불편한
bulpyeonhan
The English word 'uncomfortable' is translated into Korean as 불편한 (bulpyeonhan).
불편한 is used to describe both physical discomfort, such as an uncomfortable chair and psychological or social discomfort, such as an awkward atmosphere or an inconvenient situation.
Meaning: experiencing discomfort (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this as a predicate in a polite sentence, such as 'It is uncomfortable', you use the form 불편해요. If you wish to use the word as a noun meaning 'discomfort' or 'inconvenience', you use the form 불편함.
How do you pronounce it?
bulpyeonhan
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you want to express a sense of lingering discomfort, you should use the informal term 찜찜하다 instead.
Did you know?
- To describe a 'cringe-worthy' type of discomfort, Koreans use the word 오글거리다, which literally refers to the feeling of fingers curling up in embarrassment.
- The word 불편한 can be used to describe a physical disability or a limitation in bodily function, making it a common euphemism for being 'impaired'.
- In Korean social etiquette, people often use 불편하다 to politely decline an invitation or a favor, implying that the situation would be 'too burdensome' for them to accept.
Examples in context
- 연설 중에 우리 대통령은 불편해 할 것입니다.Our president will feel uncomfortable during the speech.
- 이 의자는 너무 불편한 것 같아요.i uijeoneun neomu bulpyeonhan geot gatayo.I think this chair is very uncomfortable.
- 신발이 좀 불편한데 갈아 신을까요?sinbari jom bulpyeonhande gara sineulkkayo?The shoes are a bit uncomfortable, should I change them?
- 분위기가 조금 불편한 것 같아요.bunwigiga jogeum bulpyeonhan geot gatayo.The atmosphere seems a bit uncomfortable.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Minji feels the seating is not ergonomic.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 여기 의자가 너무 불편한 것 같아요.Dohyeon ssi, yeogi uijaga neomu bulpyeonhan geot gatayo.Dohyeon, I think the chairs here are very uncomfortable.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 그럼 다른 곳으로 옮길까요?Jeongmallyo? Geureom dareun goseuro umgilkkayo?Really? Then shall we move to another place?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 편한 곳으로 가요.Ne, pyeonhan goseuro gayo.Yes, let's go somewhere comfortable.
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요, 민지 씨가 원하는 대로 해요.Joayo, Minji ssi-ga wonhaneun daero haeyo.Okay, let's do whatever you want, Minji.
