곤란하다

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Meaning and Usage

'곤란하다' describes a state of difficulty, trouble, or awkwardness. It is often used to express situations where something is hard to do or causes discomfort.

Common Contexts

You will hear '곤란하다' in both formal and informal settings, especially when discussing problems, challenges, or uncomfortable social situations.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '곤란하다' + noun: to describe a difficult situation (e.g., 곤란한 문제 - difficult problem)
  • '곤란하다' + verb stem + 기 어렵다: to express difficulty in doing something (e.g., 해결하기 곤란하다 - difficult to solve)
  • '곤란하다' used with expressions of feelings or reactions (e.g., 곤란한 표정 - an awkward expression)

Nuances

Using '곤란하다' often implies that the speaker feels troubled or inconvenienced by the situation. It can also convey a polite way to refuse or express hesitation.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '곤란하다' with '어렵다' (difficult). While both mean difficulty, '곤란하다' often carries a nuance of social or practical trouble, not just intellectual difficulty. Use '곤란하다' when the difficulty causes discomfort or awkwardness.

Example Sentences

이 문제는 너무 곤란해서 혼자 해결하기 어렵다.

I munjeneun neomu gonranhaeseo honja haegyeolhagi eoryeopda.

This problem is so difficult that it's hard to solve alone.

곤란한 상황에서는 솔직하게 말하는 것이 좋다.

Gonranhan sanghwangeseoneun soljikage malhaneun geosi jota.

In difficult situations, it's better to speak honestly.

그의 질문에 답하기가 곤란했다.

Geuui jilmun-e dab-hagi-ga gonranhaetda.

It was difficult to answer his question.