편안함
pyeon-anham
The Korean word for comfort is 편안함 (pyeon-anham).
편안함 is used to describe a state of being free from anxiety, discomfort or disturbance.
Meaning: cause of relief or satisfaction (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
편안함 is a noun formed from the adjective 편안하다, which means 'to be comfortable/peaceful', by adding the nominalizing suffix -함.
Which one should you use?
While 편안함 refers to the state of physical or mental ease/comfort, the word 위로 refers to the act of comforting someone who is grieving or upset. Additionally, the formal term 위안 is used to indicate consolation, solace or finding comfort in difficult times.
How do you pronounce it?
pyeon-anham
Did you know?
- The word 편안함 describes a lack of disturbance, which is why it is often used in the context of 'rest in peace' on Korean gravestones or memorials.
- The root of 편안함 comes from the Hanja characters meaning 'peaceful' and 'comfortable', which implies a lack of chaos rather than just a soft cushion.
- The distinction between 편안함 and 위로 is so sharp that using the former to comfort a crying friend might make you sound like you are commenting on their physical posture.
Examples in context
- 저는 그의 슬픔을 위로하고 싶어요.I want to comfort him/her in his/her sadness.
- 그 어려운 상황에서 약간의 위안을 찾을 수 있을 거예요.You can find some comfort in that difficult situation.
- 여기 소파에 앉아서 편안한 분위기를 느껴봐요.Sit on the couch here and feel the cozy atmosphere.
- 가정적인 분위기로 인해 안락함을 느낄 수 있어요.You can feel comfort due to the homely atmosphere.
- 그 음악은 마음의 편안함을 줘요.geu eum-ak-eun ma-eum-ui pyeon-an-ham-eul jwoyo.That music gives peace of mind.
- 집은 저에게 최고의 편안함을 줘요.jib-eun jeo-e-ge choe-go-ui pyeon-an-ham-eul jwoyo.Home gives me the greatest comfort.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are relaxing in a cozy cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo여기 분위기가 정말 좋네요.yeo-gi bun-wi-ga jeong-mal jo-ne-yo.The atmosphere here is really nice.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요. 여기서 편안함을 느껴요.ma-ja-yo. yeo-gi-seo pyeon-an-ham-eul neu-gye-yo.That's true. I feel comfort here.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo커피 향도 정말 좋고요.keo-pi hyang-do jeong-mal jo-gu-yo.The smell of coffee is great, too.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 힐링 되는 기분이에요.jeong-mal hil-ling doe-neun gi-bun-i-e-yo.I feel truly healed.
