안타까운
antakkaun
The English word 'unfortunate' can be translated into Korean as 안타까운 (antakkaun).
안타까운 is used when something is not just 'unlucky' in a statistical sense, but evokes a sense of regret, pity or a feeling of 'it's a shame' in the observer. It can be translated as 'unfortunate', 'regrettable' or 'heartbreaking'.
Meaning: marked or accompanied by or resulting in misfortune (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form (base form) of the adjective is 안타깝다. The adjective 안타까운 functions as a modifier. To use it as a predicate in a polite sentence, you use the form 안타까워요 to say 'It is unfortunate / It is a pity'.
How do you pronounce it?
antakkaun
Did you know?
- The root of 안타깝다 evokes the physical sensation of something being stuck or tight in your chest, like an unswallowed lump.
- While 안타까운 implies a sense of pity, using it toward a social superior can sometimes be perceived as condescending because it suggests you are in a position to feel pity for them.
- In Korean, the concept of 'unfortunate' is split between 안타까운, which focuses on the emotional regret of the observer, and 불운한, which focuses on the objective bad luck of the person.
Examples in context
- 불행하게도, 제안을 수락할 수 없습니다.Unfortunately, I cannot accept the proposal.
- 유감스럽게도, 저희가 지갑을 잃어버렸어요.Unfortunately, we lost our wallet.
- 아쉽게도 오늘은 모임에 참석할 수가 없네요.Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the gathering today.
- 안타깝게도 그 일을 그만두기로 결정했어요.Unfortunately, I've decided to quit that job.
- 안타까운 소식이에요.antakkaun sosigieyo.It is unfortunate news.
- 그의 안타까운 사연을 들었어요.geu-ui antakkaun saryeoneul deureosseoyo.I heard his unfortunate story.
- 너무 안타까운 상황이에요.neomu antakkaun sanghwangieyo.It is such an unfortunate situation.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about a friend's accident.
- 민준 Min-jun그 소식 들었어? 정말 안타까운 일이야.geu sosik deureosseo? jeongmal antakkaun iriya.Did you hear the news? It is a truly unfortunate thing.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 정말 안타까운 상황이네.eung, jeongmal antakkaun sanghwangine.Yes, it is a very unfortunate situation.
- 민준 Min-jun그 친구가 너무 고생하고 있어.geu chin-guga neomu gosaenghago isseo.That friend is having a very hard time.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨 말이 맞아. 정말 마음이 아파.minjun ssi mari maja. jeongmal maeumi apa.You are right, Minjun. It is truly heartbreaking.
