Level 6

얄밉다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '얄밉다' describes someone or something that is irritatingly mean or offensive, often in a way that provokes annoyance or frustration. It is commonly used to express a feeling of being bothered by someone's behavior that is deliberately unpleasant or teasing.

Nuance and Context

'얄밉다' often carries a slightly emotional tone, implying that the person's behavior is not just rude but also somewhat provoking or spiteful. It is frequently used in informal or conversational contexts, especially when talking about family members, friends, or children who act in a way that is both annoying and endearing.

Common Collocations and Patterns

  • 얄밉게 굴다: to act annoyingly or offensively
  • 얄밉지만: although annoying/offensive
  • 얄밉도록: to the point of being annoying

These patterns help express the degree or contrast of the annoying behavior.

Register and Politeness

'얄밉다' is generally informal and used in everyday speech rather than formal writing. It is suitable for casual conversations but may sound too emotional or subjective in formal contexts.

Learner Tips

A common confusion is mixing '얄밉다' with stronger words like '미워하다' (to hate). '얄밉다' implies irritation or mild resentment rather than deep hatred. Use it when you want to express annoyance without harsh negativity.

Example Sentences

그 사람은 자꾸 얄밉게 굴어서 같이 일하기 힘들다.

Geu sarameun jakku yalmipge gureoseo gati ilhagi himdeulda.

That person keeps acting offensively, so it's hard to work together.

얄밉지만 그래도 가족이라서 용서할 수밖에 없다.

Yalmipjiman geuraedo gajokiraseo yongseohal subakke eopda.

Although annoying, I have no choice but to forgive because they are family.

아이들이 장난을 쳐서 얄밉지만 귀엽다.

Aideuri jangnaneul chyeoseo yalmipjiman gwiyeopda.

The kids are annoying because they play tricks, but they are cute.