Korean Dictionary
How to say "Bitter" in Korean
“Bitter” in Korean is 씁쓸하다 (pronounced "Sseupsseulhada").
씁쓸하다
Sseupsseulhada
Usage & Context
Describes that specific bitterness when effort doesn't yield expected results. A uniquely nuanced emotion in Korean that blends disappointment with a tinge of resignation. Often used when things don't go as planned despite hard work.
Example Sentence
노력했는데 결과가 안 좋으니까 씁쓸해요.
I tried hard, but the poor results leave a bitter taste.
How to use 씁쓸하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Bitter” is 씁쓸하다, romanized as Sseupsseulhada.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 씁쓸하다.
Pronunciation Guide
씁쓸 (Sseupsseul) is pronounced "Sseup-sseul." The 'ㅆ' is a tense 's' sound. "Sseup" is like 'soup' with a strong 's' and a soft 'p' at the end. "Sseul" is similar to 'Seoul' but with an 'oo' sound. 하다 (hada) is "Ha-da," like 'hah-dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
씁쓸해요 / 씁쓸합니다
Sseupsseulhaeyo / Sseupsseulhamnida
Standard polite forms for adjectives.
Casual (반말)
씁쓸해
Sseupsseulhae
Casual form for adjectives.
More Example Sentences
Feeling sad or disappointed about a departure.
오랜 친구가 떠난다는 소식에 마음이 씁쓸했어요.
My heart felt bitter/somber at the news that an old friend was leaving.
Experiencing disappointment after significant effort.
열심히 준비한 프로젝트가 실패로 돌아가니 씁쓸한 기분이 들어요.
When a project I worked hard on fails, I feel a bitter/disappointed feeling.
Interpreting someone's tone or sentiment.
그의 마지막 말이 씁쓸하게 들렸다.
His last words sounded bitter/somber.
Cultural Context
씁쓸하다 describes a specific kind of bitterness that often comes from disappointment, especially when one's efforts don't yield the expected or desired results. It's not just a taste, but an emotional state blending sadness, regret, and a tinge of resignation. It's frequently used when reflecting on missed opportunities, unfair situations, or when things don't go as planned despite one's best intentions. It's a nuanced feeling that acknowledges the effort while lamenting the outcome.
Editorial note
We review entries like 씁쓸하다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
씁쓸한 기분
Bitter feeling
씁쓸한 미소
Bitter smile
씁쓸한 현실
Bitter reality
Related Expressions
실망하다
Silmanghada
To be disappointed
아쉽다
Aswipda
To feel regretful, to be a pity
허무하다
Heomuhada
To feel empty, futile
씁쓸한 맛
Sseupsseulhan mat
Bitter taste (literal)
More Emotions Words
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