At the beginner level, think of '괜히' as a word that means 'for no reason' when you feel a bit sad or tired. For example, if you say '괜히 슬퍼요,' it means 'I feel sad for no reason.' It is a simple way to express your feelings without having to explain a complicated cause. It is usually used with basic adjectives like 'happy,' 'sad,' or 'tired.' Focus on the idea that there is no big reason for the feeling.
At the A2 level, you start using '괜히' to express small regrets in daily life. This is the most common way to use the word. For example, '괜히 샀어요' means 'I bought it for no reason' (and I regret it now). You might use it when you order too much food or when you go outside and it starts raining. It helps you sound more natural and expressive when talking about your day-to-day choices.
Intermediate learners use '괜히' to describe social situations and more complex emotions. You can use it to talk about unnecessary worry ('괜히 걱정했어') or groundless nervousness. It also appears in connective structures like '괜히 ~해서' to show a cause-and-effect relationship where the cause was unnecessary but led to a result. For instance, '괜히 긴장해서 시험을 못 봤어요' (I got nervous for no reason and didn't do well on the exam).
At this level, you should understand the subtle difference between '괜히' and its synonyms like '쓸데없이' or '무턱대고.' You can use '괜히' to describe a character's internal state in a story or to critique someone's behavior politely. It also becomes useful in idiomatic expressions. You might use it to describe a situation that was 'empty' or 'hollow' despite looking grand on the outside.
Advanced learners use '괜히' to express existential regret or literary nuances. It can describe a sense of futility in human efforts or the vanity of certain social constructs. You will encounter '괜히' in literature and high-level essays to describe the 'emptiness' of an action. At this level, you can also use it to set a specific tone in formal writing, though it remains primarily a spoken-style word.
At the mastery level, '괜히' is used with perfect timing to convey deep emotional resonance or sharp irony. You understand that '괜히' can be used sarcastically or to emphasize a philosophical point about the randomness of life's events. You can distinguish between its use as a simple adverb and its deeper role as a marker of the Korean concept of 'han' (regret/sorrow) or 'nunchi' (social sense).

괜히 em 30 segundos

  • Used to express regret for an action that felt like a waste of time.
  • Describes feelings like sadness or nervousness that happen without a clear cause.
  • Often implies the speaker wishes they hadn't done something ('I shouldn't have...').
  • Different from '그냥' because '괜히' usually has a negative or regretful nuance.

The Korean adverb 괜히 (Gwaen-hi) is a multifaceted word that primarily translates to "for no reason," "in vain," or "uselessly." However, its emotional weight in Korean conversation is much heavier than a simple dictionary definition suggests. It often carries a strong sense of regret or pointlessness regarding a past action or a current state of mind. When a Korean speaker says "괜히 했어" (I shouldn't have done it), they aren't just saying it was unnecessary; they are expressing a sigh of frustration that the effort resulted in nothing or, worse, a negative outcome.

The Nuance of Regret
This is the most common usage. It describes doing something that you later wish you hadn't, because the result was disappointing or the effort was wasted.
Groundless Emotion
It describes feeling an emotion (like sadness, anger, or nervousness) without a specific external trigger. You just feel that way 'for no reason.'
Fruitless Effort
Used when you put in work expecting a result, but the outcome was nil, making the effort feel 'hollow' or 'empty.'

아까 그 말을 괜히 했나 봐요.

— I think I said that for no reason (I regret saying it).

괜히 바쁜 척하지 마세요.

— Don't pretend to be busy for no reason (stop acting).
Empty Appearance
Sometimes '괜히' describes a situation that looks like something but has no substance behind it, like being 'unnecessarily' grand.

Grammatically, 괜히 is an adverb, which means it typically sits before a verb or an adjective. Its placement is quite flexible, but it usually emphasizes the word immediately following it. Because it carries an inherent sense of 'uselessness,' it is frequently paired with past tense verbs to express hindsight regret.

Regret Pattern: 괜히 + Verb + -았다/었다
This is the 'I shouldn't have' structure. Example: '괜히 샀어' (I shouldn't have bought it / I bought it for nothing).
Emotional State: 괜히 + Adjective
Used to describe a feeling that arises without cause. Example: '괜히 슬퍼요' (I feel sad for no reason).

비가 오는데 괜히 세차를 했어요.

— It's raining, and I washed my car for nothing (uselessly).

In more advanced usage, '괜히' can be used with the connective ending '-어/아서' to show that the 'useless' reason led to a certain result. For example, '괜히 긴장해서 실수를 했어요' (I got nervous for no reason and made a mistake).

괜히 걱정하지 마세요. 다 잘 될 거예요.

— Don't worry for no reason. Everything will be fine.
With Negative Commands
Often used with '-지 마세요' (don't) to tell someone their current state of mind is unnecessary or groundless.

You will hear 괜히 in almost every Korean drama or variety show where a character experiences a 'face-palm' moment. It is the quintessential word for the 'buyer's remorse' or 'social awkwardness' that defines modern daily life.

“아, 괜히 왔다.”

— "Ah, I shouldn't have come here." (Commonly muttered when a party is boring or a situation is awkward).

In shopping contexts, Koreans use it when they realize they bought something they don't need. In relationships, it's used when someone picks a fight and then regrets it. It's also very common in internal monologues. If you are walking down the street and suddenly feel a wave of embarrassment about something you did three years ago, that is a '괜히' moment.

At the Workplace
'괜히 일만 늘었네요' (The work just increased for no reason/uselessly) — used when a mistake leads to extra work.
In Friendships
'괜히 화내서 미안해' (I'm sorry for getting angry for no reason).

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing 괜히 with 그냥 (Geunyang). While both can be translated as "just" or "for no reason," their emotional colors are completely different.

Mistake: Using 괜히 for 'Just Because'
If someone asks why you are eating an apple and you say '괜히 먹어요,' it sounds like you regret eating the apple or that eating it is a waste of time. If you just feel like eating it, use '그냥 먹어요.'
Mistake: Using 괜히 for 'Accidentally'
'괜히' implies an intentional action that turned out to be useless. If you dropped a glass by accident, you wouldn't use '괜히.' You would use '실수로' (by mistake).

Wrong: 괜히 한국어를 공부해요. (Unless you hate studying it!)

Right: 그냥 한국어를 공부해요. (I study it just because/for fun.)

Depending on the level of formality and the specific type of 'uselessness' you want to convey, there are several alternatives to 괜히.

쓸데없이 (Sseulde-eopsi)
Literally 'without a place to use.' It is more aggressive than '괜히.' It implies something is completely unnecessary and bothersome. '쓸데없이 참견하지 마세요' (Don't interfere uselessly/Don't stick your nose in).
무익하게 (Mu-ik-hage)
A formal, academic term meaning 'unprofitably' or 'without benefit.' Used in writing or formal speeches.
부질없이 (Bujil-eopsi)
A poetic or literary word meaning 'vainly' or 'futilely.' Often used when talking about life, dreams, or passing time.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Because it comes from the word for 'empty,' using '괜히' literally means you are doing something into an empty void where no reason exists.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɡwɛn.hi/
US /ɡwɛn.hi/
The stress is slightly on the first syllable '괜'.
Rima com
편히 (pyeon-hi - comfortably) 흔히 (heun-hi - commonly) 훤히 (hwon-hi - brightly/clearly) 단히 (dan-hi - firmly) 족히 (jok-hi - sufficiently) 히 (hi) 특히 (teuk-hi - especially) 급히 (geup-hi - hurriedly)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing '괜' as 'Gwan' instead of 'Gwaen'.
  • Dropping the 'h' sound in 'hi' making it sound like 'Gwae-ni'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'g' like a hard English 'G' in 'Go'.
  • Making the 'ae' sound too long like 'ay' in 'play'.
  • Confusing the spelling with '개니'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once learned.

Escrita 3/5

Requires understanding of nuance to use instead of '그냥'.

Expressão oral 3/5

Natural placement in a sentence takes practice.

Audição 2/5

Very common in spoken Korean; easy to hear.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

그냥 이유 후회 없다 하다

Aprenda a seguir

쓸데없이 부질없다 허무하다 오히려 차라리

Avançado

공연히 무익하다 실속 헛수고 낭비

Gramática essencial

Adverb placement

괜히 (adverb) + 먹었다 (verb)

The -나 보다 ending for realization

괜히 샀나 봐요.

The -ㄹ걸 그랬다 ending for regret

괜히 했을걸 그랬다 (Wait, usually '안 할걸 그랬다' is used with '괜히').

The -어/아서 causal link

괜히 바빠서 전화를 못 했어요.

The -지 마세요 negative command

괜히 걱정하지 마세요.

Exemplos por nível

1

괜히 슬퍼요.

I feel sad for no reason.

괜히 + adjective

2

괜히 웃음이 나요.

I'm laughing for no reason.

괜히 + noun + verb

3

괜히 바빠요.

I'm busy for no reason.

괜히 + adjective

4

괜히 졸려요.

I'm sleepy for no reason.

괜히 + adjective

5

괜히 배고파요.

I'm hungry for no reason.

괜히 + adjective

6

괜히 신나요.

I'm excited for no reason.

괜히 + adjective

7

괜히 피곤해요.

I'm tired for no reason.

괜히 + adjective

8

괜히 떨려요.

I'm nervous for no reason.

괜히 + verb

1

괜히 샀어요.

I shouldn't have bought it.

Past tense verb showing regret.

2

괜히 말했어요.

I shouldn't have said that.

Regret about speech.

3

괜히 왔어요.

I shouldn't have come.

Regret about location/action.

4

괜히 먹었어요.

I shouldn't have eaten that.

Regret about eating.

5

괜히 기다렸어요.

I waited for nothing.

Useless effort.

6

괜히 걱정했어요.

I worried for nothing.

Unnecessary emotion.

7

괜히 전화했어요.

I shouldn't have called.

Regret about communication.

8

괜히 나갔어요.

I shouldn't have gone out.

Regret about an action.

1

괜히 고집을 부렸어요.

I was stubborn for no reason.

괜히 + idiom/phrase

2

괜히 긴장해서 실수했어요.

I got nervous for no reason and made a mistake.

Connective -아서/어서

3

괜히 옷을 얇게 입고 왔나 봐요.

I think I wore too thin clothes for no reason (I'm cold).

-나 봐요 (guess/realization)

4

괜히 심술을 부리고 싶을 때가 있어요.

There are times when I want to be grumpy for no reason.

-ㄹ 때가 있다

5

괜히 아는 척하다가 망신당했어요.

I pretended to know for no reason and got embarrassed.

-다가 (interruption/result)

6

괜히 기대했다가 실망만 했어요.

I expected something for no reason and only got disappointed.

Contrastive result.

7

괜히 화를 내서 미안해요.

I'm sorry for getting angry for no reason.

Apologizing for '괜히' actions.

8

괜히 머리만 아프네요.

It just gives me a headache for no reason.

Resulting state.

1

괜히 헛수고만 한 것 같아요.

I feel like I just made a vain effort for no reason.

괜히 + 헛수고 (vain effort)

2

괜히 남의 일에 참견하지 마세요.

Don't interfere in other people's business for no reason.

Negative command.

3

괜히 긁어 부스럼 만들지 마.

Don't make trouble for no reason (Let sleeping dogs lie).

Idiomatic expression.

4

그 사람은 괜히 허세를 부려요.

That person puts on airs for no reason.

Describing personality/behavior.

5

괜히 마음만 조급해지네요.

My heart is just getting impatient for no reason.

-어/아지다 (becoming state)

6

괜히 분위기만 어색해졌어요.

The atmosphere just became awkward for no reason.

Situational description.

7

괜히 비싼 돈 주고 샀나 봐요.

I think I spent a lot of money on this for nothing.

Complex regret.

8

괜히 자존심을 세우다가 일을 그르쳤어요.

I ruined things by being stubborn about my pride for no reason.

-다가 (causality)

1

괜히 부질없는 욕심을 부렸나 봅니다.

It seems I harbored vain greed for no reason.

Literary/Reflective tone.

2

괜히 사람들의 이목을 끌 필요는 없어요.

There's no need to attract people's attention for no reason.

Formal advice.

3

괜히 마음 한구석이 허전해집니다.

A corner of my heart feels empty for no reason.

Abstract emotion.

4

괜히 뜬구름 잡는 소리 하지 마세요.

Don't talk about catching floating clouds for no reason (Don't talk nonsense).

Idiomatic usage.

5

괜히 옥에 티를 찾으려 애쓰지 마세요.

Don't try to find a flaw in the jade for no reason (Don't nitpick).

Metaphorical usage.

6

괜히 지나간 일에 연연해하지 마세요.

Don't cling to past events for no reason.

Psychological advice.

7

괜히 엄한 사람 잡지 마세요.

Don't blame the wrong person for no reason.

Specific idiom (엄한 사람 잡다).

8

괜히 제풀에 지쳐 포기하고 말았어요.

I ended up giving up after getting exhausted by my own doing for no reason.

Complex reflexive idiom (제풀에 지치다).

1

괜히 무위로 돌아간 노력에 회의감이 듭니다.

I feel skeptical about the efforts that returned to nothingness for no reason.

Highly formal/philosophical.

2

괜히 사서 고생한다는 말이 딱 맞네요.

The saying 'buying trouble for no reason' fits perfectly.

Proverbial usage.

3

괜히 감상에 젖어 밤을 지새웠습니다.

I stayed up all night soaked in sentimentality for no reason.

Poetic/Literary.

4

괜히 시시비비를 가리려다 관계만 나빠졌어요.

Trying to distinguish right from wrong for no reason only ruined the relationship.

Four-character idiom (시시비비).

5

괜히 천우신조를 바라는 것은 어리석은 일입니다.

It is foolish to hope for divine help for no reason (without effort).

Archaic/Academic tone.

6

괜히 격식에 얽매일 필요는 없다고 봅니다.

I believe there's no need to be bound by formalities for no reason.

Professional opinion.

7

괜히 공염불에 그치지 않도록 주의해야 합니다.

We must be careful so that it doesn't end up as a 'hollow Buddhist prayer' (empty talk) for no reason.

Buddhist-derived idiom.

8

괜히 사족을 달아서 문장의 본뜻을 흐렸군요.

You added a 'snake's foot' (redundancy) for no reason and blurred the main meaning of the sentence.

Classical Chinese idiom (사족).

Colocações comuns

괜히 바쁘다
괜히 화나다
괜히 걱정하다
괜히 왔다
괜히 샀다
괜히 웃음이 나다
괜히 긴장하다
괜히 헛수고하다
괜히 심술부리다
괜히 찔리다

Frases Comuns

괜히 그랬어

— I shouldn't have done that. Used to express general regret about a past action.

아, 괜히 그랬어. 그냥 가만히 있을걸.

괜히 하는 말이 아니야

— I'm not just saying this for no reason. Used to emphasize the truth of a statement.

이거 진짜 맛있어. 괜히 하는 말이 아니야.

괜히 사람 잡다

— To blame or trouble an innocent person for no reason.

왜 괜히 사람 잡고 그래요? 전 아무것도 몰라요.

괜히 머리만 아프다

— It just gives me a headache for no reason (too complicated or useless).

그 문제는 생각하지 마. 괜히 머리만 아파.

괜히 기대하다

— To get one's hopes up for no reason (and be disappointed).

괜히 기대했다가 실망만 했네.

괜히 아는 척하다

— To pretend to know something for no reason (and fail).

모르면 가만히 있지, 왜 괜히 아는 척했어?

괜히 폼 잡다

— To show off or put on airs for no reason.

저 사람은 괜히 폼만 잡고 실력은 없어요.

괜히 분위기 깨다

— To ruin the mood for no reason.

좋은 분위기에 괜히 찬물 끼얹지 마세요.

괜히 고생하다

— To suffer or work hard for no reason.

길을 잘못 들어서 괜히 고생했어요.

괜히 겁먹다

— To be scared for no reason.

별거 아니니까 괜히 겁먹지 마.

Frequentemente confundido com

괜히 vs 그냥

'그냥' is neutral (just because), '괜히' is emotional/regretful (for no good reason).

괜히 vs 무심코

'무심코' means 'carelessly' or 'without thinking,' whereas '괜히' implies the action itself was pointless.

괜히 vs 실수로

'실수로' is an accident; '괜히' is an intentional act that turned out to be a bad idea.

Expressões idiomáticas

"괜히 긁어 부스럼 만들다"

— To scratch a healthy spot and make it a sore. Meaning to cause trouble unnecessarily.

가만히 있으면 될 걸 괜히 긁어 부스럼 만들었네.

Informal
"괜히 헛다리 짚다"

— To step on a hollow bridge/spot. Meaning to make a wrong guess or useless effort.

범인을 잡으려다 괜히 헛다리만 짚었어요.

Informal
"괜히 사서 고생하다"

— To 'buy' suffering for no reason. Meaning to do something unnecessary that causes hardship.

그 일을 왜 맡았어? 괜히 사서 고생하네.

Neutral
"괜히 제풀에 지치다"

— To get tired by one's own energy/doing. Meaning to exhaust oneself unnecessarily.

상대방은 가만히 있는데 괜히 제풀에 지쳐 포기했어요.

Neutral
"괜히 엄한 사람 잡다"

— To catch/blame a completely unrelated person.

범인은 따로 있는데 왜 괜히 엄한 사람을 잡아요?

Neutral
"괜히 뜬구름 잡다"

— To try to catch floating clouds. Meaning to pursue unrealistic or hollow goals.

괜히 뜬구름 잡는 소리 말고 현실을 봐.

Informal
"괜히 옥에 티를 찾다"

— To look for a flaw in jade. Meaning to nitpick or find unnecessary faults.

완벽한 작품인데 괜히 옥에 티를 찾으려 하네요.

Formal
"괜히 찬물 끼얹다"

— To pour cold water on something for no reason. Meaning to spoil a good mood or plan.

다들 즐거워하는데 괜히 찬물 끼얹지 마.

Informal
"괜히 남의 잔치에 감 놔라 배 놔라 하다"

— To tell people where to put persimmons or pears at someone else's feast. Meaning to interfere unnecessarily.

내 일이니까 괜히 남의 잔치에 감 놔라 배 놔라 하지 마세요.

Informal
"괜히 공염불하다"

— To recite a hollow Buddhist prayer. Meaning to make empty promises or useless talk.

실천하지 않으면 그 계획은 괜히 공염불이 될 뿐이다.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

괜히 vs 그냥

Both translate to 'just' in English.

'그냥' is for lack of a specific reason without judgment. '괜히' implies the reason was insufficient or the action was a waste.

그냥 했어요 (I just did it). 괜히 했어요 (I shouldn't have done it).

괜히 vs 쓸데없이

Both mean 'uselessly.'

'쓸데없이' is more critical and focuses on the lack of utility. '괜히' is more about the speaker's feeling of regret.

쓸데없이 참견 마 (Stop meddling). 괜히 참견했어 (I regret meddling).

괜히 vs 억지로

Both can involve doing something one doesn't really want to do.

'억지로' means doing something against one's will or by force. '괜히' means doing it voluntarily but for no good reason.

억지로 먹었어요 (I was forced to eat). 괜히 먹었어요 (I ate it for no reason and regret it).

괜히 vs 갑자기

Sometimes 'for no reason' feels 'sudden.'

'갑자기' is about timing. '괜히' is about the lack of cause/purpose.

갑자기 울었어요 (Suddenly cried). 괜히 울었어요 (Cried for no reason/regret it).

괜히 vs 일부러

Both involve intent.

'일부러' is 'on purpose' (with a goal). '괜히' is 'for no reason' (without a productive goal).

일부러 늦었어요 (I was late on purpose). 괜히 늦었어요 (I'm late for no reason/I shouldn't have been late).

Padrões de frases

A1

괜히 + Adjective-어요

괜히 슬퍼요.

A2

괜히 + Verb-았/었어요

괜히 샀어요.

B1

괜히 + Verb-어/아서 + Result

괜히 긴장해서 실수했어요.

B1

괜히 + Verb-ㄴ/은 것 같다

괜히 말한 것 같아요.

B2

괜히 + Verb-지 마세요

괜히 걱정하지 마세요.

C1

괜히 + Idiom

괜히 긁어 부스럼 만들지 마세요.

C1

괜히 + Noun + -만 + Verb

괜히 고생만 했네요.

C2

괜히 + 사서 고생이다

그 일은 괜히 사서 고생하는 꼴이에요.

Família de palavras

Adjetivos

괜하다 To be empty, groundless, or unnecessary.

Relacionado

그냥 (just/neutrally)
헛수고 (vain effort)
공허하다 (to be empty/hollow)
후회 (regret)
쓸데없다 (to be useless)

Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Erros comuns
  • Using '괜히' for neutral 'just because'. 그냥 했어요.

    '괜히' implies the action was a mistake or useless.

  • Using '괜히' as an adjective. 괜한 걱정이에요.

    '괜히' is an adverb. Use '괜한' to modify a noun.

  • Using '괜히' for accidental actions. 실수로 깼어요.

    '괜히' implies you did it on purpose but it was a bad idea.

  • Misspelling as '개니'. 괜히

    The spelling is '괜히' (Gwaen-hi).

  • Using '괜히' with positive results. 운 좋게 됐어요.

    '괜히' usually leads to a negative or useless outcome.

Dicas

Expressing Regret

When you regret a purchase, say '괜히 샀어.' It's the most natural way to express buyer's remorse.

Social Softener

Use '괜히' when you feel awkward in a social situation to explain your behavior: '괜히 긴장해서요...'

Word Order

Keep '괜히' right before the verb it describes for the clearest meaning.

Synonym Choice

Choose '쓸데없이' if you are annoyed, but '괜히' if you are just regretful or confused.

Tone Matters

A long '괜~히' adds more emphasis to the feeling of regret.

Nuance in Essays

Use '공연히' in formal essays to describe unnecessary social conflicts.

Drama Context

If a character says '괜히...' and stops, they are usually feeling guilty or embarrassed.

The 'Hollow' Connection

Remember that it comes from 'empty.' Your action was 'empty' of meaning.

Don't confuse with '그냥'

If there's no regret, just use '그냥'.

Idiomatic Power

Learn '괜히 긁어 부스럼' to sound like a pro when someone is making unnecessary trouble.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a 'Gwaen' (sounds like 'Gwen') who is 'Hi' (waving hi) for NO REASON at a stranger. Gwen felt awkward and regretted it immediately.

Associação visual

Picture a person standing in the rain holding an umbrella that has a huge hole in it. They are holding it '괜히' (uselessly).

Word Web

Regret Empty Useless No Reason Waste Embarrassment Hindsight Unnecessary

Desafio

Try to use '괜히' three times today: once for a small regret, once for a random feeling, and once to tell someone not to worry.

Origem da palavra

The word '괜히' is the adverbial form of the adjective '괜하다'. '괜하다' itself is a contraction of '공(空)하다' (to be empty) combined with the suffix '-안하다'.

Significado original: Originally implied something that is 'empty' or 'hollow,' lacking substance or a real reason.

Koreanic (Sino-Korean influence from 'Gong' meaning empty).

Contexto cultural

It is a safe word to use in almost all contexts, but avoid using it to describe someone else's hard work unless you mean to be critical.

English speakers often say 'I shouldn't have' or 'for nothing.' '괜히' covers both of these bases in one word.

The song '괜히' by various K-indie artists often explores themes of loneliness and random sadness. The phrase '괜히 왔나 봐' is a classic line in K-Dramas when a protagonist sees their ex at a party. In the movie 'Parasite,' the concept of doing things 'for no reason' (or the lack of a plan) contrasts with the '괜히' effort of the poor family.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Shopping

  • 괜히 샀어요.
  • 괜히 비싼 걸 골랐네요.
  • 괜히 쇼핑하러 왔어.
  • 괜히 돈만 썼네.

Socializing

  • 괜히 말했나 봐요.
  • 괜히 왔어요.
  • 괜히 아는 척했어요.
  • 괜히 끼어들었어.

Emotions

  • 괜히 슬퍼요.
  • 괜히 짜증 나요.
  • 괜히 설레요.
  • 괜히 불안해요.

Work

  • 괜히 일을 벌였어요.
  • 괜히 야근했네요.
  • 괜히 긴장했어요.
  • 괜히 혼났어.

Health

  • 괜히 많이 먹었어.
  • 괜히 밤샜다.
  • 괜히 운동했나 봐, 몸살 났어.
  • 괜히 약 먹었나?

Iniciadores de conversa

"오늘 괜히 기분이 좀 그런데, 왜 그럴까요?"

"쇼핑하고 나서 괜히 샀다고 후회한 적 있어요?"

"괜히 걱정했는데 막상 해보니 쉬웠던 일 있어요?"

"친구한테 괜히 심술부렸다가 미안해진 적 있어요?"

"어제 괜히 늦게 자서 오늘 너무 피곤해요."

Temas para diário

오늘 하루 중 '괜히 했다'고 생각되는 일이 있다면 써보세요.

아무 이유 없이 (괜히) 기분이 좋거나 나빴던 순간을 묘사해보세요.

괜히 걱정했던 일이 사실은 별거 아니었던 경험에 대해 써보세요.

남의 일에 괜히 참견했다가 곤란했던 적이 있나요?

괜히 기대했다가 실망했던 영화나 책이 있었나요?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Rarely. It almost always carries a nuance of regret, futility, or groundless emotion. However, you can say '괜히 기분이 좋다' (I feel good for no reason), which is positive but still implies the feeling came out of nowhere.

It's not rude, but if you tell someone '괜히 했어요' about something they did for you, it sounds like you are dismissing their effort. Be careful with other people's actions.

'공연히' is the formal, written version. You will see it in newspapers or books. In daily speech, 99% of people use '괜히'.

No, it's an adverb and needs a verb or adjective. However, in very casual speech, you might mutter '아, 괜히...' and trail off, with the verb implied.

The most common way is '괜히 + [Verb] + -았/었나 봐요' or '괜히 + [Verb] + -았/었어요'.

Etymologically, yes. But in modern usage, it means 'groundlessly' or 'pointlessly'.

Yes. '왜 괜히 그래?' means 'Why are you acting like that for no reason?'

Yes, it is a standard Korean word used across the peninsula.

No, it modifies verbs and adjectives. To modify a noun, you would use '괜한' (e.g., 괜한 걱정 - unnecessary worry).

No, '괜히' is already a short, common word.

Teste-se 185 perguntas

writing

Translate to Korean: 'I shouldn't have said that.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I feel sad for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Don't worry for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I bought this for nothing (I regret it).'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I shouldn't have come here.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I waited for nothing.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I got nervous for no reason and made a mistake.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I'm sorry for getting angry for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I think I shouldn't have eaten so much.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Don't interfere for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'It just gives me a headache for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I was stubborn for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I expected something for nothing.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I stayed up late for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Don't make trouble unnecessarily (idiom).'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'He is showing off for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I feel like I wasted my time for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I feel embarrassed for no reason.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'It's raining, and I washed my car for nothing.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I shouldn't have called him.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have bought it' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Express that you feel sad for no reason.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Tell someone not to worry for no reason.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have come' with a sigh.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Apologize for being angry for no reason.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have said that' to a friend.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Tell someone not to pretend to know everything.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Express that you waited in vain.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have eaten so much.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'It just gives me a headache.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Tell someone 'Don't ruin the mood.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have worn thin clothes.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I feel nervous for no reason.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Tell someone 'Don't meddle in others' business.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I think I shouldn't have done that.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have expected anything.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I feel guilty (poked) for no reason.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Use the 'scratch a sore' idiom to tell someone to stop causing trouble.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have stayed up late.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I shouldn't have called.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen to the speaker: '아, 괜히 샀어.' What is the speaker's emotion?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 걱정했네요.' Did something bad happen?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 슬퍼요.' Does the speaker know why they are sad?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 왔어.' Is the speaker having fun?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 화내서 미안해.' What is the speaker doing?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 기대했네.' Is the speaker happy or disappointed?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 말했나 봐.' Does the speaker wish they kept a secret?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 긴장했어.' Was the task difficult?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 긁어 부스럼 만들지 마.' Is this advice or a command?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 찔리네.' Does the speaker feel innocent?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 바쁘기만 했어요.' Was the speaker productive?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 사람 잡지 마세요.' Is the speaker being accused?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 웃음이 나요.' Is the speaker in a bad mood?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 시간만 버렸어.' How does the speaker feel about their time?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '괜히 헛수고했네요.' Was the effort successful?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!