망상
mangsang
The English word 'delusional' is translated into Korean as 망상 (mangsang).
망상 is a noun meaning 'delusion.'
Meaning: suffering from or characterized by delusions (adj)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish 망상 from 착각. While 망상 refers to a clinical or deep-seated delusion, 착각 is used for much lighter, everyday mistakes or misconceptions (e.g., 'I was mistaken/under the illusion that…').
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adapt the root word 망상 into different grammatical forms: to say 'to be delusional,' use the adjective form 망상적이다, which combines the noun with the suffix –적 (characteristic of) and the copula –이다 (to be). To describe the state of being 'lost in delusions' or 'suffering from delusions,' use the phrase 망상에 빠지다. If you want to refer to a person who is delusional, use the noun 망상가, created by adding the suffix –가 (person/specialist) to the root.
How do you pronounce it?
mangsang
Did you know?
- In modern internet slang, the term 망상 is frequently used by fans of K-pop or anime to describe 'shipping' or imagining romantic scenarios with their favorite idols.
- The word 망상 is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Chinese characters 妄 meaning 'reckless' and 想 meaning 'thought'.
- The suffix 가 in 망상가 is the same one used in 음악가 for 'musician' or 소설가 for 'novelist'.
Examples in context
- 그는 현실적인 판단력이 없어 착각을 많이 합니다.He lacks realistic judgment and has many delusions.
- 왜 헛된 꿈을 가지고 있는 거야?Why do you have delusional dreams?
- 그는 망상에 빠져 있다.geuneun mangsang-e ppajyeo itda.He is lost in a delusion.
- 그녀의 말은 망상에 불과하다.geunyeoui mareun mangsang-e bulgwahada.Her words are nothing more than a delusion.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Su-bin are talking about a friend's unrealistic claim.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그 친구는 자기가 천재라고 믿어요.geu chinguneun jagiga cheonjaerago mideoyo.That friend believes he is a genius.
- 수빈 Su-bin완전 망상 아니에요?wanjeon mangsang anieyo?Isn't that completely delusional?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 정말 심한 것 같아요.ne, jeongmal simhan geot gatayo.Yes, I think it is really severe.
- 수빈 Su-bin걱정이 되네요.geokjeongi doeneyo.I am worried.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 망상, CC BY-SA 4.0.
