Korean Dictionary
How to say "Emotional Numbness" in Korean
“Emotional Numbness” in Korean is 감정 마비 (pronounced "gamjeong mabi").
감정 마비
gamjeong mabi
Usage & Context
Emotional numbness is a state of detachment from one's own feelings. It often appears as a response to trauma or overwhelming stress. Korean therapists help clients reconnect with their emotions.
Example Sentence
큰 충격 후에 감정 마비가 찾아올 수 있다.
Emotional numbness can come after a big shock.
How to use 감정 마비 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Emotional Numbness” is 감정 마비, romanized as gamjeong mabi.
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 마비.
Pronunciation Guide
Say 'gam' like 'gahm' in 'gum'. 'jeong' sounds like 'jung' in 'jungle'. 'ma' is like 'mah' in 'mama'. 'bi' is pronounced like 'bee' in 'bee'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Someone expressing their feelings to a therapist or close friend.
요즘 감정 마비가 온 것 같아요. 아무것도 느껴지지 않아요.
I think I've become emotionally numb lately. I don't feel anything.
A mental health professional explaining a condition.
트라우마를 겪은 후 감정 마비 증상을 보일 수 있습니다.
After experiencing trauma, one might show symptoms of emotional numbness.
Discussing psychological coping mechanisms.
감정 마비는 스스로를 보호하려는 방어 기제일 수도 있어요.
Emotional numbness can also be a defense mechanism to protect oneself.
Cultural Context
While mental health awareness is growing in Korea, discussions around emotional states like '감정 마비' are still relatively new in public discourse. Traditionally, there's been an emphasis on enduring hardship and suppressing emotions, which can inadvertently contribute to emotional detachment. However, with increasing access to therapy and a more open dialogue, people are becoming more comfortable identifying and addressing such feelings.
Editorial note
We review entries like 감정 마비 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
감정 마비가 오다
to become emotionally numb
감정 마비 증상
symptoms of emotional numbness
감정 마비를 겪다
to experience emotional numbness
Related Expressions
무감각
mugamgak
insensitivity, apathy
감정을 느끼지 못하다
gamjeongeul neukkiji mothada
to not be able to feel emotions
정신적 충격
jeongsineok chunggyeok
psychological shock/trauma
우울증
uuljeung
depression (can involve numbness)
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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