Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 공포 | gongpo | [ˈko̞(ː)ŋpʰo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ko̞ŋpʰo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 무서움 | museoum | [musʰʌ̹um] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 두려움 | duryeoum | [tuɾjʌ̹um] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
공포 is used to refer to the abstract concept of terror or the specific genre of horror, such as in the term 공포 영화 (horror movie). Other words describe different nuances of fear: 무서움 relates to the immediate, sensory feeling of being scared, while 두려움 refers to psychological or existential dread, such as a fear of the unknown.
Which one should you use?
공포 is used for abstract terror or the horror genre. In contrast, 무서움 is used for the immediate, sensory feeling of being scared by something specific, like a ghost or a dark room. 두려움 is used for a more psychological or existential dread, such as the fear of failure.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun 공포 as an adjective meaning 'horrifying', you can add the suffix –스러운 to create 공포스러운.
How do you pronounce it?
gongpo
Did you know?
- The word 공포 is a homonym of the word for 'public announcement', which is written as 공포 (公布) using different Hanja characters. While they sound identical, the context of the sentence determines whether you are talking about terror or a formal notice.
- Korean ghost stories often center on 한, a feeling of unresolved grief and resentment that transforms into the kind of 공포 found in traditional folklore.
- The term 공포 is used in the phrase 공포 정치, which translates to 'politics of fear' or 'reign of terror'.
Examples in context
- 이 공포 영화에선 죽은 사람이 다시 살아나는 것이 가능하다.In this horror movie, it is possible for the dead to come back to life.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 공포 in the context of a horror movie.Tatoeba #13142017 by SN_H, translation #2661872 by WestofEden
- 저는 공포 영화를 정말 좋아합니다.I really enjoy horror movies.
- 귀신 이야기가 오싹 오싹하네요.The ghost story gives me the creeps.
- 그는 공포를 느끼며 몸을 떨었다.geuneun gongporeul neukkimeo momeul tteoreotda.He trembled, feeling horror.
- 어둠 속에서 공포가 밀려왔다.eodum sogeseo gongpoga millyeowatda.Horror washed over me in the darkness.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking about a spooky abandoned house.
- 수빈 Su-bin저 집은 정말 공포 그 자체예요.jeo jibeun jeongmal gongpo geu jacheyeyo.That house is pure horror.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요, 근처에 가기도 싫어요.majayo, geuncheoe gagido sireoyo.You're right, I don't even want to go near it.
- 수빈 Su-bin밤에 혼자 가면 정말 무서울 거예요.bame honja gamyeon jeongmal museoul geoyeyo.It would be really scary to go there alone at night.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저는 절대 안 갈 거예요.jeoneun jeoldae an gal geoyeyo.I am definitely not going.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horror” translations and entries 공포, 무서움, 두려움, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 공포, 두려움, 무서움, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
