Level 5

서운하다

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Meaning and Usage

서운하다 expresses a feeling of mild sadness or disappointment, often when someone feels neglected, ignored, or when expectations are not met emotionally. It is softer than words like '슬프다' (sad) and often implies a personal or relational nuance.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in personal relationships, such as with friends, family, or romantic partners, to express feelings of emotional letdown without strong anger.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 서운하다 + 고 말하다: to say one feels disappointed or hurt
  • 서운함을 느끼다: to feel a sense of disappointment
  • 서운한 마음: a disappointed or hurt heart

Register and Politeness

서운하다 is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite speech, but it is more common in informal or semi-formal contexts.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 서운하다 with 서럽다, which means deeply sorrowful or pitiful. 서운하다 is lighter and more about feeling emotionally slighted rather than deep grief.

Example Sentences

친구가 약속을 취소해서 서운했어요.

Chinguga yaksogeul chwisohaeseo seounhaesseoyo.

I felt disappointed because my friend canceled the appointment.

서운하다고 말하지 말고 솔직하게 이야기해 봐.

Seounhadago malhaji malgo soljikage iyagihae bwa.

Instead of saying you’re upset, try to speak honestly.

그가 내 말을 무시해서 서운했어요.

Geuga nae mareul musihaseo seounhaesseoyo.

I felt hurt because he ignored what I said.