Korean word

두려워하다

Pronunciation

Romanizationturyeowohada

Meaning

  • verbfear

Example

사람들은 실패를 두려워한다.sa ram deu reun sil pae reul tu ryeo wo han da

People fear failure.

Illustration for 두려워하다 (fear)

More examples

그는 남의 시선을 두려워해서 발표를 피했다.keu neun na mui si seo neul tu ryeo wo hae seo pal pyo reul pi haet tta

He avoided giving a presentation because he was afraid of being watched by others.

Core concept

An expected bad outcome creates fear that makes someone hesitate or avoid acting.

Common phrases

  • 남의 시선을 두려워하다na mui si seo neul tu ryeo wo ha da

    fear other people's gaze

  • 새로운 일을 두려워하다sae ro un i reul tu ryeo wo ha da

    fear new things

Similar words

무서워하다museowohada: A person reacts with strong fear to a specific thing or situation through speech or behavior.
겁내다keomnaeda: A person becomes wary of danger or failure and pauses before taking action.
겁나다keomnada: A brief burst of fear leaves a person visibly startled for a short time.
주저하다chujeohada: A person delays a decision or action because the next step feels hard to choose.

Definition in Korean

미래의 위험이나 실패 가능성 때문에 불안해하고 피하려는 태도나 감정을 나타내는 동사.mi rae ui wi heo mi na sil pae ka neung seong ttae mu ne pu ran hae ha go pi ha ryeo neun tae do na kam jeong eul na ta nae neun tong sa

Word origin

The verb derives from a Korean adjective meaning fearful through a derivational ending that presents the feeling as an active response.

Usage tips

  • In TOPIK reading, the surrounding noun often identifies the feared possibility, which may be a result or decision rather than a present danger.

Opposites

  • 용기를 내다yonggireul naedatake courageverb
  • 담대해지다tamdaehaejidabecome boldverb

Related words

Word lists with this word