Level 3

낯설다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '낯설다' describes something or someone that is unfamiliar or strange to the speaker. It often refers to people, places, or situations that one has not encountered before or does not feel comfortable with.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear '낯설다' when talking about new environments, unfamiliar faces, or experiences that feel strange. It conveys a sense of unfamiliarity that can be emotional or physical.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '낯설다' + 장소 (place): to describe a place as unfamiliar
  • '낯설다' + 사람 (person): to express that a person is a stranger or unfamiliar
  • '낯설게 느껴지다': to feel unfamiliar
  • '낯설다' + 상황 (situation): to describe an unfamiliar situation

Register and Politeness

'낯설다' is a neutral adjective and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in everyday conversation and writing.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '낯설다' with '낯익다' (to be familiar). Remember, '낯설다' means unfamiliar or strange, the opposite of '낯익다'. Using the wrong word can change the meaning completely.

Understanding '낯설다' helps you express feelings about new or strange experiences clearly and naturally.

Example Sentences

이 도시는 너무 낯설어서 길을 찾기 어려워요.

I dosineun neomu natseoreoseo gireul chatgi eoryeowoyo.

This city is so unfamiliar that it's hard to find the way.

처음 만난 사람이라서 얼굴이 낯설어요.

Cheoeum mannan saramiraseo eolguri natseoreoyo.

Because I met the person for the first time, their face feels unfamiliar.

새로운 환경에 적응하기 전에는 모두 낯설게 느껴져요.

Saeroun hwangyeonge jeogeunghagi jeoneneun modu natseolge neukkyeojyeoyo.

Before adapting to a new environment, everything feels unfamiliar.