걱정하다 (geok-jeong-ha-da, geokjeonghada) · 불안하다 (bul-an-ha-da, bulanhada)
걱정하다 refers to concern about specific issues, while 불안하다 describes vague, ongoing feelings of unease or anxiety.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To be concerned or worried about a specific problem or situation
When to use
exam results, health issues, delayed appointment
The nuance
Use 걱정하다 when thinking about a clear, specific cause or situation; it implies conscious concern over identifiable issues.
To feel vague, persistent unease or anxiety, often without a specific cause
When to use
vague fear of future, pre-exam nervousness, uncertain situations
The nuance
Use 불안하다 to express a vague, uneasy feeling often without a clear cause; suitable for prolonged or mental/emotional states.
내일 시험 결과가 걱정돼.
nae-il si-heom gyeol-gwa-ga geok-jeong-dwae., nae il si heom gyeol gwa ga geok jeong dwae.
Appropriate because it expresses concern about a specific issue: exam results.
내일 시험 결과가 불안해.
nae-il si-heom gyeol-gwa-ga bul-an-hae., nae il si heom gyeol gwa ga bul an hae.
Unnatural because 불안하다 suits vague feelings, not specific issues like exam results.
건강 때문에 걱정하고 있어.
geon-gang ttae-mun-e geok-jeong-ha-go iss-eo., geon gang ttae mun e geok jeong ha go iss eo.
Correct because it refers to concern about a specific problem: health.
건강 때문에 불안하고 있어.
geon-gang ttae-mun-e bul-an-ha-go iss-eo., geon gang ttae mun e bul an ha go iss eo.
Incorrect because '불안하고 있다' is unnatural; use '불안하다' without progressive form.
미래가 불안해.
mi-rae-ga bul-an-hae., mi rae ga bul an hae.
Correct because the future is vague and uncertain, fitting 불안하다.
미래가 걱정돼.
mi-rae-ga geok-jeong-dwae., mi rae ga geok jeong dwae.
Incorrect because 미래 is vague; 걱정하다 implies specificity, so 불안하다 fits better.
약속이 늦어서 걱정했어.
yak-sok-i neuj-eo-seo geok-jeong-haess-eo., yak sok i neuj eo seo geok jeong haess eo.
Natural as it expresses concern over a specific event: delayed appointment.
약속이 늦어서 불안했어.
yak-sok-i neuj-eo-seo bul-an-haess-eo., yak sok i neuj eo seo bul an haess eo.
Unnatural because 불안하다 suits vague feelings, not concrete events like a late appointment.
Which expression is closest to '시험 결과가 걱정돼'?
Why is '미래가 불안해' appropriate?
In which situation should you use '불안하다'?
