Korean word

고통스럽다

Pronunciation

Romanizationkotongseureoptta

Meaning

  • adjectivepainful

Example

그 소식을 듣고 마음이 고통스럽다.keu so si geul teut kko ma eu mi ko tong seu reop tta

After hearing the news, my heart aches.

Illustration for 고통스럽다 (painful)

More examples

밤새 통증 때문에 몸이 고통스럽다.pam sae tong jeung ttae mu ne mo mi ko tong seu reop tta

Because of the pain, my body ached all night.

Core concept

A state of intense physical or emotional suffering that feels difficult to endure.

Common phrases

  • 몸이 고통스럽다mo mi ko tong seu reop tta

    body in pain

  • 표정이 고통스럽다pyo jeong i ko tong seu reop tta

    pained expression

Similar words

힘들다himdeulda: Difficult to do or endure because it requires much effort, time, or energy.
괴롭다koeroptta: Marked by ongoing physical or emotional distress that keeps the mind from feeling at ease.
아프다apeuda: Experiencing bodily pain, illness, or emotional hurt.

Definition in Korean

마음이나 몸에 심한 고통이나 괴로움이 있어 견디기 어려운 상태를 이르는 형용사.ma eu mi na mo me sim han ko tong i na koe ro u mi i sseo kyeon di gi eo ryeo un sang tae reul i reu neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

It combines a Sino-Korean base built from elements meaning bitterness and pain with a suffix meaning having that quality, forming an adjective for something filled with suffering.

Usage tips

  • English painful can sound mild, but this word usually signals suffering that is severe or emotionally heavy, so it fits tragic news and deep heartbreak better than a small inconvenience.

Other meanings

  • distressingadjective
  • unbearableadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word