Meaning and Usage
The noun '두려움' refers to the feeling of fear, apprehension, or dread. It is often used to describe emotional states related to anxiety about potential danger, failure, or unknown outcomes.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter '두려움' in contexts involving personal challenges, risks, or emotional vulnerability. It can describe both mild nervousness and intense fear.
Collocations and Patterns
- 두려움을 느끼다: to feel fear
- 두려움을 극복하다: to overcome fear
- 두려움 때문에: because of fear
These patterns help express the experience or cause of fear clearly.
Register and Nuance
'두려움' is a standard noun used in both spoken and written Korean. It is neutral in formality and can be used in everyday conversation as well as formal contexts.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '두려움' with '무서움' (fear/scary). '두려움' often implies a more internal, emotional fear or anxiety, while '무서움' can describe fear caused by something scary or frightening externally. Use '두려움' when focusing on the feeling itself rather than the scary object.