Meaning and Usage
The adjective '초조하다' describes a feeling of impatience or anxiety, often when waiting for something important or uncertain. It conveys a sense of nervousness and restlessness.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '초조하다' used when someone is waiting for results, news, or an event that causes stress or nervous anticipation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 초조하다 + 고 있다: to be feeling anxious right now
- 초조해하다: to feel anxious or impatient (verb form)
- 초조한 표정: an anxious or nervous expression
Register and Politeness
'초조하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in spoken and written Korean.
Learner Tips
Don't confuse '초조하다' with '조급하다' which also means impatient but often implies rushing or hurrying. '초조하다' focuses more on the emotional anxiety or nervousness rather than the action of rushing.