Korean Dictionary
How to say "Bittersweet" in Korean
“Bittersweet” in Korean is 달콤씁쓸하다 (pronounced "Dalkomsseupseulhada").
달콤씁쓸하다
Dalkomsseupseulhada
Usage & Context
A complex emotion blending happiness and sadness simultaneously. Frequently experienced at graduations, farewell parties, and life transitions. Korean songs about 청춘 (youth) often evoke this bittersweet feeling.
Example Sentence
졸업식은 기쁘면서도 달콤씁쓸한 날이에요.
Graduation day is joyful yet bittersweet.
How to use 달콤씁쓸하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Bittersweet” is 달콤씁쓸하다, romanized as Dalkomsseupseulhada.
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 달콤씁쓸하다.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced "Dahl-kohm-sseup-sseul-hah-dah." "Dahl" sounds like "Dahlia." "Kohm" sounds like "comb." "Sseup" has a tense 's' sound and a quick 'p' stop. "Sseul" has a tense 's' sound and a clear 'l' sound, similar to "Seoul." "Hah" sounds like "haha," and "Dah" like "dah-ling."
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
달콤씁쓸합니다
Dalkomsseupseulhamnida
This is the formal declarative form, used in polite and respectful situations.
Casual (반말)
달콤씁쓸해
Dalkomsseupseulhae
This is the casual declarative form, used with close friends or subordinates.
More Example Sentences
Reflecting on past relationships.
첫사랑과의 이별은 언제나 달콤씁쓸한 기억으로 남아요.
Breaking up with your first love always remains a bittersweet memory.
Attending a friend's life event, feeling mixed emotions.
오랜 친구의 결혼식은 기쁘면서도 달콤씁쓸한 기분이었어요.
My old friend's wedding was joyful yet bittersweet.
Describing the feeling a song creates.
청춘을 노래하는 이 곡은 달콤씁쓸한 감정을 불러일으킨다.
This song about youth evokes bittersweet emotions.
Cultural Context
"달콤씁쓸하다" perfectly captures the complex emotions often felt during significant life transitions in Korea, such as graduations, farewells, or even the end of a popular K-drama series. The concept of "청춘" (youth) is frequently associated with this feeling – a beautiful but fleeting period. Many Korean ballads and indie songs explore this bittersweet nostalgia, resonating deeply with listeners who recall their own youthful experiences.
Editorial note
We review entries like 달콤씁쓸하다 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
달콤씁쓸한 기분
Bittersweet feeling
달콤씁쓸한 추억
Bittersweet memory
달콤씁쓸한 맛
Bittersweet taste (less common for emotion, more for actual taste)
Related Expressions
만감이 교차하다
mangami gyochahada
To have mixed feelings, to be overcome with emotion
아쉽다
aswipda
To feel regretful, to feel a sense of loss/pity (often with a hint of sadness)
씁쓸하다
sseupseulhada
To be bitter, to feel bitter (focuses on the negative aspect)
달콤하다
dalkomhada
To be sweet (antonym, focuses on the positive aspect)
More Emotions Words
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