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Vocabulary
실증나다

B1 verb 9 min read

실증나다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 실증나다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 실증나다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '싫증나다' as a way to say 'I don't like this anymore because I've done it too much.' While you might primarily use '싫어요' (I don't like it), learning '싫증나요' helps you explain *why* you don't like something. Imagine you have a favorite toy or a favorite food. If you play with that toy every single day for a month, eventually you might feel '싫증나요.' It's a very useful word for talking about hobbies or things you do often. You can use it in simple sentences like '이 게임 싫증나요' (I'm tired of this game). It helps you express a change in your feelings. Instead of just saying something is bad, you are saying that it was okay before, but now you want something new. This is a very natural part of learning how to talk about your daily life and your preferences in Korean.

For A2 learners, '싫증나다' becomes a tool to describe your routines and how they affect your mood. You can start using the particle '-에' to specify the object of your boredom. For example, '매일 김밥을 먹어서 김밥에 싫증이 났어요' (I ate kimbap every day, so I got tired of kimbap). At this level, you should also notice the difference between '싫증나다' (to get tired of) and '심심하다' (to be bored because there's nothing to do). '심심하다' is when you are sitting around with no plans, while '싫증나다' is when you are doing something but you don't want to do it anymore. You might also start to see the form '싫증내다' when talking about other people, like '제 동생은 공부를 싫증내요' (My younger sibling is showing that they are tired of studying). This helps you describe the people around you and their reactions to activities.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '싫증나다' in more complex sentence structures. You should be able to nominalize verbs to say you are tired of an *action*. For instance, '반복되는 일상을 사는 것에 싫증이 났다' (I got tired of living a repetitive daily life). This level involves understanding the nuance of 'satiety'—the feeling that you've had enough of something. You can use it to talk about career changes, shifting interests in fashion, or evolving tastes in music. You should also be aware of the spelling distinction between '실증' (proof) and '싫증' (boredom), as this is a common trap. B1 learners can use this word to provide reasons for their decisions in conversations, such as explaining why they quit a club or started a new hobby. It adds a layer of psychological depth to your Korean speaking and writing.

B2 learners should be able to distinguish '싫증나다' from more intense synonyms like '질리다' or '지겹다.' You should understand that '싫증나다' is often about the internal loss of interest, whereas '지겹다' might focus on the external tediousness of a situation. At this level, you can use the word in more abstract contexts, such as '사회적 통념에 싫증을 느끼다' (to feel tired of societal norms). You should also be comfortable with the '싫증을 느끼다' (to feel boredom) construction, which is slightly more formal and descriptive. You might encounter this word in literature or news articles discussing consumer trends, where '소비자들의 싫증' (consumers' boredom/loss of interest) is cited as a reason for market shifts. Your ability to use '싫증나다' correctly in various tenses and with appropriate adverbs like '쉽사리' (easily) or '점차' (gradually) will demonstrate a high level of linguistic control.

At the C1 level, '싫증나다' is used to discuss complex human emotions and societal phenomena. You can analyze the '싫증' (ennui) that comes with modern life and the constant demand for novelty. You might use it in academic or professional discussions about '직무 권태' (job burnout/boredom) or the psychology of relationships. You should understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it reflects a specific Korean perspective on persistence and change. C1 learners can use this word to articulate subtle shifts in their philosophical outlook or their reaction to cultural movements. For example, '현대 문명의 화려함 뒤에 숨겨진 공허함에 싫증이 났다' (I grew tired of the emptiness hidden behind the splendor of modern civilization). Your usage should be precise, reflecting a deep understanding of how '싫증' differs from '염증' (disgust/inflammation) or '피로' (fatigue).

For C2 learners, '싫증나다' is a word that can be used with total mastery across all registers. You can use it in high-level creative writing to evoke a specific mood of listlessness or in sociopolitical critiques of 'fast fashion' and 'fast culture.' You are aware of how the word has been used by Korean intellectuals and writers to describe the condition of the modern soul. You can navigate the subtle play between '실증' (empirical evidence) and '싫증' (boredom) in puns or sophisticated wordplay. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating it into complex rhetorical structures. You understand that '싫증' is not just a personal feeling but can be a collective sentiment that drives historical and cultural change. Whether discussing the '싫증' of a generation or the '싫증' of an era, your command of this term is absolute.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

실증나다 in 30 Seconds

싫증나다 means to lose interest or get tired of something due to repetition.
It is often used with the particle -에 (e.g., 일에 싫증나다).
The spelling is often confused with '실증' (proof), but '싫증' is correct.
It differs from '심심하다' (bored with nothing to do) and is closer to 'fed up'.

The Korean verb 싫증나다 (commonly misspelled as 실증나다) is a quintessential expression used to describe the psychological state of losing interest, becoming bored, or feeling 'fed up' with something that was once enjoyable or at least tolerable. It originates from the noun '싫증' (silt-jeung), which combines '싫다' (to dislike) and '증' (a symptom or feeling). When you use this word, you aren't just saying you dislike something; you are conveying a sense of exhaustion or satiety—that you have reached a limit where you can no longer find joy or meaning in a repetitive action, a specific food, or even a relationship. It is an internal shift from engagement to apathy or mild annoyance.

Core Nuance: It implies a transition over time. You don't usually feel '싫증' instantly; it grows as the novelty wears off and the 'symptom' of boredom sets in.

매일 똑같은 반찬을 먹으니까 이제 싫증나기 시작했어.

"I'm starting to get sick of eating the same side dishes every day."

In social contexts, Koreans use this word to explain why they quit a hobby, changed their style, or why a once-passionate romance has cooled down. It is often paired with the particle '~에' (at/to) or used as the subject with '~이/가'. While synonyms like '지겹다' or '질리다' exist, '싫증나다' is slightly more formal and descriptive of the internal process of losing interest rather than the external pressure of the situation. It captures that specific moment when the 'new car smell' of life has completely evaporated, leaving behind only the mundane reality of repetition.

Common Usage Scenarios: 1. Repetitive work tasks. 2. Long-term hobbies that no longer challenge you. 3. Fashion trends that have become overexposed. 4. Eating the same meal multiple days in a row.

아이들은 장난감을 금방 싫증낸다.

"Children get tired of toys quickly." (Note the use of 싫증내다 for third-person observation).

Understanding '싫증나다' is key to expressing your boundaries and personal tastes in Korean. It allows you to communicate that your change in behavior isn't necessarily due to anger or hatred, but simply a natural depletion of interest. It is a very human emotion that Koreans acknowledge as a common phase in any long-term endeavor. Whether you are talking about your career path or your favorite mobile game, this word provides the nuance needed to describe that 'plateau' where the excitement dies out.

Grammatically, '싫증나다' functions as an intransitive verb. This means the thing that is causing the boredom is usually marked with the particle -에 (at/to) or -이/가 (subject marker). When you say '공부에 싫증나다', you are saying 'Boredom has arisen in regards to studying'. It is important to distinguish this from '싫증을 내다', which is the transitive form used when someone (often a third party) is actively 'showing' or 'expressing' their boredom.

Sentence Pattern 1: [Noun] + 에 싫증이 나다 (To get tired of [Noun]). This is the most common and natural way to express the feeling.

저는 지금 제 일에 싫증이 났어요.

"I've grown tired of my job now."

When using verbs to describe the action you are tired of, you must first nominalize the verb using -는 것 or -기. For example, '공부하는 것에 싫증나다' (To get tired of studying). This structure is vital for B1 level learners who want to move beyond simple noun-based sentences. You can also use the connective -어서/아서 to explain the reason for a subsequent action, such as '싫증나서 그만뒀어요' (I got tired of it, so I quit).

Sentence Pattern 2: [Noun] + 이/가 싫증나다. Here, the noun itself is the subject that is 'boring' you. It sounds slightly more direct.

이 게임이 이제 싫증나.

"This game is getting boring now (I'm tired of it)."

In formal writing, you might see '싫증을 느끼다' (to feel boredom), but in daily conversation, '싫증나다' is the go-to expression. It is versatile enough to be used in the past tense ('싫증났다' - I got tired of it), present tense ('싫증난다' - I am getting tired of it), and future/probabilistic tense ('싫증날 거야' - You will probably get tired of it). Mastery of these patterns ensures you can express the ebb and flow of your interests with precision.

You will hear '싫증나다' in a variety of settings in Korea, ranging from casual coffee shop conversations to dramatic scenes in K-dramas. In romantic dramas, it's often a painful turning point where one character confesses, '우리 관계에 싫증이 났어' (I've grown tired of our relationship). This doesn't necessarily mean they hate the other person, but rather that the spark has died and the routine has become suffocating. It's a word that carries a weight of emotional exhaustion.

In the Workplace: Colleagues might whisper about their repetitive tasks, saying '단순 반복 업무에 싫증이 나네요' (I'm getting tired of these simple repetitive tasks). It's a common topic for 'hoesik' (after-work dinners) venting sessions.

똑같은 일상에 싫증나서 여행을 떠나기로 했어요.

"I got tired of the same daily routine, so I decided to go on a trip."

In reality shows or YouTube vlogs, you'll hear influencers talk about their 'fashion 싫증'. They might say, '이 옷 스타일은 이제 좀 싫증나서 당근마켓에 팔려고요' (I'm a bit tired of this clothing style, so I'm going to sell it on Karrot Market). It's a very common justification for consumer behavior and lifestyle changes in modern Korean society. The concept of 'newness' is highly valued in Korea, so '싫증' is the natural catalyst for the next trend.

Parenting and Education: Parents often worry that their children will '싫증내다' with their studies or expensive piano lessons. It's a word that appears frequently in educational advice columns about keeping students engaged.

아이가 피아노 배우는 것에 싫증을 내서 걱정이에요.

"I'm worried because my child is showing signs of being tired of learning the piano."

Lastly, in the world of food (mukbang culture), you might hear people talk about '입맛이 싫증나다' when they want something completely different from what they've been eating. It's the driving force behind Korea's rapidly changing food trends—from malatang to tanghulu. Once the public '싫증' sets in, the next big thing arrives.

The most prevalent mistake involving this word is orthographic. Many learners (and some natives) write it as 실증나다. While '실증' (實證) is a real word meaning 'actual proof' or 'demonstration,' it has nothing to do with boredom. The correct spelling is 싫증나다, derived from the adjective '싫다' (to be disliked). Remembering the 'ㅎ' in '싫' is the first step to mastery.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '질리다': Learners often use '싫증나다' and '질리다' interchangeably. While similar, '질리다' is much stronger and often implies being 'appalled' or 'disgusted' to the point of being overwhelmed. '싫증나다' is more about the loss of interest due to repetition.

Wrong: 공포 영화에 싫증났어 (I'm tired of horror movies - if you mean you are terrified/sick of them).

Use '질리다' if the emotion is more intense than just boredom.

Another common error is the misuse of particles. Because '싫증' is a noun, you cannot say '[Noun]을 싫증나다'. It must be '[Noun]에 싫증나다' or '[Noun]이 싫증나다'. If you want to use the object marker '을/를', you must use the verb '내다' (to produce/show), resulting in '[Noun]을 싫증내다'. This distinction between '나다' (to emerge/arise) and '내다' (to put out/express) is a fundamental hurdle in Korean grammar.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Bored': Don't use '싫증나다' if you just have nothing to do right now. That is '심심하다'. '싫증나다' requires a specific target that you are tired of.

Wrong: 할 일이 없어서 싫증나요.

Correct: 할 일이 없어서 심심해요 (I'm bored because there's nothing to do).

Finally, avoid using '싫증나다' for things you simply hate from the start. If you never liked broccoli, you wouldn't say you have '싫증' for it. You would just say '브로콜리를 싫어해요'. '싫증' implies a history or a duration that has led to the current state of satiety or boredom. Using it for initial dislikes sounds unnatural to native ears.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for expressing negative feelings toward repetition. Understanding the subtle differences between '싫증나다' and its cousins will elevate your fluency from functional to sophisticated. The most common alternatives are '지겹다', '질리다', and '물리다'.

싫증나다 vs. 지겹다: '지겹다' is more subjective and emphasizes the tediousness or annoyance of a situation. While '싫증나다' focuses on the loss of interest, '지겹다' focuses on the pain of the repetition. You might be '지겹다' with the rain, but you are '싫증나다' with a hobby.

비가 계속 오니까 정말 지겹네요.

"It's so tedious/annoying because it keeps raining." (Better than 싫증나다 here).

'질리다' is the 'stronger' version. It implies being so fed up that you might even feel a bit disgusted or overwhelmed. It's often used when someone's behavior is too much to handle. For example, '그의 거짓말에 질렸어' (I'm sick and tired of his lies). '싫증나다' would be too weak here. Then there is '물리다', which is specifically used for food or being 'over-satiated'. If you eat too much greasy food, you are '물리다'.

권태 (Ennui/Boredom): In literary or psychological contexts, '권태' (gwontae) is used. It refers to a deep, often existential boredom. A couple in a long-term relationship might enter a '권태기' (a period of boredom/ennui).

우리는 지금 권태기인 것 같아.

"I think we are in a 'boredom phase' (in our relationship)."

When you want to say something is 'tiresome' in a more general sense, '번거롭다' (cumbersome) or '귀찮다' (bothersome) might be appropriate. Choosing the right word depends on whether the root cause is the repetition (싫증나다), the effort required (귀찮다), the complexity (번거롭다), or the emotional intensity (질리다). Practice using '싫증나다' specifically for things you once liked but now find dull.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Even though it sounds like '실증' (empirical proof), the 'h' (ㅎ) in '싫증' is a ghost of the word's emotional origin. It reminds us that boredom is a form of active 'disliking' that grows over time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɕʰilt͈͡ɕɯŋ.na.da

US ʃilt͈͡sʌŋ.nɑ.dɑ

The primary stress is on the second syllable '증' (jeung), which is pronounced tensely as [쯩].

Rhymes With

짜증나다 (jja-jeung-na-da) - to be annoyed 극성나다 (geuk-seong-na-da) - to be extreme 고장나다 (go-jang-na-da) - to break down 소문나다 (so-mun-na-da) - to be rumored 화나다 (hwa-na-da) - to be angry 겁나다 (geop-na-da) - to be scared 신나다 (sin-na-da) - to be excited 열나다 (yeol-na-da) - to have a fever

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' (ㅎ) in 싫—it should be silent.
Not tensing the 'j' (ㅈ) into 'jj' (ㅉ).
Pronouncing '실' and '증' as separate distinct words without the natural flow.
Confusing the pronunciation with '실증' (proof), though they sound identical in isolation.
Over-emphasizing the 'n' in 'na-da'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The spelling is tricky, but the context usually makes it clear.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'ㅎ' and correct particle usage (-에 vs -을).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is key, especially the tense 'jj' sound.

Listening 3/5

Common in daily speech and dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

싫다 (dislike) 나다 (to occur) 심심하다 (bored) 공부 (study) 음식 (food)

Learn Next

지겹다 (tedious) 질리다 (sick of) 권태기 (boredom period) 식상하다 (trite) 극복하다 (to overcome)

Advanced

염증 (aversion) 매너리즘 (mannerism/rut) 회의감 (skepticism) 번아웃 (burnout)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 에 싫증나다

일에 싫증나요.

Verb-는 것에 싫증나다

공부하는 것에 싫증나요.

싫증을 내다 (Observation)

아이가 싫증을 내요.

-기 마련이다 (Natural result)

오래 하면 싫증나기 마련이에요.

-어서/아서 (Reason)

싫증나서 그만뒀어요.

Examples by Level

저는 이 우유에 싫증났어요.

I am tired of this milk.

Noun + -에 싫증나다

이 장난감은 이제 싫증나요.

I'm tired of this toy now.

Noun + -이/가 싫증나다

매일 사과를 먹으면 싫증나요.

If you eat apples every day, you get tired of them.

Verb stem + -면 (if)

동생이 인형에 싫증을 냈어요.

My younger sibling got tired of the doll.

싫증을 내다 (third person/observed)

공부가 싫증나요.

I'm tired of studying.

Subject marker -가

이 노래는 이제 싫증나요.

I'm tired of this song now.

Noun + -는/은 (topic)

집에만 있으니까 싫증나요.

I'm tired of just being at home.

-니까 (because)

이 색깔은 싫증나요.

I'm tired of this color.

Simple present tense

같은 옷만 입어서 싫증이 났어요.

I'm tired of wearing the same clothes.

-어서 (reason)

저는 금방 싫증나는 성격이에요.

I have a personality that gets tired of things quickly.

Noun-modifying form -는

운동에 싫증나지 않게 조심하세요.

Be careful not to get tired of exercising.

-지 않게 (so that... not)

컴퓨터 게임에 벌써 싫증났니?

Are you already tired of computer games?

Interrogative ending -니?

아이가 반찬에 싫증을 내서 걱정이에요.

I'm worried because the child is getting tired of the side dishes.

싫증을 내다 + -어서

이 도시에 싫증나서 이사하고 싶어요.

I'm tired of this city, so I want to move.

-고 싶다 (want to)

매일 똑같은 길로 가는 게 싫증나요.

I'm tired of going the same way every day.

Nominalized verb -는 것

그 영화는 너무 길어서 싫증나요.

That movie is so long that I'm getting tired of it.

-어서 (cause/reason)

반복되는 일상에 싫증을 느끼기 시작했다.

I started to feel tired of the repetitive daily life.

싫증을 느끼다 (to feel boredom)

오랫동안 해온 취미에 싫증이 날 때가 있다.

There are times when you get tired of a hobby you've had for a long time.

-을 때 (when)

그는 쉽게 싫증을 내는 편이라서 일을 자주 바꾼다.

He tends to get tired of things easily, so he changes jobs often.

-는 편이다 (tend to)

연애가 길어지면 서로에게 싫증날 수도 있다.

If a relationship lasts long, you might get tired of each other.

-을 수도 있다 (might)

단순한 작업에 싫증나서 새로운 도전을 시작했다.

I got tired of simple tasks, so I started a new challenge.

Past tense + -어서

유행하는 스타일에 금방 싫증이 나는 사람들도 많다.

There are many people who get tired of trendy styles quickly.

Noun-modifying form

공부하는 방식에 싫증나면 방법을 바꿔 보세요.

If you get tired of your study method, try changing it.

Imperative -보세요

이 생활에 싫증나지 않으려면 변화가 필요하다.

To not get tired of this life, change is necessary.

-려면 (if one intends to)

소비자들은 같은 광고가 반복되면 금방 싫증을 낸다.

Consumers get tired of advertisements quickly if they are repeated.

General truth/Observation

그는 자신의 삶에 싫증이 난 듯 한숨을 내쉬었다.

He let out a sigh as if he were tired of his life.

-ㄴ 듯 (as if)

매일 똑같이 흘러가는 시간들에 싫증이 나기 마련이다.

It is natural to get tired of the days that flow by identically every day.

-기 마련이다 (it is bound to happen)

대중은 새로운 자극이 없으면 기존의 것에 쉽게 싫증낸다.

The public easily gets tired of existing things if there is no new stimulus.

Conditional -면

그녀는 화려한 도심 생활에 싫증을 느껴 시골로 내려갔다.

She felt tired of the glamorous city life and moved to the countryside.

싫증을 느껴 (feeling boredom)

아무리 좋은 노래라도 계속 들으면 싫증나기 마련이다.

No matter how good a song is, you are bound to get tired of it if you listen to it continuously.

아무리 -라도 (no matter how...)

업무에 싫증나지 않도록 다양한 프로젝트를 맡겼다.

I assigned various projects so that they wouldn't get tired of the work.

-도록 (so that)

그의 변명에 이제는 싫증이 날 지경이다.

I'm at the point where I'm getting tired of his excuses.

-을 지경이다 (to the point of)

현대인들은 정보의 과잉 속에서 쉽게 싫증을 느끼는 경향이 있다.

Modern people tend to easily feel boredom amidst an excess of information.

-는 경향이 있다 (tend to)

그 작가는 기존의 문학적 형식에 싫증을 느끼고 파격적인 시도를 했다.

The author felt tired of existing literary forms and made a radical attempt.

Formal narrative style

권태로운 일상에 싫증이 난 주인공은 무작정 여행을 떠난다.

The protagonist, tired of the tedious daily life, leaves for a trip without a plan.

Literary description

끊임없이 변하는 유행에 싫증을 느끼는 사람들이 늘고 있다.

The number of people who feel tired of constantly changing trends is increasing.

-고 있다 (progressive)

정치권의 소모적인 논쟁에 국민들은 이미 싫증이 났다.

The public is already tired of the wasteful debates in the political sphere.

Abstract subject (debates)

물질적인 풍요로움에 싫증을 느끼고 정신적인 가치를 추구하기 시작했다.

Feeling tired of material abundance, they began to pursue spiritual values.

Complex cause-effect

반복되는 실패에 싫증나서 포기하고 싶은 유혹을 느꼈다.

I felt the temptation to give up because I was tired of repeated failures.

Emotional state description

예술가는 자신의 화풍에 싫증이 날 때마다 새로운 기법을 연구했다.

Whenever the artist got tired of their own style, they researched new techniques.

-을 때마다 (whenever)

존재의 가벼움과 세속적인 욕망에 싫증을 느낀 은둔자의 삶을 그렸다.

It depicted the life of a hermit who felt tired of the lightness of existence and worldly desires.

High-level literary vocabulary

인간은 본능적으로 안주함에 싫증을 느끼고 끊임없이 변화를 갈구한다.

Humans instinctively feel boredom with complacency and constantly crave change.

Philosophical generalization

사회 시스템의 모순에 싫증이 난 청년들이 거리로 쏟아져 나왔다.

Young people, tired of the contradictions in the social system, poured out into the streets.

Sociopolitical context

그는 문명의 이기들에 싫증을 느끼고 원시적인 삶으로 회귀했다.

He felt tired of the conveniences of civilization and returned to a primitive life.

Advanced vocabulary (회귀, 이기)

역사는 권력의 오만함에 싫증이 난 민중의 저항으로 기록되어 왔다.

History has been recorded through the resistance of the people who were tired of the arrogance of power.

Passive voice and historical perspective

언어의 한계에 싫증을 느낀 시인은 침묵 속에서 진리를 찾고자 했다.

The poet, feeling tired of the limits of language, sought truth in silence.

Abstract literary theme

끝없는 경쟁 체제에 싫증이 난 이들은 '느린 삶'을 대안으로 선택했다.

Those tired of the endless competition system chose 'slow living' as an alternative.

Social critique

기술의 진보가 가져온 편리함조차 이제는 싫증이 날 정도로 익숙해졌다.

Even the convenience brought by technological progress has become so familiar that it's almost boring.

Paradoxical nuance

Synonyms

지겹다 질리다 물리다 권태롭다 따분하다 심심하다 식상하다 염증을 느끼다

Antonyms

즐겁다 흥미롭다 새롭다 몰입하다

Common Collocations

금방 싫증나다

일에 싫증나다

공부에 싫증나다

생활에 싫증나다

서로에게 싫증나다

음식에 싫증나다

장난감에 싫증나다

스타일에 싫증나다

반복되는 일상에 싫증나다

쉽게 싫증나다

Common Phrases

싫증이 나다

— To feel bored or fed up. The '이' particle emphasizes the noun '싫증'.

이제 이 게임에 싫증이 났어.

싫증을 내다

— To show or express boredom. Usually used for others or active behavior.

동생이 공부를 싫증내기 시작했다.

싫증을 느끼다

— To feel boredom. A slightly more formal and descriptive way to say it.

그는 삶에 대해 싫증을 느끼고 있었다.

싫증이 나기 마련이다

— It is natural/bound to get tired of something.

오래 하면 싫증이 나기 마련이죠.

싫증이 날 지경이다

— To the point of being fed up.

그의 잔소리는 이제 싫증이 날 지경이다.

금방 싫증을 내다

— To get tired of things quickly.

그 아이는 금방 싫증을 내는 편이다.

싫증나서 그만두다

— To quit because one is tired of it.

싫증나서 그만뒀어요.

싫증나지 않게

— In a way that one doesn't get tired of it.

싫증나지 않게 다양하게 준비했어요.

벌써 싫증났어?

— Are you tired of it already?

산 지 얼마 안 됐는데 벌써 싫증났어?

딱 싫증나기 좋다

— It's a perfect situation to get tired of something.

이런 날씨는 집에만 있기 딱 싫증나기 좋다.

Often Confused With

실증나다 vs 실증 (實證)

Means 'empirical proof'. It is pronounced the same but has a completely different meaning.

실증나다 vs 심심하다

Means 'to be bored' because there is nothing to do. '싫증나다' is being 'fed up' with something you ARE doing.

실증나다 vs 지겹다

More focused on the tediousness and annoyance of a task rather than just losing interest.

Idioms & Expressions

"싫증을 부리다"

— To act out because of boredom or dissatisfaction, often used for children.

아이가 밥 먹기 싫다고 싫증을 부려요.

Casual

"입맛이 떨어지다"

— To lose one's appetite (can be related to food boredom).

반찬이 매일 같으니 입맛이 떨어졌어요.

Neutral

"손을 놓다"

— To stop doing something (often because of 싫증).

일에 싫증이 나서 완전히 손을 놓았다.

Neutral

"눈 밖에 나다"

— To fall out of favor (sometimes happens when someone gets '싫증' with another).

그는 상사의 눈 밖에 나서 힘들어한다.

Idiomatic

"진이 빠지다"

— To be exhausted or drained (related to the feeling after long-term 싫증).

반복되는 업무에 진이 빠졌다.

Casual

"신물이 나다"

— To be disgusted or 'fed up to the back teeth' (stronger than 싫증).

그의 거짓말에는 이제 신물이 난다.

Strong/Idiomatic

"학을 떼다"

— To be sick and tired of something arduous.

그 고생을 다시 하라면 학을 뗄 거야.

Idiomatic

"넌더리가 나다"

— To be thoroughly disgusted or fed up.

지긋지긋한 가난에 넌더리가 났다.

Strong

"물리고 물리다"

— To be extremely tired of something (repeated for emphasis).

그 소리는 이제 물리고 물린다.

Casual

"권태기에 접어들다"

— To enter a period of boredom (usually in a relationship).

우리도 이제 권태기에 접어든 것 같아.

Neutral

Easily Confused

실증나다 vs 질리다

Both mean being tired of something.

질리다 is much stronger, implying disgust or being overwhelmed. 싫증나다 is more about losing interest.

그의 태도에 질렸어요. (I'm sick and tired of his attitude.)

실증나다 vs 물리다

Both involve being fed up.

물리다 is almost exclusively used for food or being over-saturated. 싫증나다 is general.

이 피자는 이제 물려요. (I'm sick of this pizza.)

실증나다 vs 귀찮다

Both involve not wanting to do something.

귀찮다 means it is a bother or requires too much effort. 싫증나다 means it is no longer interesting.

청소하기 귀찮아요. (I'm too lazy to clean.)

실증나다 vs 따분하다

Both relate to boredom.

따분하다 describes a boring situation (like a long lecture). 싫증나다 describes a change in your feeling toward something.

강의가 따분해요. (The lecture is dull.)

실증나다 vs 식상하다

Both mean being tired of something.

식상하다 is used for things that are unoriginal or cliché (like movie plots).

뻔한 스토리가 식상해요. (The predictable story is trite.)

Sentence Patterns

N이/가 싫증나요.

이게 싫증나요.

N에 싫증이 났어요.

공부에 싫증이 났어요.

V-는 것에 싫증나다.

기다리는 것에 싫증났어요.

금방 싫증을 내다.

그는 금방 싫증을 내요.

싫증나기 마련이다.

반복하면 싫증나기 마련이다.

싫증이 날 지경이다.

이제 싫증이 날 지경이에요.

싫증을 느끼는 경향이 있다.

현대인은 쉽게 싫증을 느끼는 경향이 있다.

N에 싫증을 느껴 회귀하다.

도시 생활에 싫증을 느껴 전원으로 회귀했다.

Word Family

Nouns

싫증 Boredom, satiety, the feeling of being fed up.

Verbs

싫증내다 To show boredom (active/third-person).

싫어하다 To dislike.

Adjectives

싫다 To be disliked, unpleasant.

지겹다 (tedious)

질리다 (sick of)

심심하다 (bored)

권태 (ennui)

변화 (change)

How to Use It

frequency

High in daily life, especially regarding hobbies, food, and routines.

Common Mistakes

실증나다 (Spelling) → 싫증나다
Many people write '실증' because it sounds the same, but '실증' means proof. '싫증' is the correct word for boredom.
공부를 싫증나요 (Particle) → 공부에 싫증나요
You cannot use the object marker '-를' with '나다' because it is an intransitive verb. Use '-에' or '-이/가'.
심심해서 일을 그만뒀어요 (Meaning) → 싫증나서 일을 그만뒀어요
'심심하다' is for when you have nothing to do. '싫증나다' is for when you are tired of a specific task.
저는 싫증을 냈어요 (Self-description) → 저는 싫증이 났어요
'싫증을 내다' usually describes observable behavior in others. For your own internal feeling, '나다' is more natural.
피자에 싫증나요 (Food context) → 피자가 물려요
While '싫증나요' is understandable, '물려요' is the specific and more natural word for being tired of a food.

Tips

Particle Choice

Remember to use '-에' for the object of your boredom. '일에 싫증나다' is the most natural structure. Avoid using '-을' unless you use the verb '내다'.

The Silent 'H'

Always write the 'ㅎ' in '싫증'. Even though you don't hear it, it tells the reader the word comes from '싫다' (to dislike).

Internal vs External

Use '싫증나다' when the feeling comes from within you because you've had enough. Use '지겹다' when the situation itself is annoying or tedious.

Describing Others

When talking about a child or a friend, use '싫증을 내다'. For example: '아이가 장난감을 싫증내요' (The child is acting tired of the toy).

Food Specifics

If you are specifically talking about being sick of a certain food after eating too much, try using '물리다'. It sounds more native in a culinary context.

The 'Seven Year Itch'

In Korea, the term '권태기' is often used to describe the period when a couple feels '싫증' toward each other. It's a common topic in romance advice.

Speed of Boredom

Use '금방' (quickly) or '벌써' (already) with '싫증나다' to emphasize how fast someone loses interest. This is a common way to describe personality traits.

Formal Contexts

In essays or reports, use the phrase '싫증을 느끼다' (to feel boredom) instead of just '싫증나다'. It sounds more sophisticated and academic.

Polite Quitting

If you want to quit something politely, you might say '흥미가 바뀌었다' (my interest changed) instead of '싫증났다', which can sound a bit impulsive.

Tense Sounds

Train your ear to hear the tense [쯩] sound. If you hear [실쯩], the speaker is almost certainly talking about being tired of something.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHIL' (like 'chill') and 'JEUNG' (like 'junk'). When you 'chill' with 'junk' for too long, you get '싫증' (tired of it).

Visual Association

Imagine a child pushing away a bowl of porridge they've eaten for 7 days straight. That 'pushing away' motion is the essence of 싫증나다.

Word Web

싫다 (Dislike) 증상 (Symptom) 반복 (Repetition) 지루함 (Boredom) 포기 (Giving up) 변화 (Change) 새로움 (Newness) 권태기 (Boredom period)

Challenge

Try to identify one thing you do every day that you are starting to feel '싫증' about. Write a sentence: '[Activity]에 싫증이 나요.'

Word Origin

Comes from the root '싫-' (from the adjective 싫다, meaning 'to be unpleasant/disliked') and the suffix '-증' (症), which refers to a symptom, disease, or psychological state.

Original meaning: A 'symptom of disliking' or a 'state of being weary of something.'

Koreanic (Native Korean root + Hanja suffix).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this with people. Saying '너한테 싫증났어' (I'm tired of you) is very hurtful and direct.

In English, we often say 'I'm bored' for both '심심하다' and '싫증나다', but '싫증나다' is closer to 'I'm fed up' or 'I'm over it'.

Many K-pop songs like 'Lovesick Girls' or 'Palette' touch upon the themes of boredom and changing tastes. The movie 'Burning' (버닝) explores existential ennui and 싫증 in a profound way. Korean webtoons often use '싫증' as a plot device for characters changing their lives.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hobbies

취미에 싫증나다
금방 싫증내다
새로운 취미를 찾다
싫증나서 그만두다

Relationships

서로에게 싫증나다
권태기가 오다
마음이 식다
관계를 회복하다

Food

음식에 싫증나다
메뉴를 바꾸다
입맛이 없다
질리도록 먹다

Work/Study

업무에 싫증나다
공부가 하기 싫다
의욕이 떨어지다
변화가 필요하다

Fashion

스타일에 싫증나다
옷을 새로 사다
유행이 지나다
분위기를 바꾸다

Conversation Starters

"요즘 하고 있는 일에 싫증난 적 없어요? (Haven't you ever felt tired of your work lately?)"

"저는 취미에 금방 싫증을 내는 편인데, 당신은 어때요? (I tend to get tired of hobbies quickly, how about you?)"

"매일 같은 음식만 먹으면 싫증나지 않나요? (Don't you get tired of eating the same food every day?)"

"싫증날 때 기분을 전환하는 방법이 있나요? (Do you have a way to change your mood when you get tired of something?)"

"이 노래 너무 많이 들어서 이제 싫증나요. 다른 노래 틀까요? (I've heard this song too much so I'm tired of it. Shall I play another?)"

Journal Prompts

최근에 싫증이 나서 그만둔 일이 있나요? 왜 그랬는지 써 보세요. (Is there something you recently quit because you got tired of it? Write about why.)

내가 싫증나지 않고 오랫동안 할 수 있는 일은 무엇인가요? (What is something you can do for a long time without getting tired of it?)

반복되는 일상에 싫증이 날 때 어떻게 대처하나요? (How do you handle it when you get tired of a repetitive daily routine?)

인간관계에서 싫증을 느끼지 않으려면 어떤 노력이 필요할까요? (What kind of effort is needed to not feel boredom in human relationships?)

'싫증'이라는 감정이 우리 삶에 주는 긍정적인 영향은 무엇일까요? (What are the positive effects of the emotion of 'boredom' on our lives?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, no. For the meaning of 'getting tired of something', the correct spelling is '싫증나다'. '실증' means 'proof'. However, they sound the same, so many people make this mistake.

Yes, but be careful. Saying '너한테 싫증났어' means you are tired of that person, which is very direct and can be hurtful. It's often used in dramas to show a breakup.

Use '나다' for your own internal feelings (I feel bored). Use '내다' to describe someone else's outward expression of boredom (He is showing he is bored).

Not really. Saying you got '싫증' at your last job suggests you lose interest easily. It's better to use more professional terms like '새로운 도전을 원했다' (wanted a new challenge).

Use '심심하다'. '싫증나다' requires a specific thing that you are tired of doing.

Yes, but '물리다' is more common for food. '싫증나다' works if you are talking about a specific menu you've had for a long time.

Usually '~에' (e.g., 공부에 싫증나다) or '~이/가' (e.g., 공부가 싫증나다). Do not use '~을/를' with '나다'.

It is neutral. It can be used in both casual and formal settings, though '싫증을 느끼다' is preferred in very formal writing.

Generally no, as it describes a loss of interest. However, it can be a catalyst for positive change or finding new hobbies.

You don't. The 'ㅎ' in '싫' is silent. The 'ㅈ' becomes 'ㅉ'. So it sounds like [실쯩나다].