너그럽다

neogeureopda

Lenient, tolerant

TOPIK 5

Meaning and Usage

The adjective '너그럽다' describes a person who is lenient, tolerant, or generous in spirit. It often implies a warm-hearted acceptance of others' faults or shortcomings.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear '너그럽다' used when talking about someone's attitude towards mistakes, faults, or differences. It is common in both personal relationships and social situations where understanding and forgiveness are valued.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 너그럽게 대하다: to treat someone leniently or generously
  • 너그러운 마음: a generous or tolerant heart
  • 너그럽게 이해하다: to understand leniently

These phrases emphasize kindness and acceptance.

Register and Nuance

'너그럽다' is polite and somewhat formal, suitable for respectful speech. It conveys positive feelings and is often used to praise someone's character.

Common Learner Mistake

Do not confuse '너그럽다' with '너무' (too much) or '너그러운' with '느긋한' (relaxed). '너그럽다' specifically relates to generosity and tolerance, not to being slow or laid-back.

Example Sentences

그는 항상 너그럽게 사람들을 대한다.

Geuneun hangsang neogeureopge saramdeureul daehanda.

He always treats people with leniency.

부모님은 내 실수를 너그럽게 이해해 주셨다.

Bumonim eun nae silsureul neogeureopge ihaehae jusyeotda.

My parents kindly understood my mistakes.

너그러운 마음으로 친구의 잘못을 용서했다.

Neogeureoun maeumeuro chingue jalmosseul yongseohaetda.

I forgave my friend's mistake with a generous heart.