공포의
gongpoui
The English word 'scary' can be translated into Korean as either 공포의 (gongpoui) or 무섭다.
Meaning: causing fear or anxiety (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 공포의 | gongpoui | |
| 무섭다 | museopda | [musʰʌ̹p̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
무섭다 is the standard, everyday word used to describe something that is scary or to express the internal feeling of being afraid.
Which one should you use?
무섭다 is the standard way to describe being scared or something being scary. In contrast, 공포의 is a more formal, literary or dramatic way to express the concept, often translated as 'of terror'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 무섭다 changes to 무서운 when it is used to modify a noun, such as in the phrase 'scary movie'.
How do you pronounce it?
gongpoui
Did you know?
- While English speakers say they 'are scared', a Korean speaker often uses 무섭다 to mean the object itself is 'scary',- a subtle shift in how the subject and object relate.
- The word 무섭다 was recorded as 므ᅀᅴ〮엽다〮 in the 1447 text 석보상절.
- The word 공포 used in 공포의 is a Sino-Korean word derived from Chinese characters meaning 'fear' and 'dread'.
Examples in context
- 나는 무서운 영화를 좋아하지 않는다.I don't like scary movies.This sentence shows how to use the modified form 무서운 to describe a noun.
- 그 영화는 무서운 장면이 많이 있어요.That movie has many scary scenes.
- 미리 알려주셔서 감사합니다. 제게는 두려운 일이에요.Thank you for letting me know in advance. It's a scary thing for me.
- 오늘 본 영화 정말 무서웠어.The movie I watched today was really scary.
- 이 곳은 밤에 너무 무섭다. 조심해야 해.This place is very scary at night. You should be careful.
- 너무 무서운 꿈을 꿨어.I had a really scary dream.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about a theme park ride.
- 민준 Min-jun이 놀이기구는 정말 공포의 체험이야.i nol-igugu-neun jeongmal gongpo-ui che-heom-iya.This ride is truly a scary experience.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아, 너무 무서워서 못 타겠어.maja, neomu museowoseo mot tagyesseo.Right, it's so scary I can't ride it.
- 민준 Min-jun지은아, 같이 도전해 보자.Jieun-a, gachi dojeon-hae boja.Jieun, let's try it together.
- 지은 Ji-eun미안하지만 나는 절대 안 탈래.mianhajiman naneun jeoldae an tallae.I'm sorry, but I'm definitely not riding it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scary” translations and entries 무섭다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 무섭다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
