한심한
hansimhan
The English word "pathetic" is translated into Korean as 한심한 (hansimhan).
The term is used to describe someone's behavior, a person's character or a situation that is pitiful, disappointing or contemptible.
Meaning: arousing scorn or contempt (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 한심한 is the adjectival form used to modify nouns, the verb-like dictionary form is 한심하다. Additionally, 엉망이다 can be used informally to describe a situation or person as being a mess or in shambles.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the adjective is the verb-like form 한심하다.
How do you pronounce it?
hansimhan
Did you know?
- While 한심하다 describes a 'pathetic' person you might look down upon, Koreans use the word 불쌍하다 to describe someone who is 'pathetic' in a way that evokes genuine pity or sympathy.
- The word 한심하다 originates from Hanja characters meaning 'limited' and 'heart', suggesting that the person's capacity for reason or sense is tragically small.
- In Korean social hierarchy, calling a superior 한심한 is a massive social transgression, whereas in English, 'pathetic' is often used casually between friends to mock a silly situation.
Examples in context
- 그 영화는 정말로 한심하다.That movie is truly pathetic.
- 이번 시험은 엉망이었어.This test was a complete mess.
- 그의 행동은 정말 한심한 수준이었어.geu-ui haeng-dong-eun jeong-mal han-sim-han su-jun-i-eoss-eo.His behavior was truly at a pathetic level.
- 계속 거짓말만 하는 건 참 한심한 일이야.gye-sok geo-jit-mal-man ha-neun geon cham han-sim-han il-i-ya.To keep telling lies is a truly pathetic thing to do.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a man who keeps making the same mistakes.
- 지은 Ji-eun그 사람은 매번 똑같은 실수를 반복해.geu sa-ram-eun mae-beon ddok-gat-eun sil-su-reul bam-bok-hae.That man repeats the same mistake every time.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 한심한 사람이네.jeong-mal han-sim-han sa-ram-i-ne.He is a truly pathetic person.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨도 그렇게 생각하지?hyeon-u ssi-do geu-reot-ge saeng-gak-ha-ji?You think so too, Hyunwoo, right?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 정말 한심해 보여.eung, jeong-mal han-sim-hae bo-yeo.Yes, he looks really pathetic.
