Meaning and Usage
'근심' refers to feelings of worry, anxiety, or concern about something uncertain or troubling. It is often used in both spoken and written Korean to express emotional unease.
Common Contexts
This word frequently appears when discussing personal problems, future uncertainties, or emotional burdens. It can describe both mild worries and deeper anxieties.
Collocations and Patterns
- 근심하다: to worry or be anxious
- 근심을 털어놓다: to confide one's worries
- 근심이 많다: to have many worries
These expressions are common in everyday conversation and formal writing.
Register and Politeness
'근심' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with polite verbs or expressions, it fits well in respectful speech.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '근심' with '걱정', which also means worry. '근심' often implies a deeper or more prolonged anxiety, while '걱정' can be more casual or immediate. Use '근심' when referring to more serious or lasting concerns.