotional pain, and physical torment. It's often used in climactic scenes or to characterize individuals who have endured significant hardship.

그녀는 잃어버린 가족을 생각하며 밤새 고통스러워했다.

She agonized all night thinking of her lost family.

Medical and Psychological Contexts
In discussions about health, doctors or psychologists might use this term to describe a patient's experience of pain or emotional suffering. It's a more formal and descriptive term than simply saying someone is 'sick'.

환자는 수술 후 심한 통증으로 고통스러워하는 모습을 보였다.

The patient showed signs of suffering from severe pain after the surgery.

Personal Accounts and Testimonies
When people share their personal stories of overcoming adversity, illness, or trauma, they might use '고통스러워하다' to describe the difficult periods they went through. This adds a layer of depth and authenticity to their narrative.

그녀는 오랜 병마와 싸우며 고통스러워했지만, 희망을 잃지 않았다.

Although she suffered while fighting a long illness, she did not lose hope.

When learning to use 고통스러워하다 (gotongseureowohada), learners often make a few common mistakes. These typically stem from oversimplification or confusion with similar words.

Confusing with '아프다' (apeuda)
The most frequent error is using '고통스러워하다' when '아프다' (to hurt, to be sick) would be more appropriate. '아프다' is a general term for pain or illness. '고통스러워하다' implies a much more intense and prolonged state of suffering, agony, or distress. For example, a headache might be '머리가 아프다', but a debilitating chronic pain condition might lead to someone '고통스러워하다'.

Mistake: 그는 감기에 걸려 고통스러워했어요.

Correct: 그는 감기에 걸려 아팠어요.

Explanation: A common cold usually causes general discomfort and 'pain' (아프다), not deep 'suffering' (고통스러워하다).

Incorrect Subject Usage
Because of the '-어하다' ending, which often indicates an observed state, learners might incorrectly use it to describe their own direct, immediate feelings. While it can be used introspectively, it's more common to use simpler forms like '고통스럽다' (gotongseureopda - to be painful/suffering) when talking about one's own feelings directly.

Mistake: 저는 지금 너무 고통스러워해요.

Correct: 저는 지금 너무 고통스러워요 (or 고통스럽습니다).

Explanation: When directly stating your own feeling of suffering, the '-어하다' ending is less natural than the adjective form '고통스럽다'.

Overuse in Mild Situations
Using '고통스러워하다' for minor inconveniences or mild discomfort is also a mistake. This word carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations involving substantial pain, distress, or hardship.

Mistake: 친구와 싸워서 고통스러워했어요.

Correct: 친구와 싸워서 속상했어요 (or 마음이 아팠어요).

Explanation: A fight with a friend usually causes upset or emotional pain ('속상하다', '마음이 아프다'), not the deep suffering implied by '고통스러워하다'.

Misunderstanding the '-어하다' Suffix
Some learners might treat '-어하다' as a general past tense marker or forget that it often implies observation. This can lead to awkward or incorrect sentence structures.

Mistake: 그는 고통스러워.

Correct: 그는 고통스러워해요 (or 고통스러워 보였어요).

Explanation: The '-어하다' ending needs a conjugation. Simply ending with '-어' is incomplete. Also, remember it often implies observation of another's state.

While 고통스러워하다 (gotongseureowohada) specifically denotes suffering or agony, several other Korean words express pain or distress with varying nuances. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most precise term for any given situation.

아프다 (apeuda)
Meaning: To be sick, to hurt, to be in pain.
Comparison: This is the most general term for pain or illness. It can refer to mild discomfort (like a headache) or more serious conditions. It's less intense than '고통스러워하다'.
Example: 머리가 아파요. (Meoriga apayo. - My head hurts.) vs. 그녀는 오랫동안 고통스러워했어요. (Geunyeoneun oraetdongan gotongseureowohaesseoyo. - She suffered for a long time.)
괴로워하다 (goerowohada)
Meaning: To be distressed, to be tormented, to be troubled.
Comparison: '괴로워하다' focuses more on mental or emotional anguish and distress. While it can overlap with '고통스러워하다', it emphasizes being troubled or tormented by something. '고통스러워하다' can encompass both physical and emotional suffering.
Example: 그는 죄책감에 괴로워했어요. (Geuneun joechaekgame goerowohaesseoyo. - He was tormented by guilt.) vs. 그는 부상으로 고통스러워했어요. (Geuneun busangeuro gotongseureowohaesseoyo. - He suffered from his injury.)
힘들다 (himdeulda)
Meaning: To be difficult, to be hard, to be tough.
Comparison: This is a broader term indicating difficulty or hardship. It can be physical or emotional, but it doesn't necessarily imply intense pain or agony. Someone can find a task '힘들다' without necessarily '고통스러워하다'. However, prolonged hardship can lead to suffering.
Example: 이 산을 오르는 것은 힘들어요. (I san-eul oreuneun geoseun himdeureoyo. - Climbing this mountain is difficult.) vs. 그는 오랜 투병 생활로 고통스러워했어요. (Geuneun oraen tubyeong saenghwalo gotongseureowohaesseoyo. - He suffered from a long illness.)
고생하다 (gosaenghada)
Meaning: To suffer hardship, to go through a lot, to toil.
Comparison: Similar to '힘들다', '고생하다' refers to enduring hardship or difficulties, often implying a period of struggle or toil. It's about the process of going through a tough time, whereas '고통스러워하다' is about the state of suffering itself.
Example: 그는 어린 시절부터 고생했어요. (Geuneun eorin sijeolbuteo gosaenghaesseoyo. - He went through a lot since childhood.) vs. 그는 정신적으로 고통스러워했어요. (Geuneun jeongsikjeogeuro gotongseureowohaesseoyo. - He suffered mentally.)
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Examples by Level

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1

아기가 아파서 고통스러워해요.

The baby is suffering because they are sick.

The '-어해요' ending is a polite present tense conjugation.

2

그는 다리가 부러져 고통스러워했어요.

He suffered because his leg was broken.

The '-어했어요' ending is a polite past tense conjugation.

3

새로 온 학생이 고통스러워하는 것 같아요.

It seems the new student is suffering.

'것 같아요' means 'it seems' or 'I think'.

4

환자가 너무 고통스러워해서 의사가 왔어요.

The patient was suffering so much that the doctor came.

The '-어서' ending connects clauses, showing cause and effect.

5

그녀는 시험 결과 때문에 고통스러워해요.

She is suffering because of her test results.

This sentence describes emotional suffering.

6

차가운 바람에 사람들이 고통스러워했어요.

People suffered from the cold wind.

This refers to physical discomfort causing suffering.

7

그는 오랜 시간 동안 고통스러워하는 모습을 보였습니다.

He showed signs of suffering for a long time.

The phrase '모습을 보였습니다' means 'showed signs of'.

8

많은 사람들이 전쟁 때문에 고통스러워합니다.

Many people suffer because of the war.

The '-ㅂ니다' ending is a formal present tense conjugation.

1

그는 심각한 질병으로 인해 밤낮없이 고통스러워했다.

He suffered day and night due to a serious illness.

The past tense '-했다' is used here.

2

경제적 어려움 속에서 많은 가정이 고통스러워하고 있다.

Many families are suffering amidst economic difficulties.

'고통스러워하고 있다' is the present progressive form.

3

그녀는 실연의 아픔으로 고통스러워하며 일상생활을 제대로 하지 못했다.

She suffered from the pain of heartbreak and couldn't carry on with daily life.

The '-으며' ending connects related actions or states.

4

환경 오염 때문에 지역 주민들이 고통스러워하는 것을 보았다.

I saw the local residents suffering due to environmental pollution.

This sentence uses the observational '-는 것' structure.

5

그의 연설은 전쟁의 참상을 묘사하며 사람들이 얼마나 고통스러워하는지 보여주었다.

His speech depicted the horrors of war and showed how much people were suffering.

'-는지' is used to embed a question or uncertainty, here about the extent of suffering.

6

정신적인 압박감으로 인해 그는 심각하게 고통스러워하는 듯 보였다.

He seemed to be suffering severely due to mental pressure.

'듯 보였다' means 'seemed to be'.

7

불공정한 대우에 대해 그는 고통스러워했지만, 용기를 내어 목소리를 높였다.

Although he suffered from unfair treatment, he gathered courage and raised his voice.

The '-지만' ending indicates a contrast or concession.

8

역사 기록을 보면 당시 백성들이 얼마나 고통스러워했는지 알 수 있다.

Looking at historical records, we can understand how much the people suffered back then.

This uses '-는지' to express the degree of suffering.

1

장기적인 경기 침체는 수많은 중소기업 사장들이 고통스러워하게 만들었다.

The long-term economic recession has made countless small and medium-sized business owners suffer.

The '-게 만들었다' structure means 'made someone do something' or 'caused someone to be'.

2

극심한 가뭄으로 인해 농부들은 생계가 위협받으며 고통스러워하고 있다.

Due to the severe drought, farmers are suffering as their livelihoods are threatened.

This highlights suffering due to an environmental crisis.

3

그의 소설은 주인공이 겪는 내면적 갈등과 정신적 고통을 섬세하게 묘사하며 독자들이 고통스러워하는 감정을 공유하게 한다.

His novel delicately portrays the protagonist's internal conflicts and mental suffering, making readers share in the feeling of agony.

This describes how literature evokes empathy for suffering.

4

사회적 약자들이 겪는 차별과 소외는 그들이 고통스러워하는 주요 원인 중 하나이다.

Discrimination and alienation experienced by the socially vulnerable are among the main reasons they suffer.

This links social issues to suffering.

5

전쟁 포로들은 비인간적인 대우 속에서 고통스러워해야 했으며, 그 기억은 평생 그들을 괴롭혔다.

Prisoners of war had to suffer under inhumane treatment, and the memory haunted them for life.

'-어야 했다' means 'had to'.

6

정치적 박해를 피해 망명한 사람들은 새로운 환경에 적응하는 과정에서 고통스러워하는 경우가 많다.

People who have fled political persecution often suffer while adapting to a new environment.

This describes the suffering associated with displacement.

7

과도한 업무량과 스트레스로 인해 많은 직장인들이 만성적인 피로와 우울증으로 고통스러워하고 있다.

Due to excessive workload and stress, many office workers are suffering from chronic fatigue and depression.

This connects workplace stress to suffering.

8

역사 교과서에서는 과거의 노예들이 겪었던 참혹한 현실과 그들이 어떻게 고통스러워했는지 자세히 다룬다.

History textbooks detail the horrific reality experienced by slaves in the past and how they suffered.

This uses '-는지' to describe the extent of past suffering.

1

그의 작품은 인간 존재의 근본적인 고독과 삶의 부조리함 속에서 개인이 겪는 심오한 고통스러워함을 탐구한다.

His work explores the profound suffering an individual experiences amidst the fundamental solitude of human existence and the absurdity of life.

'고통스러워함' is a nominalized form, referring to 'the state of suffering'.

2

인권 운동가들은 억압받는 소수 민족들이 겪는 체계적인 박해와 그로 인한 심각한 고통스러워함을 세상에 알리기 위해 노력한다.

Human rights activists strive to inform the world about the systematic persecution faced by oppressed ethnic minorities and the severe suffering resulting from it.

This uses '고통스러움' as a noun to describe the suffering.

3

전쟁의 참상과 그로 인한 트라우마는 생존자들이 평생 동안 고통스러워하게 만드는 깊은 상흔을 남긴다.

The horrors of war and the resulting trauma leave deep scars that make survivors suffer throughout their lives.

This links trauma to long-term suffering.

4

사회 비판적인 작가들은 종종 인간 본성의 어두운 면과 사회 구조적 모순으로 인해 개인이 고통스러워하는 양상을 그려낸다.

Socially critical writers often depict the aspects of individual suffering caused by the dark side of human nature and structural societal contradictions.

This describes how literature portrays suffering from societal issues.

5

만성 질환을 앓는 환자들은 끊임없이 신체적, 정신적 고통 속에서 고통스러워하며, 이들에게는 전문적인 의료적, 심리적 지원이 필수적이다.

Patients suffering from chronic illnesses continuously agonize amidst physical and mental pain, and professional medical and psychological support is essential for them.

This emphasizes the need for support for those suffering from chronic conditions.

6

그녀는 예술을 통해 자신의 개인적인 트라우마와 고통스러워했던 경험을 승화시키고자 했다.

She sought to sublimate her personal trauma and painful experiences through art.

This describes using art to process suffering.

7

기후 변화로 인한 극한 현상들은 전 세계적으로 수많은 사람들을 고통스러워하게 만들고 있으며, 이는 시급한 해결을 요구하는 문제이다.

Extreme phenomena caused by climate change are making countless people worldwide suffer, and this is an issue demanding urgent resolution.

This connects climate change to global suffering.

8

철학자들은 삶의 고통스러운 본질과 인간이 이러한 고통 속에서 어떻게 의미를 찾으며 고통스러워하는지에 대해 깊이 논한다.

Philosophers deeply discuss the painful essence of life and how humans find meaning amidst this suffering and agonize.

This explores the philosophical aspects of suffering.

1

그의 시는 존재론적 불안과 실존의 무게로 인해 개인이 겪는 형언할 수 없는 고통스러워함을 섬세하게 포착해낸다.

His poetry delicately captures the ineffable suffering an individual experiences due to existential anxiety and the weight of existence.

'고통스러워함' used as a noun to describe profound, ineffable suffering.

2

역사적 격변기 동안 민중이 겪었던 집단적인 비극과 그들이 고통스러워했던 양상에 대한 심층적인 분석은 당시 사회상을 이해하는 데 필수적이다.

An in-depth analysis of the collective tragedies experienced by the populace during periods of historical upheaval and the patterns of their suffering is essential for understanding the society of that time.

Focuses on collective suffering and its historical patterns.

3

예술 치료는 심각한 정신적 외상이나 만성적인 고통으로 인해 고통스러워하는 개인들이 자신의 감정을 건강하게 표현하고 치유 과정을 돕도록 한다.

Art therapy helps individuals who are suffering from severe psychological trauma or chronic pain to express their emotions healthily and aids in the healing process.

Discusses art therapy as a means to cope with suffering.

4

인간의 존엄성이 훼손되는 극한 상황 속에서도 희망을 잃지 않고 고통스러워하는 이들의 이야기는 깊은 감동을 준다.

The stories of those who suffer without losing hope even in extreme situations where human dignity is violated are deeply moving.

Highlights resilience and hope despite suffering.

5

그의 문학은 인간 내면의 가장 깊은 곳에서 비롯되는 고뇌와 고통스러워함을 파고들어, 독자들에게 인간 조건에 대한 성찰을 요구한다.

His literature delves into the anguish and suffering originating from the deepest parts of the human psyche, demanding readers reflect on the human condition.

Emphasizes introspection and the human condition related to suffering.

6

전쟁의 후유증으로 인해 참전 용사들이 겪는 외상 후 스트레스 장애는 그들이 현재까지도 고통스러워하게 만드는 주요 원인이다.

Post-traumatic stress disorder experienced by veterans due to the aftereffects of war is a major cause that continues to make them suffer even now.

Links PTSD to ongoing suffering.

7

사회 경제적 불평등이 심화되면서 소외 계층이 겪는 복합적인 어려움과 그들이 고통스러워하는

As socioeconomic inequality deepens, the complex difficulties faced by marginalized groups and the ways they suffer are becoming more intricate.

Discusses the complex nature of suffering due to inequality.

8

인류는 역사적으로 수많은 재난과 역경 속에서 고통스러워해왔지만, 동시에 이러한 경험을 통해 배우고 발전해왔다.

Humanity has historically suffered through countless disasters and adversities, but at the same time, has learned and developed through these experiences.

Presents suffering as a part of human history and development.

Common Collocations

극심한 고통스러워하다
정신적으로 고통스러워하다
육체적으로 고통스러워하다
오랫동안 고통스러워하다
마음으로 고통스러워하다
견디기 힘들어 고통스러워하다
사회적으로 고통스러워하다
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