Korean Dictionary
How to say "Emotion" in Korean
“Emotion” in Korean is 감정 (pronounced "gamjeong").
감정
gamjeong
Usage & Context
Emotion refers to a mental state arising spontaneously in response to stimuli. Korean therapy increasingly focuses on emotional awareness and expression as foundational to mental health.
Example Sentence
자신의 감정을 제대로 이해하는 것이 중요하다.
It is important to properly understand one's own emotions.
How to use 감정 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Emotion” is 감정, romanized as gamjeong.
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 감정.
Pronunciation Guide
감정 (gamjeong) sounds like 'gahm-jung.' 'Gahm' rhymes with 'calm.' 'Jung' is like 'jung' in 'jungle' but with a softer 'eo' sound, similar to 'aw' in 'raw' but shorter.
More Example Sentences
A friend giving advice or a therapist's recommendation.
솔직하게 감정을 표현하는 것이 중요해요.
It's important to express your emotions honestly.
Discussing a film or artistic work.
그 영화는 다양한 감정을 불러일으켰다.
That movie evoked various emotions.
A mental health tip or advice column.
감정 조절이 어려울 때는 전문가의 도움을 받는 것이 좋습니다.
When it's hard to control emotions, it's good to get help from a professional.
Cultural Context
Traditionally, open expression of strong emotions, especially negative ones, was often discouraged in Korean society, emphasizing harmony and self-control. However, there's a growing awareness and acceptance of emotional expression, particularly among younger generations and in the context of mental health. K-dramas often feature characters grappling with suppressed emotions, which resonates with many viewers and helps normalize discussing feelings.
Editorial note
We review entries like 감정 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
감정을 느끼다
to feel an emotion
감정을 표현하다
to express emotions
감정 기복
emotional fluctuation / mood swings
Related Expressions
느낌
neukkim
feeling, sensation (broader, less intense)
기분
gibun
mood, feeling (more temporary)
정서
jeongseo
sentiment, emotion (often used in academic/psychological contexts)
표현
pyohyeon
expression
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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