Meaning and Usage
The adjective '외롭다' describes the feeling of loneliness or being lonesome. It often expresses emotional solitude, whether physical or psychological.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '외롭다' when someone talks about missing companionship or feeling isolated. It can describe temporary feelings or a more persistent state.
Collocations and Patterns
- 외롭다 + 고 해서: used to explain a reason related to feeling lonely (e.g., 외롭다고 해서)
- 외로운 마음: a lonely heart, emphasizing emotional loneliness
- 외롭다 + 면: conditional form to express 'if (someone) is lonely'
Register and Nuance
'외롭다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It conveys a sincere emotional state without strong negativity.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '외롭다' with '쓸쓸하다' (also meaning lonely but with a more melancholic nuance). Use '외롭다' when focusing on the feeling of being alone or isolated, and '쓸쓸하다' when emphasizing a sad or bleak atmosphere.