Level 3

어려움

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Meaning and Usage

"어려움" means "difficulty" or "hardship" and is a noun used to describe situations or conditions that are challenging or problematic. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 어려움이 있다: to have difficulties
  • 어려움을 겪다: to experience hardship
  • 어려움을 극복하다: to overcome difficulties

Usage Notes

When using "어려움," speakers often imply a challenge that requires effort or perseverance to overcome. It can refer to physical, emotional, financial, or situational difficulties.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "어려움" with "어렵다" (the adjective meaning "difficult"). Remember that "어려움" is a noun, so it is used differently in sentences, often with verbs like "있다," "겪다," or "극복하다."

Example Sentences

새로운 일을 시작할 때는 항상 어려움이 따른다.

Saeroun ireul sijakhal ttaeneun hangsang eoryeoumi ttarunda.

There are always difficulties when starting something new.

어려움을 극복하기 위해서는 포기하지 말아야 한다.

Eoryeoumeul geugbokhagi wihaeseoneun pogihaji maraya handa.

To overcome difficulties, you must not give up.

경제적인 어려움 때문에 여행을 취소했다.

Gyeongjejeogin eoryeoum ttaemune yeohaengeul chwisohaetta.

I canceled the trip because of financial difficulties.