Korean word

고민

Pronunciation

Romanizationkomin

Meaning

  • nounworry

Example

요즘 고민이 많아.yo jeum ko mi ni ma na

I have a lot of worries these days.

Illustration for 고민 (worry)

More examples

혼자서 고민만 하지 마.hon ja seo ko min man ha ji ma

Don't just worry about it on your own.

Core concept

A problem or choice keeps circling in the mind, making it hard to settle on a decision.

Common phrases

  • 고민이 많다ko mi ni man ta

    have a lot to worry about

  • 고민을 털어놓다ko mi neul teo reo no ta

    open up about one's worries

  • 고민을 나누다ko mi neul na nu da

    share one's worries

Similar words

걱정keokjjeong: Uneasy concern about whether something important will turn out well.
망설임mangseorim: Hesitation delays action or a decision when the right choice is unclear.
갈등kaltteung: Inner conflict arises when opposing thoughts or feelings make a choice hard to settle.

Definition in Korean

어떤 문제나 선택 때문에 마음이 무겁고 결정을 내리지 못해 계속 생각하게 되는 상태를 가리키는 명사.eo tteon mun je na seon taek ttae mu ne ma eu mi mu geop kko kyeol jeong eul nae ri ji mo tae kye sok saeng ga ka ge toe neun sang tae reul ka ri ki neun myeong sa

Word origin

The Sino-Korean word combines elements associated with suffering and inner frustration, reflecting the heavy feeling of prolonged mental struggle.

Usage tips

  • English worry can focus on fear about what will happen, but this word often highlights the thinking and uncertainty involved in solving a problem or choosing between options.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word