Level 4

비웃다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '비웃다' means to laugh at someone or something in a mocking or ridiculing way. It often implies contempt or scorn rather than friendly laughter.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when describing negative social interactions, such as mocking someone's mistake or behavior. It is generally considered impolite or rude to '비웃다' someone.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 비웃다 + noun (e.g., 실수, 말): to laugh at a mistake or words
  • ~는 것을 비웃다: to ridicule the act of ~
  • 비웃는 표정: a mocking or scornful facial expression

Register and Politeness

'비웃다' is neutral in formality but carries a negative connotation. It is used in both spoken and written Korean but usually describes negative attitudes.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '비웃다' with '웃다' (to laugh) without the negative nuance. Remember that '비웃다' specifically implies ridicule or mockery, not just laughter.

Example Sentences

그는 친구의 실수를 보고 비웃었다.

Geuneun chingue silsureul bogo biutda.

He laughed at his friend's mistake.

다른 사람을 비웃는 것은 예의에 어긋난다.

Dareun sarameul biunneun geoseun yeuie eogeutnanda.

Laughing at others is against good manners.

그녀는 내 말을 듣고 비웃는 듯한 표정을 지었다.

Geunyeoneun nae mareul deutgo biunneun deut han pyojeongeul jieotda.

She made a face as if laughing at what I said.