Korean Dictionary
How to say "Catch-22" in Korean
“Catch-22” in Korean is 딜레마 (pronounced "Dillema").
딜레마
Dillema
Usage & Context
A catch-22 is a dilemma from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting conditions. Koreans use the word dillema or describe such situations through specific phrases.
Example Sentence
어떤 선택을 해도 안 좋은 딜레마 상황이에요.
No matter what choice I make it is a catch-22 situation.
How to use 딜레마 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Catch-22” is 딜레마, romanized as Dillema.
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 딜레마.
Pronunciation Guide
딜레마 (Dillema) is pronounced 'dil-leh-ma'. 'Dil' like 'dill' pickle, 'leh' like 'le' in 'lemon', and 'ma' like 'ma' in 'mama'. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the second syllable, 'leh'.
More Example Sentences
Someone discussing a difficult relationship choice.
헤어지자니 아쉽고, 만나자니 힘들고... 정말 딜레마야.
Breaking up feels regretful, but staying together is hard... It's a real dilemma.
A young person contemplating their career path.
안정적인 직장과 꿈을 쫓는 것 사이에서 딜레마에 빠졌어요.
I'm in a dilemma between a stable job and chasing my dreams.
Someone reflecting on a difficult moral choice.
거짓말을 해야 할지 말아야 할지, 윤리적인 딜레마에 부딪혔어.
I faced an ethical dilemma about whether to lie or not.
Cultural Context
딜레마 is a direct loanword from English 'dilemma' and is widely understood and used in modern Korean. While 'Catch-22' specifically implies a no-win situation due to contradictory rules, '딜레마' is broader, referring to any difficult choice between two or more undesirable or equally desirable alternatives. Koreans use it frequently in daily conversations, K-dramas, and news to describe challenging situations, similar to how English speakers use 'dilemma'.
Editorial note
We review entries like 딜레마 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
딜레마에 빠지다
To fall into a dilemma.
큰 딜레마예요.
It's a big dilemma.
이건 정말 딜레마인데.
This is truly a dilemma.
Related Expressions
진퇴양난
Jintwaeyangnan
A dilemma, a difficult situation where one can neither advance nor retreat
궁지
Gungji
Predicament, tight spot
난처하다
Nancheohada
To be awkward, embarrassing, difficult (describes the feeling)
양자택일
Yangjataegil
Choice between two alternatives
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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