Level 3

밉다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '밉다' expresses a feeling of dislike or detest towards a person or their behavior. It often conveys emotional dislike rather than physical ugliness.

Emotional Nuance

When you say someone is '밉다', you imply that their actions or attitude provoke negative feelings such as annoyance, resentment, or dislike. It is stronger than just '싫다' (dislike) but less harsh than words like '미워하다' (to hate).

Common Collocations

  • 밉다 + behavior/action: to find someone's behavior detestable
  • 밉다 + 사람: to find a person detestable
  • 밉다기보다: a phrase used to soften the feeling, meaning 'rather than detestable'

Register and Politeness

'밉다' is a descriptive adjective and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It is neutral in politeness but often appears in informal or conversational contexts.

Learner Tip

Do not confuse '밉다' with '미다' (to push) or '맵다' (spicy). Also, '밉다' focuses on emotional dislike, so avoid using it to describe physical appearance.

Example Sentences

그 사람은 거짓말을 자주 해서 정말 밉다.

Geu sarameun geojismareul jaju haeseo jeongmal mipda.

That person lies often, so I really find him detestable.

밉다기보다 안타깝다.

Mipdagiboda antakkapda.

Rather than detestable, it's more like pitiful.

그의 행동이 너무 밉게 느껴졌다.

Geuui haengdongi neomu mipge neukkyeojyeotda.

His behavior felt very detestable.