Meaning and Usage
The adjective '무관심하다' means 'to be indifferent' or 'to show no interest' in something. It is often used to describe a lack of concern or emotional involvement toward people, events, or issues.
Common Contexts
This word frequently appears in discussions about social issues, politics, relationships, or emotional responses. For example, people might say someone is '무관심하다' toward social problems or personal matters.
Collocations and Patterns
- 무관심하다 + 에 (to be indifferent to something): 사회 문제에 무관심하다 (be indifferent to social issues)
- 무관심한 태도 (indifferent attitude): shows emotional detachment or lack of empathy
- 무관심을 보이다 (to show indifference): used to describe someone's behavior
Register and Nuance
'무관심하다' is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It often carries a slightly negative nuance, implying neglect or disregard.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '무관심하다' with '관심 없다' which also means 'not interested.' However, '무관심하다' emphasizes emotional detachment or apathy, while '관심 없다' can be more casual or situational. Use '무관심하다' when describing a deeper or more general lack of concern.