기분
gibun[kibun]
The Korean word for mood is 기분 (gibun).
기분 refers to a person's mental state or mood. Rather than using a single adjective to describe how you feel, you typically use specific constructions to express your state.
Meaning: mental state (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a state of being, the noun 기분 is often used with the subject marker 이 to form 기분이.
How do you pronounce it?
gibun
Did you know?
- The root 기 in 기분 refers to the same 'qi' or 'chi' energy found in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts.
- In Korean social dynamics, managing the 기분 of others is often viewed as a key component of politeness and social harmony.
- The word 기분 is composed of two characters meaning 'atmosphere' and 'sharing'. It suggests that your mood is actually a way of 'sharing' or 'dividing' the energy of the surrounding atmosphere.
Examples in context
- 톰은 기분이 굉장히 좋네.Tom is in a very good mood.This sentence shows how to describe someone being in a very good mood using 기분.Tatoeba #8355857 by Eunhee, translation #3444653 by CK
- 나 지금 기분 나쁘니까 가까이 오지않는 편이 좋아.I'm in a bad mood right now, so you probably shouldn't get close to me.This sentence uses 기분 to express being in a bad mood and advising someone to stay away.Tatoeba #13144311 by SN_H, translation #10766750 by end
- 그럴 기분 아니야.I'm not in the mood.This sentence uses 기분 to express not being in the mood for something.Tatoeba #11105324 by intertime, translation #20410 by CM
- 나는 기분이 좋아요.I am in a good mood.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun오늘 기분 어때요?oneul gibun eottaeyo?How is your mood today?
- 민지 Min-ji커피를 마시니까 기분이 좋아요.keopireul masinikka gibuni joayo.I feel good now that I'm drinking coffee.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다행이네요. 맛있는 거 먹으러 갈까요?dahaengineyo. masinneun geo meogeureo galkkayo?That's a relief. Shall we go eat something delicious?
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요! 지훈 씨가 사주는 건가요?joayo! jihun ssiga sajuneun geongayo?Great! Are you buying, Jihoon?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mood” translations and entries 기분, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기분, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
