Korean word

까다롭다

Pronunciation

Romanizationkkadaroptta

Meaning

  • adjectivestrict

Example

심사가 까다로워서 합격하기 어렵다.sim sa ga kka da ro wo seo hap kkyeo ka gi eo ryeop tta

It is hard to pass because the screening is strict.

Illustration for 까다롭다 (strict)

More examples

그는 까다로운 입맛 때문에 식당 고르기가 어렵다.keu neun kka da ro un im mat ttae mu ne sik ttang ko reu gi ga eo ryeop tta

It is hard for him to choose a restaurant because he has a picky palate.

Core concept

A narrow gate that admits only what meets exact standards, whether in personal taste or formal evaluation.

Common phrases

  • 까다로운 입맛kka da ro un im mat

    picky palate

  • 까다로운 성격kka da ro un seong gyeok

    finicky personality

  • 까다로운 요구kka da ro un yo gu

    exacting demands

Similar words

까탈스럽다kkatalseureoptta: Making many small demands about treatment or preferences and showing displeasure easily.
엄격하다eomgyeokada: Applying rules or standards firmly without allowing much leniency.
까칠하다kkachilhada: Seeming cold and sharp in manner, so approaching feels uncomfortable.
예민하다yeminhada: Being highly responsive to minor changes in the body, senses, or feelings.

Definition in Korean

입맛이나 취향 등에서 선택 기준이 좁아 작은 차이에도 만족하지 못하는 상태를 가리킨다.im ma si na chwi hyang teung e seo seon taek ki ju ni cho ba cha geun cha i e do man jo ka ji mo ta neun sang tae reul ka ri kin da

Word origin

It is generally analyzed as a native Korean stem meaning to be fussy combined with an adjective-forming suffix, yielding the sense of having that quality.

Usage tips

  • English strict often suggests firm rules, but this word commonly describes demanding personal tastes or standards in everyday conversation.

Other meanings

  • pickyadjective

Opposites

  • 털털하다teolteolhadaeasygoingadjective
  • 소탈하다sotalhadaunpretentiousadjective

Related words

  • 까다로움kkadaroumpickinessnoun
  • 까다롭게kkadaropkkedemandinglyadverb

Word lists with this word