무섭다 (mu-seop-da, museopda)
무섭다 (museopda) expresses fear or being scared. It's a common adjective in both spoken and written Korean.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
무섭다 means feeling fear or being scared by something or a situation.
Nuances
When to use
daily conversation, watching horror movies, children's education
In context
무섭다 is an adjective describing the subject's feeling of fear. It usually appears with the subject marked by ‘-이/가’. The verb form ‘무서워하다’ expresses someone else's fear.
저는 어두운 곳이 무서워요.
jeo-neun eo-du-un gos-i mu-seo-wo-yo., jeo neun eo du un gos i mu seo wo yo.
‘무섭다’ correctly describes the subject's feeling.
그 영화는 정말 무섭다.
geu yeong-hwa-neun jeong-mal mu-seop-da., geu yeong hwa neun jeong mal mu seop da.
‘무섭다’ is used to express fear caused by an object (movie).
나는 무서워하다.
na-neun mu-seo-wo-ha-da., na neun mu seo wo ha da.
‘무서워하다’ is for others' fear; not used with first person subject.
그는 무서워해요.
geu-neun mu-seo-wo-hae-yo., geu neun mu seo wo hae yo.
‘무서워하다’ correctly used with third person subject.
What does 무섭다 mean?
When do you use ‘무서워하다’?
Which sentence is correct?
