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두렵다

A2 adjective #4,000 most common 10 min read

두렵다

duryeopda Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 두렵다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 두렵다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '두렵다' might be a bit advanced, as most beginners start with '무섭다' (scary). However, it is useful to know as a way to say 'I am afraid.' At this stage, you should focus on the basic meaning: feeling fear. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'I am afraid' (두려워요). You don't need to worry about the deep existential nuances yet. Just remember that it is a 'ㅂ' irregular word, so when you say it politely, it changes to '두려워요'. Imagine you are looking at a very tall building and you are afraid of heights; you could say '높은 곳이 두려워요' (I am afraid of high places). It's a slightly more 'grown-up' way to express fear than '무섭다'. Focus on the present tense and simple subjects like 'exams' (시험) or 'the dark' (어둠).

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between '두렵다' and '무섭다'. You should use '두렵다' when talking about things that aren't physically 'scary' but make you feel anxious or worried about the future. For example, if you are moving to a new country, you might feel '두렵다'. You should also practice the past tense '두려웠어요' (I was afraid) and the negative form '두렵지 않아요' (I am not afraid). This level is about expanding your emotional vocabulary. You can use it with the particle '-이/가' to show what you are afraid of. '실패가 두려워요' (I am afraid of failure) is a great sentence for this level. You are also learning that '두렵다' is an adjective, so it describes how you feel about something, rather than an action you are doing.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '두렵다' in more complex sentence structures. This includes using it with grammar like '-ㄹ까 봐' (afraid that...). For example, '시험에 떨어질까 봐 두려워요' (I am afraid I might fail the exam). You should also understand the difference between '두렵다' (I feel afraid) and '두려워하다' (Someone else feels/shows fear). At this stage, you can use the word to describe more abstract concepts like 'loneliness' (외로움) or 'change' (변화). You might also encounter the noun form '두려움' (fear) in reading passages. You should be able to talk about your internal feelings and explain *why* you are afraid using connecting words like '때문에' or '아/어서'. Your usage should start reflecting the psychological depth of the word.

At the B2 level, you can use '두렵다' to express nuance and intensity. You might use the expression '두려울 정도로' (to a fearful degree) to describe something extreme. For example, '그녀의 실력은 두려울 정도로 뛰어나요' (Her skills are so good it's almost scary/intimidating). You should also be able to recognize '두렵다' in literature, news reports, and more formal contexts. You can discuss social fears, such as the fear of being judged by others or the fear of economic decline. Your understanding of the word should include its use in expressing awe or respect. You can use it in debates or presentations to talk about the 'fear' of certain consequences in society. At this level, you are moving beyond personal feelings and into the realm of social and abstract commentary.

At the C1 level, your use of '두렵다' should be sophisticated and precise. You understand the existential and philosophical connotations of the word. You can use it to describe the 'fear' of the unknown in a philosophical sense or the 'fear' of one's own potential. You are likely to encounter this word in classic Korean literature or high-level academic texts discussing psychology or sociology. You can use it to create a specific tone in your writing—perhaps one of gravity, vulnerability, or profound respect. You might use the word in the context of 'moral fear' or 'historical fear.' You are also adept at using various derived forms and synonyms to avoid repetition and to provide the exact shade of meaning required for a professional or academic setting.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '두렵다'. You can appreciate its use in the most complex poetic and rhetorical contexts. You understand how it can be used ironically, metaphorically, or as a tool for political or social critique. You can distinguish between '두렵다' and even more obscure synonyms or related Hanja-based words. You might use it to describe the 'sublime'—that mix of terror and beauty found in nature or art. Your ability to use the word is effortless, and you can switch between formal, literary, and everyday registers with ease. You can analyze the use of '두렵다' in a poem and explain how it contributes to the overall theme of human fragility. You are a master of the emotional landscape that this word represents.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

두렵다 in 30 Seconds

두렵다 means to be afraid or fearful, often regarding psychological or future concerns.
It is a ㅂ-irregular adjective, conjugating to 두려워요 in polite speech.
Unlike 무섭다, it focuses on internal dread rather than immediate physical fright.
Commonly used with subjects like failure, the future, or social judgment.

The Korean word 두렵다 (duryeopda) is a profound adjective that translates to 'to be scared,' 'to be afraid,' or 'to be fearful.' While it shares a semantic neighborhood with words like 무섭다 (museopda), its usage is often more internal, psychological, and existential. When a Korean speaker uses 두렵다, they are usually expressing a sense of dread or apprehension about something significant, such as the future, a life-changing decision, or the consequences of an action. It is less about the immediate physical fright of seeing a spider and more about the heavy feeling in one's heart when facing the unknown.

Emotional Depth: This word carries a weight of seriousness. It is used when discussing deep-seated fears, such as the fear of failure, the fear of death, or the fear of being alone. It reflects a state of mind rather than a reflexive reaction.

미래가 두렵다. (I am afraid of the future.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear this word when someone is talking about their career path or a difficult relationship. It signifies that the person is not just 'startled,' but is genuinely worried about the potential negative outcomes that lie ahead. It is a word of vulnerability. To say you are 두렵다 is to admit that you feel small in the face of a challenge.

Social Context: When used in literature or formal speeches, it often describes the 'fear' a leader might feel toward the will of the people or the 'fear' of history's judgment. It elevates the emotion to a level of respect and gravity.

실패가 두렵지 않아요. (I am not afraid of failure.)

Furthermore, 두렵다 is often used in the context of 'awe.' Sometimes, a power so great or a beauty so immense can be described as 두렵다 because it overwhelms the human spirit. This nuanced application shows that the word is not just about negativity, but about the recognition of something far greater than oneself.

그의 카리스마는 두려울 정도였다. (His charisma was to the point of being fearful/awe-inspiring.)

Literary Use: In Korean poetry, this word is frequently paired with themes of solitude, the passing of time, and the vastness of the universe, emphasizing the fragile nature of human existence.

혼자 남겨지는 것이 두려웠습니다. (I was afraid of being left alone.)

Ultimately, mastering 두렵다 allows you to express a higher level of emotional intelligence in Korean. It moves beyond basic reactions and into the realm of deep human experience and reflection.

Using 두렵다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a descriptive verb (adjective) and its unique conjugation pattern. Because it ends in 'ㅂ', it follows the ㅂ-irregular rule, which is essential for natural-sounding Korean. When you add an ending that starts with a vowel, the 'ㅂ' drops and '우' is added.

Conjugation Basics: Present Tense: 두려워요 (Polite), 두렵습니다 (Formal), 두려워 (Informal). Past Tense: 두려웠어요 (Polite), 두려웠습니다 (Formal). Future/Guess: 두려울 거예요.

새로운 시작이 두려워요. (I am afraid of a new start.)

One of the most important aspects of using 두렵다 is the particle choice. Typically, the subject of the fear takes the subject marker -이/가. This is because 두렵다 describes the state of the speaker in relation to the subject. For example, '시험이 두렵다' (The exam is fearful/I am afraid of the exam). However, in more active expressions or when using the derived verb 두려워하다, you would use the object marker -을/를.

Sentence Patterns: [Subject] + 이/가 + 두렵다. (I am afraid of [Subject]). [Verb Stem] + ㄹ까 봐 + 두렵다 (I am afraid that [Verb] might happen).

비밀이 탄로 날까 봐 두려웠어요. (I was afraid that the secret might be revealed.)

The word is also used in complex sentences to describe the degree of something. The phrase 두려울 정도로 (to a fearful degree) is common when describing something intense. For instance, '날씨가 두려울 정도로 춥다' (The weather is cold to a fearful degree/terrifyingly cold). This adds a layer of hyperbole to the description.

그의 천재성은 두려울 정도입니다. (His genius is to a fearful degree/intimidating.)

Negative Forms: To say 'not afraid,' use '두렵지 않다.' This is a very common phrase in motivational contexts, such as '난 아무것도 두렵지 않아' (I am not afraid of anything).

변화는 두렵지 않습니다. (I am not afraid of change.)

In summary, 두렵다 is a versatile adjective that moves from personal anxiety to hyperbolic description. Paying attention to the ㅂ-irregular conjugation and the subject-marker usage will make your Korean sound much more sophisticated and natural.

You will encounter 두렵다 in various contexts across Korean media and daily life, though it appears more frequently in scripted or reflective settings than in casual banter. It is a staple of K-Dramas, especially in the internal monologues of protagonists facing moral dilemmas or overwhelming odds. When a character looks into a mirror and says, '사실은 두려워요' (To be honest, I'm afraid), it signals a moment of deep emotional truth.

K-Dramas and Movies: In historical dramas (Sa-geuk), kings often speak of being '두렵다' regarding the fate of the nation or the judgment of future generations. It conveys the heavy burden of power.

백성들의 눈이 두렵지 않느냐? (Are you not afraid of the eyes of the people?)

In the world of K-Pop, 두렵다 is a frequent guest in song lyrics. It often appears in songs about heartbreak or the pressure of fame. For example, SEVENTEEN has a popular song titled 'Fear' (독), where the lyrics explore the 'fear' of one's own darkness affecting a loved one. The word here isn't about being scared of a ghost; it's about the internal struggle and the fear of causing harm.

News and Literature: News headlines might use '두렵다' when reporting on economic instability or climate change. In literature, it is used to explore the human condition, existentialism, and the 'fear' of the unknown.

급변하는 세상이 두렵게 느껴집니다. (The rapidly changing world feels fearful.)

In everyday life, you might hear a friend say '혼자 살기가 좀 두려워요' (I'm a bit afraid of living alone) when they are moving out for the first time. Here, it captures the mix of anxiety and the weight of independence. It is also used in religious contexts, such as '하나님을 두려워하다' (to fear God), which implies a sense of reverence and awe rather than just terror.

하늘이 두렵지 않으냐? (Do you not fear the heavens? - often used as a moral warning.)

Whether you are reading a classic novel, watching a high-stakes political thriller, or listening to a soulful ballad, 두렵다 is the word that bridges the gap between simple fear and profound human apprehension.

The most common mistake learners make with 두렵다 is confusing it with 무섭다. While both can be translated as 'to be afraid,' they are not always interchangeable. 무섭다 is typically used for immediate, external, or physical threats—like a scary movie, a big dog, or the dark. In contrast, 두렵다 is for internal, psychological, or future-oriented fears.

Mistake 1: Using it for physical scares: Incorrect: 이 거미가 너무 두려워요. (I am so afraid of this spider.) Correct: 이 거미가 너무 무서워요. (Spiders are usually '무섭다' because the fear is immediate and physical.)

귀신이 무서워요 (O) vs 두려워요 (X - unless it's a deep existential fear of ghosts).

Another frequent error involves the ㅂ-irregular conjugation. Learners often forget to change the 'ㅂ' to '우' and end up saying '두렵어' or '두려워요' incorrectly. Remember: 두렵 + 어요 → 두려워요. This rule applies to many common adjectives like 맵다 (spicy) and 춥다 (cold), so mastering it here will help you across the board.

Mistake 2: Particle Confusion: Learners often use the object marker '-을/를' with '두렵다'. Since '두렵다' is an adjective in Korean, it describes the subject. Use '-이/가'. If you want to use '-을/를', you must use the verb form '두려워하다'.

미래를 두려워요 (X) → 미래가 두려워요 (O).

Using 두렵다 for someone else's feelings is also a common mistake. In Korean, you generally cannot directly state another person's internal feeling with a simple adjective. You should use 두려워하다 (to show signs of being afraid) or 두려운 것 같다 (it seems they are afraid).

그는 실패가 두려워한다. (He fears failure - Correct for 3rd person.)

Lastly, don't overuse 두렵다 in very casual situations. If you're just a little nervous about a small quiz, 떨리다 (to be nervous/shaking) or 걱정되다 (to be worried) might be more appropriate. 두렵다 is for the big stuff!

Korean has a rich vocabulary for expressing fear and anxiety. Understanding the subtle differences between 두렵다 and its alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most prominent comparison is with 무섭다, but others like 겁나다, 공포스럽다, and 경외하다 are also important.

두렵다 vs. 무섭다: '무섭다' is for immediate, scary things (ghosts, horror movies, mean people). '두렵다' is for psychological, future-oriented, or existential dread (failure, the future, death).

호랑이가 무섭다 (Tigers are scary) vs 내일이 두렵다 (I dread tomorrow).

겁나다 (Geom-nada) is another common alternative. It literally means 'fear comes out.' It is often used in a more colloquial way to mean 'to be scared' or 'to be intimidated.' It is frequently used when someone is hesitant to do something because they are afraid of the outcome. It's a bit more active and less 'heavy' than 두렵다.

공포스럽다 (Gong-po-seu-reop-da): This word is derived from '공포' (horror/terror). It is used to describe a situation or atmosphere that is 'horrific' or 'terrifying.' It is more formal and intense than '무섭다'.

전쟁의 참상은 공포스러웠다. (The horrors of war were terrifying.)

For a more positive or respectful kind of fear, you might use 경외하다 (Gyeong-oe-ha-da), which means 'to revere' or 'to stand in awe of.' This is the 'fear' one might feel toward a deity or a sublime natural phenomenon. It combines fear with deep respect. While 두렵다 can sometimes touch on this, 경외하다 is the specific term for it.

Summary Table: 무섭다: Immediate/Physical. 두렵다: Psychological/Future. 겁나다: Hesitation/Intimidation. 공포스럽다: Horrific/Terror. 경외하다: Awe/Reverence.

When you are writing or speaking, think about the *source* and the *nature* of the fear. If it's a deep, lingering worry about what is to come, 두렵다 is your best choice. If it's a jump-scare in a movie, stick with 무섭다.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Middle Korean, many adjectives ending in 'ㅂ' were related to internal states. The 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation is a remnant of ancient phonetic shifts in the Korean language.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /du.ɾjʌp.t͈a/

US /du.ɾjʌp.t͈a/

The stress is relatively even, but the second syllable 'ryeop' feels slightly heavier due to the batchim.

Rhymes With

어렵다 (to be difficult) 더럽다 (to be dirty) 부럽다 (to be envious) 가렵다 (to be itchy) 무겁다 (to be heavy) 즐겁다 (to be joyful) 가볍다 (to be light) 무섭다 (to be scary)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ㅂ' clearly as 'p' in '두려워요' (it should disappear into 'w').
Using a hard English 'R' instead of the Korean flap 'r'.
Forgetting the tensing of the final 'da' to 'tta' in the dictionary form.
Confusing the vowel 'u' (ㅜ) with 'eo' (ㅓ).
Mispronouncing 'ryeop' as 'ryeob' with a voiced 'b'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though nuances vary.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct ㅂ-irregular conjugation.

Speaking 4/5

Must distinguish from '무섭다' for natural speech.

Listening 3/5

Common in dramas and songs; easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

무섭다 걱정 마음 미래 실패

Learn Next

공포 경외 극복 불안 떨리다

Advanced

실존적 심연 광기 이반 경외심

Grammar to Know

ㅂ-Irregular Adjectives

두렵다 -> 두려워요, 맵다 -> 매워요

-ㄹ까 봐 (Afraid that...)

비가 올까 봐 두려워요.

-이/가 vs -을/를 with Adjectives

미래가 두렵다 vs 미래를 두려워하다

-아/어지다 (To become...)

점점 두려워져요.

-ㄹ 정도로 (To the extent of...)

두려울 정도로 예뻐요.

Examples by Level

저는 어둠이 두려워요.

I am afraid of the dark.

어둠 (darkness) + 이 (subject marker) + 두려워요 (polite present).

시험이 두렵습니다.

I am afraid of the exam.

Formal style ending -습니다.

혼자 있는 것이 두려워요.

I am afraid of being alone.

것 (thing/fact) makes the phrase 'being alone' into a noun.

높은 곳이 두려워요?

Are you afraid of high places?

Question form using intonation.

저는 아무것도 두렵지 않아요.

I am not afraid of anything.

-지 않다 is the negative form.

치과에 가는 것이 두려웠어요.

I was afraid of going to the dentist.

Past tense: 두려웠어요.

그 남자가 조금 두려워요.

I am a little afraid of that man.

조금 means 'a little'.

엄마가 화내는 것이 두려워요.

I am afraid of my mom getting angry.

화내다 (to get angry) + 는 것 (nominalizer).

새로운 시작은 항상 두렵다.

New beginnings are always fearful.

Plain style -다 used for general truths.

실패할까 봐 두려워요.

I'm afraid I might fail.

-ㄹ까 봐 means 'afraid that...' or 'for fear that...'.

혼자 여행하는 것이 두려웠지만 재미있었어요.

I was afraid of traveling alone, but it was fun.

-지만 (but) connects two contrasting sentences.

미래가 두렵게 느껴져요.

The future feels fearful.

-게 느껴지다 means 'to feel like [adjective]'.

사람들의 시선이 두려워요.

I am afraid of people's gaze/judgment.

시선 refers to the way people look at you.

비밀이 밝혀질까 봐 두려웠습니다.

I was afraid the secret would be revealed.

밝혀지다 is the passive form of 'to reveal'.

그는 아무것도 두려워하지 않아요.

He is not afraid of anything.

3rd person subject requires '두려워하다'.

거절당하는 것이 두려워서 말을 못 했어요.

I couldn't speak because I was afraid of being rejected.

-아/어서 (because) shows the reason.

변화가 두렵다면 현재에 안주하게 됩니다.

If you are afraid of change, you end up settling for the present.

-다면 (if) sets up a conditional situation.

사랑을 잃는 것은 죽음보다 두려운 일이다.

Losing love is something more fearful than death.

-보다 (than) is used for comparison.

그의 눈빛에는 두려움이 가득했다.

His eyes were full of fear.

두려움 is the noun form of 두렵다.

우리는 진실을 마주하기를 두려워합니다.

We are afraid to face the truth.

-기를 두려워하다 (to be afraid of doing something).

그 소식은 두려울 정도로 빠르게 퍼졌다.

That news spread with terrifying speed.

-ㄹ 정도로 (to the extent/degree of...).

누구나 미래에 대한 두려움을 가지고 있다.

Everyone has a fear of the future.

-에 대한 (about/concerning).

실수를 두려워하지 말고 도전하세요.

Don't be afraid of mistakes and take on the challenge.

-지 말고 (don't do X, but do Y).

갑작스러운 사고가 날까 봐 늘 두려웠어요.

I was always afraid that a sudden accident might happen.

갑작스러운 (sudden) modifies '사고' (accident).

그의 카리스마는 보는 사람을 두렵게 만들었다.

His charisma made those who saw him feel fearful.

-게 만들다 (to make someone [adjective]).

권력자들은 민심이 이반될까 봐 두려워한다.

Those in power fear that public sentiment will turn against them.

민심 (public sentiment), 이반되다 (to be alienated).

고독이 두려워 원치 않는 관계를 맺기도 한다.

Sometimes people form unwanted relationships because they fear solitude.

맺다 (to form/tie a relationship).

환경 파괴의 결과가 두려울 따름입니다.

I am simply fearful of the consequences of environmental destruction.

-ㄹ 따름이다 (only/simply).

그는 자신의 한계를 마주하는 것이 두려웠다.

He was afraid of facing his own limitations.

한계 (limit/limitation).

역사의 심판이 두렵지 않으십니까?

Are you not afraid of the judgment of history?

심판 (judgment/trial).

기술의 발전이 인간성을 위협할까 봐 두렵다.

I fear that the development of technology might threaten humanity.

위협하다 (to threaten).

우리는 변화를 두려워하면서도 갈망한다.

We fear change while also longing for it.

-면서도 (while/even though).

무지는 두려움을 낳고, 두려움은 증오를 낳는다.

Ignorance breeds fear, and fear breeds hatred.

낳다 (to give birth to/breed).

그의 문체는 두려울 만큼 정교하고 날카로웠다.

His writing style was terrifyingly elaborate and sharp.

-ㄹ 만큼 (to the extent of).

실존적 두려움은 인간 존재의 근원적인 감정이다.

Existential fear is a fundamental emotion of human existence.

실존적 (existential), 근원적 (fundamental).

대중의 광기가 두려워 침묵을 선택했다.

I chose silence because I feared the madness of the masses.

광기 (madness/frenzy).

책임의 무게가 두려워 결정을 미루고 있다.

I am postponing the decision because I fear the weight of responsibility.

미루다 (to postpone/delay).

그녀의 재능은 시기심을 넘어 두려움을 자아냈다.

Her talent went beyond envy and evoked fear.

자아내다 (to evoke/bring out).

죽음이 두려운 것이 아니라 잊히는 것이 두렵다.

It is not death that is fearful, but being forgotten.

잊히다 (to be forgotten).

거대한 자연 앞에서 인간은 두려움을 느낄 수밖에 없다.

In the face of vast nature, humans cannot help but feel fear.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (cannot help but...).

군주는 백성이 자신을 사랑하기보다 두려워하기를 바랐다.

The monarch wished the people to fear him rather than love him.

Machiavellian sentiment; -기를 바라다 (to wish/hope for).

심연을 오랫동안 들여다보면 심연 또한 나를 두렵게 만든다.

If you look into the abyss for a long time, the abyss also makes you fearful.

Refers to Nietzsche's quote.

그의 침묵은 그 어떤 비난보다도 두려운 경고였다.

His silence was a warning more fearful than any criticism.

비난 (criticism/blame).

인간은 자신이 이해하지 못하는 대상을 두려워하는 경향이 있다.

Humans tend to fear objects/subjects they do not understand.

-하는 경향이 있다 (to have a tendency to).

전능한 신의 진노가 두려워 제물을 바쳤다.

They offered sacrifices for fear of the wrath of an almighty god.

진노 (wrath), 제물을 바치다 (to offer a sacrifice).

자유는 때로 구속보다 더 두렵게 다가오기도 한다.

Freedom sometimes approaches us as something more fearful than restraint.

다가오다 (to approach).

그의 광기 어린 집착은 두려움을 넘어 소름이 끼쳤다.

His mad obsession went beyond fear and gave me goosebumps.

소름이 끼치다 (to get goosebumps).

진정한 용기는 두려움을 느끼지 않는 것이 아니라 두려움을 극복하는 것이다.

True courage is not about not feeling fear, but about overcoming it.

극복하다 (to overcome).

Synonyms

무섭다 겁나다 공포스럽다 무시무시하다 섬뜩하다 전율하다 경외하다 조마조마하다

Antonyms

용감하다 담대하다 씩씩하다 태연하다

Common Collocations

미래가 두렵다

실패가 두렵다

두려울 정도로

남의 눈이 두렵다

두려움에 떨다

죽음이 두렵다

변화가 두렵다

두려움을 느끼다

두려움을 극복하다

두려움을 자아내다

Common Phrases

두려워하지 마세요

— Don't be afraid. A common phrase of encouragement.

실패를 두려워하지 마세요.

두려울 게 없다

— To have nothing to fear. Implies complete confidence.

너와 함께라면 두려울 게 없어.

뭐가 두려워?

— What are you afraid of? Used to challenge someone's fear.

이미 다 끝났는데 뭐가 두려워?

두려움 없이

— Fearlessly. Describes an action done without hesitation.

그는 두려움 없이 앞으로 나갔다.

솔직히 두려워요

— Honestly, I'm afraid. An admission of vulnerability.

혼자 남겨질까 봐 솔직히 두려워요.

두려움을 사다

— To incur fear (from others). Usually used for leaders.

그의 폭정은 백성들의 두려움을 샀다.

두려움이 앞서다

— Fear comes first. Feeling afraid before feeling anything else.

기대보다 두려움이 앞선다.

두려움에 사로잡히다

— To be seized/gripped by fear.

그는 순간 두려움에 사로잡혔다.

두려움을 떨치다

— To shake off fear.

그는 두려움을 떨치고 일어났다.

두려운 존재

— A fearful/intimidating being.

그는 우리에게 두려운 존재였다.

Often Confused With

두렵다 vs 무섭다

Immediate/physical fear vs. psychological/future dread.

두렵다 vs 떨리다

To be nervous/shaking (can be from excitement) vs. feeling actual fear.

두렵다 vs 걱정되다

To be worried (mental concern) vs. feeling a deep sense of fear.

Idioms & Expressions

"하늘 두려운 줄 모른다"

— To not fear the heavens. Used for someone acting arrogantly or immorally without regard for consequences.

하늘 두려운 줄 모르고 죄를 짓다니.

Formal/Proverbial

"두려움에 발이 묶이다"

— To be tied down by fear. To be unable to act due to fear.

두려움에 발이 묶여 아무것도 못 했다.

Literary

"호랑이보다 두렵다"

— More fearful than a tiger. Used for something extremely scary (historically, taxes or smallpox).

세금이 호랑이보다 두렵다.

Historical/Proverbial

"두려움이 뼈에 사무치다"

— Fear pierces to the bone. To feel an extreme, deep-seated fear.

그날의 두려움이 뼈에 사무친다.

Literary

"간이 콩알만 해지다"

— One's liver becomes as small as a soybean. To be extremely scared (related to fear).

너무 두려워서 간이 콩알만 해졌어요.

Informal

"자라 보고 놀란 가슴 솥뚜껑 보고 놀란다"

— A heart surprised by a turtle gets surprised by a pot lid. Once bitten, twice shy (fear lingering from past experience).

두려움 때문에 솥뚜껑만 봐도 놀라요.

Proverb

"눈앞이 캄캄하다"

— One's eyes go dark. To feel hopeless and fearful about the future.

앞날을 생각하니 눈앞이 캄캄하고 두렵다.

Neutral

"발을 못 뻗고 자다"

— To not be able to sleep with one's legs stretched out. To be unable to sleep due to fear or anxiety.

두려워서 발을 못 뻗고 잤어요.

Neutral

"바늘방석에 앉은 것 같다"

— Like sitting on a cushion of needles. To feel extremely uneasy and fearful.

그 자리는 두려워서 바늘방석에 앉은 것 같았다.

Neutral

"쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날 있다"

— There is a day when the sun shines even in a mouse hole. (Context: Overcoming the fear of a hopeless situation).

두려워 마세요, 쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날이 있으니까요.

Proverb

Easily Confused

두렵다 vs 무섭다

Both mean 'afraid'.

무섭다 is for external, scary things. 두렵다 is for internal, psychological dread.

공포 영화는 무섭고, 미래는 두렵다.

두렵다 vs 겁나다

Both mean 'to be scared'.

겁나다 is more colloquial and implies a lack of courage to do something.

번지점프를 하려니 겁이 난다.

두렵다 vs 두려워하다

It's the verb form.

두렵다 is an adjective (1st person state). 두려워하다 is a verb (3rd person or action).

그는 실패를 두려워한다.

두렵다 vs 무시무시하다

Both relate to fear.

무시무시하다 describes something very scary or gruesome in appearance.

무시무시하게 생긴 괴물.

두렵다 vs 경외하다

Both involve fear.

경외하다 includes a high level of respect or awe, often toward God or nature.

우리는 대자연을 경외해야 한다.

Sentence Patterns

N이/가 두려워요.

어둠이 두려워요.

V-ㄹ까 봐 두려워요.

실패할까 봐 두려워요.

N에 대한 두려움이 있다.

미래에 대한 두려움이 있다.

N을/를 두려워하지 마라.

실패를 두려워하지 마라.

두려울 정도로 Adj-ㄴ/은...

두려울 정도로 똑똑한 사람.

N 앞에서는 두려움을 느낄 수밖에 없다.

죽음 앞에서는 두려움을 느낄 수밖에 없다.

V-기가 두렵다.

말하기가 두렵다.

N이/가 두려웠어요.

혼자 있는 것이 두려웠어요.

Word Family

Nouns

두려움 Fear, dread, apprehension

경외심 Awe, reverence (fear + respect)

공포 Terror, horror

Verbs

두려워하다 To fear, to be afraid (active/3rd person form)

두려워지다 To become fearful

Adjectives

두렵다 To be fearful (base form)

두려울 만하다 To be worthy of fear/understandably fearful

걱정 (worry)

근심 (anxiety)

공포 (horror)

경외 (awe)

불안 (unease)

How to Use It

frequency

High in literature, media, and serious discussions; medium in casual daily chat.

Common Mistakes

이 영화가 두려워요. → 이 영화가 무서워요.
Movies are external/immediate scares, so '무섭다' is correct.
미래를 두려워요. → 미래가 두려워요.
'두렵다' is an adjective and takes the subject marker -이/가.
그는 실패가 두려워요. → 그는 실패를 두려워해요.
When describing a 3rd person's feelings, use the verb form '-어/아하다'.
두렵어 (Duryeopeo) → 두려워 (Duryeowo)
Failed to apply the ㅂ-irregular conjugation rule.
귀신이 두려워요. → 귀신이 무서워요.
Ghosts are typical 'scary' things, better suited for '무섭다'.

Tips

ㅂ-Irregular Rule

Always remember that '두렵다' becomes '두려워' before vowels. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Internal vs External

Use '두렵다' for fears inside your mind and '무섭다' for fears outside your body.

Noun Form

Use '두려움' when you want to talk about 'fear' as a concept or a thing you have.

Expressing Empathy

When someone says they are '두렵다', respond with '걱정 마세요' (Don't worry) or '잘 될 거예요' (It will go well).

Awe and Respect

Use '두렵다' to describe someone's immense talent or power to sound more advanced.

Social Fears

In Korea, the fear of 'what others think' (남의 눈) is a common use case for '두렵다'.

Song Lyrics

Look for '두려워' in K-Pop ballads; it's almost always there to express deep emotional pain.

Serious Tone

Avoid using '두렵다' for trivial things like a small bug; it makes you sound overly dramatic.

-ㄹ까 봐

Master the '~ㄹ까 봐 두렵다' pattern to express specific worries about future events.

Confucian Roots

Understand that 'fear' in a Korean context often implies a sense of duty and moral weight.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Do-Re-Mi', but instead of a happy song, it's 'Du-Ryeop-Da'—a 'Dreadful' song about the future.

Visual Association

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast, foggy forest. You aren't scared of a specific monster (무섭다), but the 'Dread' of the unknown path ahead is '두렵다'.

Word Web

미래 (future) 실패 (failure) 어둠 (darkness) 혼자 (alone) 죽음 (death) 변화 (change) 심판 (judgment) 경외 (awe)

Challenge

Try to write three things you are '두렵다' about using the '-ㄹ까 봐 두려워요' pattern. For example: '비가 올까 봐 두려워요' (I'm afraid it might rain - if it ruins a big event).

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Korean '두렵다', which has maintained its core meaning of 'fear' for centuries.

Original meaning: To be afraid, to feel a sense of dread or awe.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

When discussing someone's '두려움', be empathetic. It is a word of vulnerability.

English speakers often use 'scared' or 'afraid' for both '무섭다' and '두렵다'. Koreans are more specific about the source of the fear.

SEVENTEEN - 'Fear' (Song exploring internal darkness) The movie 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents' (Lee Soon-shin discussing how to turn fear into courage) Classic literature like 'The Square' (Choi In-hun) exploring existential fear.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Career/Education

시험이 두렵다
취업이 두렵다
실패가 두렵다
면접이 두렵다

Relationships

이별이 두렵다
거절이 두렵다
혼자 남는 것이 두렵다
남의 시선이 두렵다

Personal Growth

변화가 두렵다
나이 드는 것이 두렵다
새로운 도전이 두렵다
한계를 마주하는 것이 두렵다

Existential

죽음이 두렵다
미래가 두렵다
신이 두렵다
세상이 두렵다

Hyperbole

두려울 정도로 춥다
두려울 정도로 비싸다
두려울 정도로 똑똑하다
두려울 정도로 빠르다

Conversation Starters

"미래에 대해 가장 두려운 것이 무엇인가요? (What is your biggest fear regarding the future?)"

"실패가 두려워서 시도하지 못한 적이 있나요? (Have you ever not tried something because you feared failure?)"

"새로운 일을 시작할 때 두려움을 어떻게 극복하시나요? (How do you overcome fear when starting something new?)"

"한국어를 배울 때 가장 두려운 부분은 무엇인가요? (What is the most fearful part of learning Korean?)"

"사람들의 시선이 두렵다고 느낀 적이 있나요? (Have you ever felt afraid of people's judgment?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 느낀 두려움에 대해 써보세요. 왜 그런 감정이 들었나요? (Write about a fear you felt today. Why did you feel that way?)

내가 두려움을 극복했던 순간을 떠올려 보세요. (Recall a moment when you overcame fear.)

만약 두려움이 없다면 무엇을 하고 싶나요? (If you had no fear, what would you want to do?)

'두렵다'와 '무섭다'의 차이를 나의 경험을 통해 설명해 보세요. (Explain the difference between '두렵다' and '무섭다' through your experiences.)

미래의 나에게 두려워하지 말라고 편지를 써보세요. (Write a letter to your future self telling them not to be afraid.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's not natural. Use '무섭다' for movies. '두렵다' would imply the movie caused you deep existential dread about your life.

두렵다 is an adjective used for your own feelings. 두려워하다 is a verb used when describing someone else's feelings or as a general action. For example, '나는 미래가 두렵다' but '그는 미래를 두려워한다'.

Because it's a ㅂ-irregular, it becomes '두려웠어요' (polite) or '두려웠습니다' (formal).

It's not necessarily formal, but it carries a more serious and 'heavy' tone than '무섭다' or '겁나다'.

Sometimes. It can describe something so amazing that it's 'intimidating' or 'awe-inspiring' (두려울 정도로 대단하다).

Use the subject marker -이/가 for the thing you are afraid of (e.g., 실패가 두렵다).

This is due to the ㅂ-irregular rule. When 'ㅂ' meets a vowel, it changes to '우'. 두렵 + 어요 -> 두려우 + 어요 -> 두려워요.

If you are nervous about a big life event, yes. If you are just a bit shaky before a presentation, '떨리다' is better.

Yes, '두려움' is the standard noun form meaning 'fear'.

There isn't a single direct opposite adjective, but '용감하다' (brave) or '담대하다' (bold) are commonly used in contrast.