Meaning and Usage
The adjective '기쁘다' means 'to be happy' or 'to feel joy.' It is commonly used to express positive emotions related to good news, achievements, or pleasant experiences.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '기쁘다' when someone shares good news, such as passing an exam, receiving a gift, or hearing happy information.
Collocations and Patterns
- '기쁘다' + '고' (connecting clause): to express simultaneous feelings.
- '기뻐하다' (verb form): to show happiness about something.
- '기쁜 마음' (happy heart/mind): used to describe a joyful feeling.
Register and Politeness
'기쁘다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The polite form is '기뻐요.'
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '기쁘다' with '행복하다' (to be happy in a more general or lasting sense). '기쁘다' often refers to a momentary or specific happiness, while '행복하다' is more about overall happiness or well-being.