Korean word

콤플렉스

Pronunciation

Romanizationkompeulleksseu

Meaning

  • nouninferiority complex

Example

어릴 때부터 콤플렉스를 느꼈다.eo ril ttae bu teo kom peul lek sseu reul neu kkyeot tta

I've had an inferiority complex since I was young.

Illustration for 콤플렉스 (inferiority complex)

More examples

외모에 대한 콤플렉스 때문에 사진 찍는 걸 싫어한다.oe mo e tae han kom peul lek sseu ttae mu ne sa jin jjing neun keol si reo han da

Because of an inferiority complex about their appearance, they dislike having their picture taken.

Core concept

An inner burden created by feeling inferior to others, especially when it affects confidence or action.

Common phrases

  • 외모 콤플렉스oe mo kom peul lek sseu

    appearance complex

  • 콤플렉스가 있다kom peul lek sseu ga it tta

    have an inferiority complex

  • 콤플렉스를 털어놓다kom peul lek sseu reul teo reo no ta

    open up about an inferiority complex

Similar words

열등감yeoldeunggam: A feeling of being less worthy than other people that leads to self-doubt.
자격지심chagyeokjjisim: A feeling of not being worthy of a role, benefit, or kind treatment.
자존감chajongam: A sense of personal worth that supports self-respect.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람과 비교하여 스스로를 낮게 평가하여 불편함이나 거리낌을 느끼는 심리 상태를 가리키는 명사.ta reun sa ram gwa pi gyo ha yeo seu seu ro reul nat kke pyeong ga ha yeo pul pyeon ha mi na keo ri kki meul neu kki neun sim ni sang tae reul ka ri ki neun myeong sa

Word origin

Its form reflects the English word complex, while its common Korean sense comes from the psychological expression inferiority complex.

Usage tips

  • The word is broader and more conversational in everyday use than a clinical diagnosis, so it can describe an ordinary insecurity without suggesting a mental disorder.

Opposites

Word lists with this word