Level 4

아깝다

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean adjective '아깝다' expresses a feeling of regret or pity about something that is wasted, lost, or not fully utilized. It often conveys that something valuable or precious is being thrown away or not used properly.

Common Contexts

  • Regret over lost opportunities or resources (time, money, chances).
  • Feeling that something is too good to be wasted or discarded.
  • Expressing pity when something is not used to its full potential.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '시간이 아깝다' (time is too precious to waste)
  • '기회가 아깝다' (opportunity is regrettable to lose)
  • '돈이 아깝다' (money is wasted)
  • '아깝지만' (although it's a pity, ...)

Register and Politeness

'아깝다' is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be combined with polite endings like '-요' or '-습니다' to fit formal contexts.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '아깝다' with simply '슬프다' (sad) or '안타깝다' (pitiful). '아깝다' specifically focuses on the sense of waste or regret about something valuable, not just sadness.

Example Sentences

이 좋은 기회를 그냥 버리다니 정말 아깝다.

I joheun gihoereul geunyang beoridani jeongmal akkabta.

It's really a waste to just throw away such a good opportunity.

아깝지만 돈이 없어서 여행을 못 갔어요.

Akkapjiman doni eopseoseo yeohaengeul mot gasseoyo.

It's a pity, but I couldn't go on the trip because I didn't have money.

이 옷은 새것인데 한 번도 안 입어서 아깝다.

I oseun saegeosinde han beondo an ibeoseo akkabta.

This clothes is new but I never wore it, so it's a waste.