유감
yugam
The English phrase 'pity' is translated into Korean as 유감 (yugam).
유감 is used to express a sense of regret, sorrow or a feeling of being 'unfortunate' regarding a specific situation. In natural speech, the noun 유감 is often converted into the adjective form 유감스럽다 to describe a situation as being regrettable.
Meaning: feeling of sympathy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it translates to a 'regret/sorrowful feeling'.
Which one should you use?
While 유감 can mean pity, it is most frequently used in formal contexts to express regret or a sense of being 'unfortunate' about a situation. This differs from 불쌍히 생각하다, which is used when expressing genuine compassion or pity for someone's suffering or pathetic state. Additionally, 애석하다 refers to a feeling of pity or sympathy towards someone's unfortunate circumstances.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
유감 is a formal term often used in official statements, news or diplomatic contexts to express regret over a situation. When you want to express the action of feeling pity for someone or something, you can use the verb forms 애처롭게 생각하다, 안타까워하다 or 불쌍히 생각하다.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
yugam
Did you know?
- Using 불쌍히 생각하다 toward a social superior can be seen as insulting, as it implies the speaker is in a higher position of power than the person they pity.
- While 유감 is formal, the term 불쌍하다 is often used in daily life to describe something 'cute' or 'pitiful' in a way that evokes a desire to protect it.
- In Korean politics, saying 유감이다 is a common way for officials to express regret without actually admitting fault or taking responsibility.
Examples in context
- 일어난 일에 대해 애석하게 생각합니다.I think sadly about what happened.
- 제가 그들을 보면 불쌍하게 느껴집니다.I feel sorry for them when I see them.
- 진짜 안타깝게 생각해.I genuinely feel sorry for them.
- 결과가 이래서 정말 유감이에요.gyeolgwaga irae-seo jeongmal yugamieyo.It is a real pity that the result is like this.
- 참 유감스러운 일이네요.cham yugamseureoun irineyo.It is truly a regrettable/pity situation.
Example conversation
Minjun tells Minji that he cannot go to her party.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 파티에 못 갈 것 같아요.Minji ssi, pati-e mot gal geot gatayo.Minji, I don't think I can go to the party.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 유감이에요, 민준 씨.jeongmal yugamieyo, Minjun ssi.That is a real pity, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun갑자기 일이 생겼어요.gapjagi iri saenggyeosseoyo.Something came up suddenly.
- 민지 Min-ji이해해요. 다음에 꼭 봐요.ihaehaeyo. da-eume kkok bwayo.I understand. Let's definitely meet next time.
