느끼다 (neu-kki-da, neukkida) · 느껴지다 (neu-kkyeo-ji-da, neukkyeojida)
느끼다 expresses an active, personal experience of sensation or emotion, while 느껴지다 describes a passive or natural perception of sensations or feelings as they are received.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To actively experience or perceive a sensation or emotion oneself
When to use
Direct emotion expression, Subjective experience, Active sensory perception
The nuance
Used when the subject actively experiences or perceives a sensation or emotion. Suitable for active and subjective feeling expressions.
To be felt or perceived passively or naturally, as sensations or emotions are received
When to use
Passive sensory perception, External stimulus reception, Atmosphere or state expression
The nuance
Used when sensations or emotions are passively perceived by the subject from external sources. Often used to express states or atmospheres.
나는 음악을 들으며 행복을 느꼈다.
na-neun eum-ak-eul deul-eu-myeo haeng-bok-eul neu-kkyeoss-da., na neun eum ak eul deul eu myeo haeng bok eul neu kkyeoss da.
The subject actively experiences the emotion of happiness, so 느끼다 is appropriate.
나는 음악을 들으며 행복이 느껴졌다.
na-neun eum-ak-eul deul-eu-myeo haeng-bok-i neu-kkyeo-jyeoss-da., na neun eum ak eul deul eu myeo haeng bok i neu kkyeo jyeoss da.
When the feeling of happiness is passively perceived or naturally arises, 느껴지다 fits.
그는 차가운 바람을 느껴졌다.
geu-neun cha-ga-un ba-ram-eul neu-kkyeo-jyeoss-da., geu neun cha ga un ba ram eul neu kkyeo jyeoss da.
Since the subject actively experiences the cold wind, 느끼다 is correct; 느껴지다 is inappropriate here.
그는 차가운 바람을 느꼈다.
geu-neun cha-ga-un ba-ram-eul neu-kkyeoss-da., geu neun cha ga un ba ram eul neu kkyeoss da.
Indicates direct sensory experience, so 느끼다 is appropriate.
이 방은 답답한 느낌이 느껴진다.
i bang-eun dap-dap-han neu-kkim-i neu-kkyeo-jin-da., i bang eun dap dap han neu kkim i neu kkyeo jin da.
Expressing atmosphere or state passively perceived, 느껴지다 is correct.
이 방은 답답한 느낌이 느낀다.
i bang-eun dap-dap-han neu-kkim-i neu-kkin-da., i bang eun dap dap han neu kkim i neu kkin da.
느끼다 requires an active subject; '느낀다' here is incorrect.
나는 그의 진심을 느꼈다.
na-neun geu-ui jin-sim-eul neu-kkyeoss-da., na neun geu ui jin sim eul neu kkyeoss da.
Active expression of subject directly perceiving sincerity; 느끼다 is correct.
그의 진심이 느껴진다.
geu-ui jin-sim-i neu-kkyeo-jin-da., geu ui jin sim i neu kkyeo jin da.
Sincerity is passively perceived as naturally conveyed; 느껴지다 fits.
Which expresses the subject actively experiencing emotions?
Which expresses atmosphere or state naturally perceived?
Which fits best in "The wind feels cold"?
Which fits best in "His sincerity is felt"?
