슬프다
"Sad" or "to be sad" — Korean's standard adjective for sadness, sorrow, or melancholy.
- Meaning: "Sad" or "to be sad" — Korean's standard adjective for sadness, sorrow, or melancholy.
- Pronunciation: /sɯl.pʰɯ.da/ (seulpeuda)
- Part of speech: adjective
- Formality: Neutral — works in most everyday settings.
- Literal: is sad / feels sorrowful
What does 슬프다 mean?
슬프다 (seulpeuda) is the Korean adjective for "sad." Casual 슬퍼 (seulpeo), polite 슬퍼요 (seulpeoyo), formal 슬픕니다 (seulpeumnida). Korean adjectives conjugate like verbs — saying "I am sad" is the same grammar as "to be sad." Use 슬프다 for genuine sadness; for milder moods use 우울하다 (uulhada, "depressed/blue") or 속상하다 (soksanghada, "upset/distressed"). The intensity word 너무 ("too / so") often pairs with it: 너무 슬퍼 ("so sad"). K-drama uses 슬프다 constantly during emotional scenes; K-pop ballads thread it through lyrics. Standard week-one vocabulary for any Korean learner.
Examples in context
When to use 슬프다
- Stating you feel sad in casual or polite settings
- Describing sad media — songs, movies, dramas
- Comforting language ("don't be sad")
- Expressing sympathy for someone else's situation
When NOT to use 슬프다
- Mild moods — use 우울하다 (depressed/blue) or 속상하다 (upset)
- Anger or frustration — different word: 화나다
- Formal eulogies — prefer 비통하다 (bitonghada, "grieving")
Related terms
More in Emotions & states
Foundational emotion adjectives — sad, happy, angry, scared, embarrassed.
"Happy / glad" — Korean's standard adjective for the feeling of joy, often paired with specific events.
"To be angry / to get angry" — Korean's standard expression for anger.
"Scary" or "scared" — Korean's versatile adjective for fear, used both for things that frighten and people who are frightened.
"Embarrassed / shy / ashamed" — covers both bashful blushing and serious shame depending on context.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "sad" in Korean?
The standard word is 슬프다 (seulpeuda). Casual: 슬퍼 (seulpeo). Polite: 슬퍼요 (seulpeoyo). Formal: 슬픕니다 (seulpeumnida). Korean adjectives conjugate like verbs, so "I am sad" uses the same grammar as "to be sad."
What is the difference between 슬프다 and 우울하다?
슬프다 (seulpeuda) is direct sadness — a specific feeling about a specific event. 우울하다 (uulhada) is closer to "depressed" or "blue" — a longer-lasting low mood. A breakup makes you 슬프다; a gloomy week makes you 우울하다.
How do I say "I'm really sad" in Korean?
Casual: 진짜 슬퍼 (jinjja seulpeo) or 너무 슬퍼 (neomu seulpeo). Polite: 진짜 슬퍼요 / 너무 슬퍼요. Both 진짜 ("really") and 너무 ("too / so") work as intensifiers — 너무 is slightly stronger.
How is 슬프다 pronounced?
슬프다 is pronounced [sɯl.pʰɯ.da] — "seul-peu-da." The S is light. The middle syllable "peu" has an aspirated P and a soft "eu" vowel that English speakers approximate as "puh." Three syllables, all light.
More Korean slang?
Browse the full Korean Slang Dictionary or read the deep-dive: Korean Slang Ultimate Guide.