그리운
geuriun
The English word nostalgic is translated into Korean as 그리운 (geuriun).
This word is used to describe a sentimental longing for the past, people or places that are no longer present.
Meaning: pertaining to nostalgia (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 그리운 is derived from the verb 그립다, which expresses a feeling of longing or missing someone or something.
Which one should you use?
The form 그리운 is used as an adjective to modify a noun, whereas 그립다 is the dictionary form used as a predicate. The phrase 옛날 생각이 나다 is an informal phrase used to denote recalling memories or thinking of the past.
How does it change in a sentence?
그리운 is an adjectival form used to modify a noun, such as 그리운 시절 (nostalgic times). The dictionary form of this adjective is 그립다, which is used as a predicate in a sentence (e.g., 그 시절이 그립다 – I miss those times).
How do you pronounce it?
geuriun
Did you know?
- While English uses 'nostalgia' as a noun, the Korean root 그립다 can actually describe a physical sensation of a 'tightness' or 'aching' in the heart, suggesting the emotion is felt as a bodily pain.
- In Korean, the feeling of being 그리운 is often associated with 'Han' (한), a uniquely Korean cultural concept of deep sorrow, resentment and longing that can be passed down through generations.
- While English speakers say 'I miss you' using a verb, the Korean word 그립다 is technically an adjective. This means the 'missing' is described as a state of being rather than an action performed by the speaker.
Examples in context
- 우리가 함께 보낸 여름밤은 항상 향수를 느끼게 해.The summer nights we spent together always make me feel nostalgic.
- 그리운 시절이 떠올라요.geuriun sijeori tteo-ol-layo.Nostalgic times come to mind.
- 그리운 고향의 냄새예요.geuriun gohyang-ui naemsae-ye-yo.It is the nostalgic scent of my hometown.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are looking through an old photo album.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 사진 정말 그리운 장면이네요.i sajin jeongmal geuriun jangmyeon-i-neyo.This photo is such a nostalgic scene.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 그때가 정말 그리워요.majayo, geuttaega jeongmal geuriwoyo.True, I really miss those times.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨는 옛날 노래를 좋아하나요?Jieun ssi-neun yennal noraereul joahayo?Jieun, do you like old songs?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 옛날 노래는 참 그리운 느낌을 줘요.ne, yennal noraeneun cham geuriun neukkimeul jwoyo.Yes, old songs give such a nostalgic feeling.
