Level 4

억울하다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

억울하다 expresses a feeling of being wronged, unfairly treated, or feeling deeply disappointed because of injustice. It often implies emotional pain caused by situations where one’s innocence or fairness is denied.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when someone feels falsely accused, misunderstood, or treated unfairly by others. It is common in both personal and legal contexts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 억울하다 + 고 (억울하다고 말하다): to say one feels wronged
  • 억울한 누명 (wrongful accusation): a common phrase indicating false blame
  • 억울한 마음 (feeling of injustice): expressing emotional state

Register and Politeness

억울하다 is neutral in formality and can be used in everyday conversation. When expressing strong feelings, it may be combined with polite endings.

Learner Tips

Don’t confuse 억울하다 with 슬프다 (sad) or 화나다 (angry). 억울하다 specifically conveys a sense of injustice or unfairness, not just general sadness or anger. Use it when you want to emphasize that you feel unfairly treated or misunderstood.

Example Sentences

나는 억울해서 눈물이 났다.

Naneun eokulhaeseo nunmuri natda.

I felt so wronged that I cried.

억울한 일을 당했을 때는 꼭 말해야 한다.

Eokulhan ireul danghaesseul ttaeneun kkok malhaeya handa.

You must speak up when you experience something unfair.

그는 억울한 누명을 벗기 위해 노력했다.

Geuneun eokulhan numyeong-eul beotgi wihae noryeokhaetta.

He tried hard to clear his wrongful accusation.