Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Difficult" in Korean: 어렵다
어렵다eoryeopda
Difficult in Korean is 어렵다 (eoryeopda). 어렵다 becomes 어려워요; it can describe a difficult task or an awkward situation.
Difficult: an everyday statement
이 문법은 어려워요.i munbeobeun eoryeowoyo.
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How to pronounce 어렵다
Say it
eoryeopda
/ʌɾjʌp̚t͈a/
Read 어렵다 as eoryeopda. The spoken form 어려워요 is eoryeowoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Difficult" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 어렵다eoryeopda | Difficult Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 어려워요eoryeowoyo | Difficult (polite present) Use 어려워요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 어려워요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 어려웠어요eoryeowosseoyo | Difficult (polite past) Use 어려웠어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 어려웠어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 어렵다 in real life
- 1Difficult: an everyday statement
이 문법은 어려워요.
i munbeobeun eoryeowoyo.
This grammar is difficult.
어려워요 is the present form of 어렵다.
- 2Difficult: a different situation
처음에는 발음이 어려웠어요.
cheoeumeneun bareumi eoryeowosseoyo.
The pronunciation was difficult at first.
어려웠어요 is the past form of 어렵다.
- 3Difficult: a question or request
혼자 하기 어려워요?
honja hagi eoryeowoyo?
Is it difficult to do alone?
어려워요 is the present form of 어렵다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 어렵다
Incorrect: 어렵다.
Correct: 어려워요.
When practicing difficult, 어렵다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 어려워요.
Incorrect: 어제 어려워요.
Correct: 어제 어려웠어요.
When practicing difficult, for a completed event yesterday, use 어려웠어요; the present form 어려워요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
어렵다 becomes 어려워요; it can describe a difficult task or an awkward situation. 어려워요 is the polite conversational form of 어렵다; 어려웠어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 어렵다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
이 문법은 어려워요.
i munbeobeun eoryeowoyo.
This grammar is difficult.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
처음에는 발음이 어려웠어요.
cheoeumeneun bareumi eoryeowosseoyo.
The pronunciation was difficult at first.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
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FAQ
Common questions about "Difficult" in Korean
How do I use 어렵다 in polite speech?
어려워요 is the polite conversational form of 어렵다; 어려웠어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 어렵다 in a past-tense sentence?
어려웠어요 is the polite past form. 어렵다 becomes 어려워요; it can describe a difficult task or an awkward situation.
What does 어려워요 mean here?
어려워요 is used for difficult. For example, 이 문법은 어려워요. means “This grammar is difficult.”
What should I remember about 어렵다?
어렵다 becomes 어려워요; it can describe a difficult task or an awkward situation.
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