Level 5

서럽다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Nuance

The adjective '서럽다' expresses a deep, often poignant sadness or sorrow. It is commonly used to describe feelings of loneliness, grief, or emotional pain that touch the heart deeply. Unlike simple sadness, '서럽다' often implies a sense of helplessness or emotional vulnerability.

Usage in Conversation

You might hear '서럽다' when someone talks about missing a loved one, feeling isolated, or experiencing emotional hardship. It is often paired with expressions of crying or lamenting.

Common Collocations

  • 서럽게 울다: to cry sorrowfully, emphasizing deep emotional pain.
  • 서러운 마음: a sorrowful heart, describing the emotional state.
  • 서럽게 느끼다: to feel sorrowful, often about personal loss or loneliness.

Register and Politeness

'서럽다' is a standard adjective and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often appears in more literary or emotional speech rather than casual daily talk.

Learner Tips

Do not confuse '서럽다' with '슬프다' (sad). While both mean sad, '서럽다' carries a stronger emotional weight and often relates to feelings of loneliness or helplessness. Use '서럽다' when you want to express a deeper, more poignant sorrow.

Example Sentences

그는 혼자 남아서 너무 서럽다고 말했다.

Geuneun honja namaseo neomu seoreopdago malhaetda.

He said he felt very sad being left alone.

서러운 마음을 달래기 위해 친구와 이야기를 나눴다.

Seoreoun maeumeul dallaegi wihae chinguga iyagireul nanwotda.

To soothe her sorrowful heart, she talked with a friend.

서럽다는 감정은 주로 외로움이나 상실감에서 비롯된다.

Seoreopdaneun gamjeongeun juro oeroumi na sangsilgameseo birotdoenda.

The feeling of being 'seoreopda' mainly arises from loneliness or a sense of loss.