When you feel relieved or less worried, the Korean verb to use is 안도하다. This word is made of two parts: 안도 which means 'relief' or 'peace of mind', and 하다, a common verb meaning 'to do'.
So, literally, 안도하다 means 'to do relief' or 'to feel relief'. You can use this word when a difficult situation ends, or when you get good news after being anxious. It's a great word to express that feeling of a burden being lifted.
When you learn Korean, you'll find words like '안도하다' (ahn-do-hah-da) useful. This verb means 'to feel relieved.' You use it when a worrying situation gets better or a problem is solved, and you feel less anxious. It's about that moment of comfort after a period of stress. Think of it like a sigh of relief. You can use it in many everyday situations.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'o' as a long 'o' instead of a short 'o' sound.
- Not emphasizing the second syllable 'do'.
Grammar to Know
Can be used with the particles ~아서/어서 or ~고 나서 to indicate the reason for feeling relieved or that the relief followed another action. For example, '이야기를 듣고 나서 안도했어요' (I felt relieved after hearing the story).
그 소식을 듣고 안도했습니다. (I felt relieved after hearing that news.)
Often appears in the form '안도하다' for the dictionary form, or '안도해요' in the polite present tense. For example, '다행히 시험에 합격해서 안도해요' (I'm relieved that I passed the test).
이제야 좀 안도하네요. (Now I finally feel some relief.)
Can be combined with adverbs like '정말' (really), '크게' (greatly), or '조금' (a little) to express the degree of relief. For example, '정말 안도했어요' (I was really relieved).
모든 게 잘 풀려서 크게 안도했습니다. (Everything worked out well, so I was greatly relieved.)
Often followed by the connective ending ~면서 (while/as) to express that another action or state occurs simultaneously with feeling relieved. For example, '안도하면서 한숨을 쉬었어요' (I sighed while feeling relieved).
그녀는 안도하면서 미소를 지었습니다. (She smiled, feeling relieved.)
Can be used in a descriptive manner with the ~는 것 같아요 (it seems like) or ~ㄴ/은 것 같아 (it seems like) patterns to describe someone else's feeling of relief. For example, '그는 안도하는 것 같았어요' (He seemed to be feeling relieved).
아이들은 엄마가 오자 안도하는 것 같았어요. (The children seemed to feel relieved when their mother came.)
Tips
Use with -아서/어서
안도하다 is often used with the connective ending -아서/어서 (because, so) to express the reason for feeling relieved. For example, 시험이 끝나서 안도했어요 (I felt relieved because the exam finished).
Pair with Expressions of Relief
Combine 안도하다 with other phrases that express relief, like 다행이다 (It's a relief) or 마음이 놓이다 (to feel at ease). For instance, 아들이 집에 무사히 돌아와서 안도했습니다 (I felt relieved that my son returned home safely).
Focus on Situational Context
Think about situations where you would naturally feel relieved in English. This helps you remember when to use 안도하다. Examples: after a difficult task, after hearing good news, or when a worry is resolved.
Practice with Personal Sentences
Create sentences about your own experiences. '나는 시험에 합격해서 안도했다.' (I felt relieved that I passed the exam.) This makes the vocabulary more personal and memorable.
Distinguish from 기쁘다 (to be happy)
While feeling relieved can make you happy, 안도하다 specifically means relief from worry or anxiety. 기쁘다 is a more general feeling of happiness. Don't confuse them.
Common Mistake: Direct Translation
Don't just try to translate 'I'm relieved' directly. Korean often uses the past tense for the feeling, as in 안도했어요 or 안도했습니다, even if the relief is ongoing. Focus on the feeling being complete.
Recognize the Verb Form
안도하다 is a '하다' verb, which means you can conjugate it like other '하다' verbs. Remember its various forms: 안도해요, 안도했어요, 안도할 거예요, etc. Pay attention to politeness levels.
Listen for it in Dialogues
Pay attention to when native speakers use 안도하다 in K-dramas, movies, or conversations. Note the specific situations that trigger this emotion. This helps with natural usage.
Use with '정말' or '너무' for Emphasis
You can add adverbs like 정말 (really) or 너무 (very) to emphasize the feeling of relief. '정말 안도했어요!' (I was really relieved!).
Expressions of Shared Relief
In Korean culture, it's common to express shared relief when a difficult situation is resolved for someone else. You might say '다행이다' (That's a relief) to show empathy and understanding.
Test Yourself 24 questions
My friend arrived safely, so I felt relieved.
All problems are resolved, so I feel relieved.
Don't worry. You can feel relieved now.
Read this aloud:
저는 안도했어요.
Focus: 안도했어요
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
그 소식을 듣고 안도했습니다.
Focus: 안도했습니다
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
이제 안도할 수 있어요.
Focus: 안도할 수 있어요
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
시험이 끝나서 마음이 조금 ___.
The sentence means 'The exam is over, so I feel a little relieved.' '안도했어요' means 'felt relieved,' which fits the context.
친구가 안전하게 도착했다는 소식을 듣고 ___.
The sentence means 'I heard the news that my friend arrived safely and felt relieved.' '안도했다' means 'felt relieved,' which is the most appropriate word here.
잃어버린 지갑을 찾아서 정말 ___.
The sentence means 'I found my lost wallet, so I was really relieved.' '안도했습니다' means 'felt relieved,' which perfectly matches the situation.
아이가 무사히 돌아와서 부모님은 ___.
The sentence means 'The child returned safely, so the parents felt relieved.' '안도하셨다' means 'felt relieved,' which makes sense in this context.
어려운 숙제를 다 끝내고 나니 마음이 ___.
The sentence means 'After finishing the difficult homework, I felt relieved.' '안도되었다' means 'was relieved' or 'felt relieved,' fitting the feeling after completing a tough task.
그 소식을 듣고 저는 크게 ___.
The sentence means 'I heard that news and felt greatly relieved.' '안도했어요' means 'felt relieved,' which is appropriate for a situation where news brings comfort.
친구가 무사히 도착했다는 소식을 듣고 비로소 ___.
The sentence describes feeling relief after hearing a friend arrived safely, which aligns with '안도했어요' (felt relieved).
시험 결과가 좋아서 마음이 조금 ___.
Good test results would make one feel relieved or less anxious, so '안도했어요' (felt relieved) is the best fit.
잃어버린 지갑을 찾았을 때, 그녀는 크게 ___.
Finding a lost wallet would primarily bring a feeling of relief, hence '안도했어요' (felt relieved) is the most appropriate.
누군가 안도하면 보통 편안하고 불안감이 줄어듭니다.
To feel relieved means to feel less anxious and more comfortable, so this statement is true.
친구가 다쳤다는 소식을 들었을 때 안도했습니다.
Hearing a friend was hurt would likely cause worry or sadness, not relief. This statement is false.
어려운 숙제를 끝냈을 때 안도할 수 있습니다.
Completing a difficult task often brings a sense of relief, so this statement is true.
친구가 무사히 도착했다는 소식을 듣고 비로소 ___.
The context implies relief upon hearing a friend arrived safely. '안도하다' (to feel relieved) fits best.
시험 결과가 생각보다 좋게 나와서 마음이 ___.
A good test result would make one feel relieved. '안도되다' (to become relieved) is the appropriate passive form.
잃어버렸던 지갑을 찾고 나서야 겨우 ___.
Finding a lost wallet would allow one to finally feel relieved. '안도할 수 있었다' (was able to feel relieved) is the correct expression.
어려운 프로젝트를 성공적으로 끝내고 나서 안도감을 느꼈다.
Successfully completing a difficult project typically brings a feeling of relief ('안도감').
친구가 늦게까지 연락이 없어 걱정했는데, 전화가 와서 더 불안해졌다.
Receiving a call after worrying about a friend's lack of contact would usually bring relief, not more anxiety. The opposite of '안도하다' would be felt here.
아이가 무사히 수술을 마쳤다는 소식을 듣고 부모님은 크게 안도했다.
Hearing that a child successfully underwent surgery would undoubtedly bring great relief to parents.
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Use with -아서/어서
안도하다 is often used with the connective ending -아서/어서 (because, so) to express the reason for feeling relieved. For example, 시험이 끝나서 안도했어요 (I felt relieved because the exam finished).
Pair with Expressions of Relief
Combine 안도하다 with other phrases that express relief, like 다행이다 (It's a relief) or 마음이 놓이다 (to feel at ease). For instance, 아들이 집에 무사히 돌아와서 안도했습니다 (I felt relieved that my son returned home safely).
Focus on Situational Context
Think about situations where you would naturally feel relieved in English. This helps you remember when to use 안도하다. Examples: after a difficult task, after hearing good news, or when a worry is resolved.
Practice with Personal Sentences
Create sentences about your own experiences. '나는 시험에 합격해서 안도했다.' (I felt relieved that I passed the exam.) This makes the vocabulary more personal and memorable.
Example
모든 문제가 해결되자 비로소 안도할 수 있었다.
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A2To accept, to embrace, to take in.
아파하다
A2To feel pain or sorrow.
감탄스럽다
A2To be admirable or wonderful; to inspire awe.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2To admire or to marvel; to express wonder.
기특하다
B1Admirable for a good deed or thought; commendable.
충고
B1Guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action; advice.
애정
B1Affection; a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.
애틋하다
B2To be tender, fond, or wistful.
살갑다
B2To be warm, friendly, affectionate.
