Level 4

우울하다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '우울하다' describes a state of feeling melancholy, gloomy, or depressed. It is commonly used to express emotional states related to sadness or low spirits.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '우울하다' in everyday conversations when someone talks about their mood, especially during difficult times or bad weather. It is a neutral word but leans toward a somewhat serious or somber tone.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 우울한 기분 (a gloomy mood): Describes the feeling itself.
  • 우울해지다 (to become gloomy): Shows a change into a gloomy state.
  • 우울할 때 (when feeling gloomy): Used to talk about situations or advice related to feeling down.

Register and Politeness

'우울하다' is a standard adjective and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is not slang or overly casual.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '우울하다' with '슬프다' (to be sad). '우울하다' implies a more prolonged or general gloomy mood, while '슬프다' often refers to sadness caused by a specific event. Use '우울하다' when describing an overall depressed or melancholic feeling rather than a momentary sadness.

Example Sentences

요즘 들어 자꾸 우울한 기분이 들어서 친구에게 이야기했어요.

Yojeum deureo jakku uulhan gibuni deureoseo chinguege iyagihaesseoyo.

Lately, I've been feeling gloomy often, so I talked to my friend about it.

비가 오면 기분이 우울해지는 사람이 많아요.

Biga omyeon gibuni uulhaejineun sarami manhayo.

Many people feel gloomy when it rains.

우울할 때는 혼자 있기보다는 누군가와 이야기하는 게 좋아요.

Uulhal ttaeneun honja itgibodaneun nugungawa iyagihaneun ge joayo.

When feeling depressed, it's better to talk with someone rather than being alone.