Meaning and Usage
'고민' refers to worries, concerns, or mental anguish about a problem or decision. It often implies a thoughtful or serious kind of worry rather than casual anxiety.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '고민' when people talk about important life decisions, such as career choices, relationships, or personal dilemmas. It is a noun and can be combined with verbs like '하다' (to do) to form '고민하다' (to worry or deliberate).
Collocations and Patterns
- 고민하다: to worry or deliberate
- 고민 끝에: after much deliberation
- 고민거리: something that causes worry
- 고민을 털어놓다: to confide one's worries
Register and Nuance
'고민' is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and polite conversations. It conveys a sincere and often deep concern.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '고민' with simple '걱정' (worry), but '고민' usually involves more thoughtful or serious consideration, while '걱정' can be more general or immediate anxiety.