Korean word

애처롭다

Pronunciation

Romanizationaecheoroptta

Meaning

  • adjectivepitiful

Example

그 강아지가 버려져서 정말 애처로워.keu kang a ji ga peo ryeo jeo seo cheong mal ae cheo ro wo

That poor puppy had been abandoned, so it was really pitiful.

Illustration for 애처롭다 (pitiful)

More examples

그의 부탁이 너무 애처로워서 거절하기가 어려웠다.keu ui pu ta gi neo mu ae cheo ro wo seo keo jeol ha gi ga eo ryeo wot tta

His request was so pitiful that it was hard to refuse.

Core concept

A sad, vulnerable state that naturally draws compassion.

Common phrases

  • 애처로운 눈빛ae cheo ro un nun bit

    pitiful look

  • 애처로운 처지ae cheo ro un cheo ji

    pitiful situation

  • 애처로운 부탁ae cheo ro un pu tak

    pitiful request

Similar words

불쌍하다pulssanghada: Seeing someone or an animal in trouble brings a strong feeling of compassion.
가엾다kayeoptta: A pitiable person or animal stirs sorrow and heartfelt sympathy in somewhat literary wording.

Definition in Korean

어떤 사람이나 동물의 처지가 슬프고 도와주고 싶은 마음이 들게 만드는 상태를 나타내는 형용사.eo tteon sa ra mi na tong mu rui cheo ji ga seul peu go to wa ju go si peun ma eu mi teul kke man deu neun sang tae reul na ta nae neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

The exact history of 애처 (aecheo, "a sorrowful, pitiable state") is uncertain, but 롭다 (roptta, "an adjective-forming element") gives the word an adjectival sense of having that quality.

Usage tips

  • It suits an emotionally moving sight or situation, not merely something that is difficult or unlucky.

Other meanings

  • miserableadjective

Related words

  • 애처로움aecheoroumpitifulnessnoun
  • 애처롭게aecheoropkkepitifullyadverb

Word lists with this word