What does 답답하다 mean?

답답하다 (dap-dap-ha-da, dapdaphada)

답답하다 (dapdap-hada) is a common adjective expressing feelings of frustration or stuffiness. Learn its meanings and usage.

Meaning of 답답하다 in Korean

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

답답하다(dap-dap-ha-da, dapdaphada)

답답하다 means feeling emotionally frustrated or physically stuffy, like having difficulty breathing in a cramped space.

Nuances

  • Emotional frustration: feeling mentally stifled or anxious
  • Physical stuffiness: cramped or poorly ventilated space
  • Frustrating situation: feeling stuck due to unresolved problems

When to use

Expressing emotions, Describing space, Everyday conversation

In context

답답하다 is mainly an adjective describing emotional frustration or physical stuffiness. It is commonly used in both formal and informal speech.

Real-world examples

  • 시험 결과가 너무 안 좋아서 마음이 답답해.

    si-heom gyeol-gwa-ga neo-mu an joh-a-seo ma-eum-i dap-dap-hae., si heom gyeol gwa ga neo mu an joh a seo ma eum i dap dap hae.

    Natural use of 답답하다 to express emotional state.

  • 이 방은 창문이 없어서 답답해.

    i bang-eun chang-mun-i eop-eo-seo dap-dap-hae., i bang eun chang mun i eop eo seo dap dap hae.

    답답하다 is used to describe cramped or stuffy spaces.

  • 답답하다 친구를 만나서 기분이 좋아졌어.

    dap-dap-ha-da chin-gu-reul man-na-seo gi-bun-i joh-a-jyeoss-eo., dap dap ha da chin gu reul man na seo gi bun i joh a jyeoss eo.

    답답하다 is unnatural when directly modifying a person.

  • 답답한 일이 많아서 스트레스를 받아.

    dap-dap-han il-i man-a-seo seu-teu-re-seu-reul bat-a., dap dap han il i man a seo seu teu re seu reul bat a.

    Appropriate use to express frustration caused by situations.

Quick quiz

  1. Which is NOT a meaning of 답답하다?

    답답하다의 의미가 아닌 것은?(dap-dap-ha-da-uiui-mi-gaa-ningeos-eun?, dapdaphadauiuimigaaningeoseun?)
  2. Which sentence uses 답답하다 correctly?

    다음 중 답답하다를 올바르게 쓴 문장은?(da-eumjungdap-dap-ha-da-reulol-ba-reu-gesseunmun-jang-eun?, daeumjungdapdaphadareulolbareugesseunmunjangeun?)

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