Meaning and Usage
The adjective '괴롭다' describes feelings of pain, distress, or emotional suffering. It is often used to express mental or physical discomfort that troubles someone deeply.
Common Contexts
You will hear '괴롭다' in situations involving emotional pain, such as stress from work or personal problems, as well as physical pain like an injury or illness.
Collocations and Patterns
- '마음이 괴롭다': to feel emotionally distressed
- '괴로워하다': to be distressed (verb form)
- '괴로운 상황': a painful or distressing situation
Register and Politeness
'괴롭다' is a standard adjective used in both formal and informal contexts. When conjugated politely, it becomes '괴로워요'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '괴롭다' with '아프다' (to be sick/hurt). '괴롭다' often implies a deeper emotional or mental suffering, not just physical pain. Use '괴롭다' when you want to express distress beyond mere physical hurt.