Meaning and Usage
The adjective '두렵다' expresses feelings of fear, anxiety, or dread. It is commonly used to describe emotional states related to danger, uncertainty, or nervousness. Unlike simple physical fear, it often conveys a deeper emotional concern or worry.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '두렵다' when someone talks about fears related to exams, the future, or unsafe situations. It is a standard word used in both spoken and written Korean, suitable for formal and informal contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 두렵다 + -아서/어서: to express cause of fear (e.g., 두려워서 잠을 못 잤어요 - I couldn't sleep because I was afraid)
- 너무 두렵다: to emphasize strong fear
- 두렵지만: to contrast fear with determination or action
Register and Politeness
'두렵다' is neutral in formality but often appears in polite speech when conjugated appropriately (e.g., 두려워요). It is not overly formal or casual.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '두렵다' with '무섭다', which also means 'scary' or 'afraid'. '무섭다' often refers to immediate fear caused by something scary, while '두렵다' can imply a more abstract or emotional fear. Use '두렵다' when expressing anxiety or worry about situations rather than sudden fright.