Korean Dictionary
How to say "Disgusted" in Korean
“Disgusted” in Korean is 역겹다 (pronounced "Yeokgyeopda").
역겹다
Yeokgyeopda
Usage & Context
Expresses strong disgust or revulsion, whether physical (spoiled food, bad smells) or moral (unethical behavior). A fairly strong word in Korean — use with care. 역겨워! is a casual exclamation of disgust.
Example Sentence
그 냄새가 너무 역겨워서 못 견디겠어요.
That smell is so disgusting I can't stand it.
How to use 역겹다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Disgusted” is 역겹다, romanized as Yeokgyeopda.
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 역겹다.
Pronunciation Guide
역 (yeok) sounds like 'yuck' in 'yucky' but with a sharper 'y' and a 'k' sound at the end. 겹 (gyeop) sounds like 'gyup' similar to 'cup' but with a 'gy' sound and a 'p' at the end. 다 (da) sounds like 'da' in 'dad'. The emphasis is on the first syllable '역'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
역겹습니다
Yeokgyeopseumnida
Used in formal settings, presentations, or when addressing superiors.
Casual (반말)
역겨워
Yeokgyeowo
Used among close friends, family, or in informal writing.
More Example Sentences
Physical revulsion to a bad smell.
상한 음식 냄새가 너무 역겨워서 토할 것 같았어요.
The smell of spoiled food was so disgusting I felt like throwing up.
Moral disgust at someone's actions.
그 사람의 이기적인 행동은 정말 역겨웠어요.
That person's selfish behavior was truly disgusting.
Environmental disgust towards filth.
오래된 쓰레기 더미에서 나는 냄새는 정말 역겹다.
The smell coming from the old pile of trash is truly disgusting.
Cultural Context
역겹다 is a strong word in Korean, conveying intense disgust or revulsion, both physically and morally. It's not a word used lightly. While it can describe a bad smell or taste, it's also frequently used to express strong disapproval of unethical, cruel, or hypocritical behavior. In K-dramas, characters might exclaim '역겨워!' when confronted with betrayal or injustice, highlighting its emotional intensity.
Editorial note
We review entries like 역겹다 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
정말 역겨워!
That's truly disgusting!
역겨운 냄새
A disgusting smell
역겨운 행동
Disgusting behavior
Related Expressions
구역질 나다
guyeokjil nada
To feel nauseous, to feel like throwing up (often due to disgust)
혐오스럽다
hyeomoseureopda
Detestable, hateful (stronger, often moral)
징그럽다
jinggeureopda
Gross, creepy, repulsive (often for appearance of insects, etc.)
좋아하다
joahada
To like (antonym)
More Emotions Words
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