Korean Dictionary
How to say "Empathy" in Korean
“Empathy” in Korean is 공감 (pronounced "gonggam").
공감
gonggam
Usage & Context
Feeling and sharing someone else's emotions. Empathy is valued in Korean culture as a way to deepen relationships.
Example Sentence
나는 너의 감정에 공감해.
I empathize with your feelings.
How to use 공감 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Empathy” is 공감, romanized as gonggam.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 공감.
Pronunciation Guide
공 (gong) sounds like 'gong' as in the instrument. 감 (gam) sounds like 'gahm' as in 'gum' but with a slightly more open 'a' sound, like in 'father'. Put it together as 'gong-gahm', with both syllables pronounced clearly and evenly.
More Example Sentences
Discussing a movie or book and relating to a character's emotions.
그 영화 주인공의 슬픔에 깊이 공감했어요.
I deeply empathized with the protagonist's sadness in that movie.
Comforting a friend who is going through a tough time.
네가 얼마나 힘들었을지 공감해.
I empathize with how difficult it must have been for you.
Expressing disagreement or disappointment with someone's statement.
그의 말에는 전혀 공감이 가지 않았다.
I couldn't empathize with his words at all.
Cultural Context
'공감' is highly valued in Korean interpersonal relationships. It's about connecting emotionally and showing that you truly feel what the other person is feeling. In K-dramas, characters often express '공감' through shared tears, comforting gestures, or simply saying '네 마음 알아' (ne maeum ara - I know your heart/feelings). It's a crucial element in building strong bonds and resolving conflicts, as it shows respect and care for the other person's emotional state.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 공감 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
공감하다
To empathize
공감대
Common ground, shared understanding/empathy
공감 능력
Empathy, ability to empathize
Related Expressions
동정
dongjeong
Sympathy, pity (can be similar but '공감' is deeper, shared feeling)
이해
ihae
Understanding (can be intellectual or emotional, '공감' is specifically emotional)
감정이입
gamjeong-iip
Empathy (more academic/psychological term)
공감하다
gonggamhada
To empathize (verb form)
More Relationships Words
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