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.