Korean Dictionary
How to say "Unfair" in Korean
“Unfair” in Korean is 억울하다 (pronounced "eokul hada").
억울하다
eokul hada
Usage & Context
Expression meaning to feel wronged or treated unfairly. Used to express frustration about unjust situations or being blamed unfairly.
Example Sentence
내가 뭘 잘못했는데 억울해.
I feel wronged, I didn't do anything wrong.
How to use 억울하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Unfair” is 억울하다, romanized as eokul hada.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
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 억울하다.
Pronunciation Guide
억 (eok) sounds like 'uck' in 'duck' but with a slightly tighter 'o' sound. 울 (ul) sounds like 'ool' in 'cool'. 하 (ha) sounds like 'ha' in 'haha'. 다 (da) sounds like 'da' in 'data'. The stress is on the first syllable, 'eok'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
억울해요
eokulhaeyo
This is the polite form, commonly used in everyday conversations.
Casual (반말)
억울해
eokulhae
The informal, casual form.
More Example Sentences
Expressing frustration about a false accusation.
내가 안 한 일인데 누명 써서 너무 억울해.
I feel so wronged because I'm being blamed for something I didn't do.
Complaining about an unjust academic situation.
시험 결과가 잘못 나와서 억울해서 잠이 안 와.
The test results came out wrong, and I'm so upset about the unfairness that I can't sleep.
Feeling misunderstood in a personal relationship.
내 진심을 몰라주니 억울한 마음이 들었어.
I felt wronged because they didn't understand my true feelings.
Cultural Context
억울하다 is a deeply emotional word in Korean, conveying a strong sense of injustice, being wronged, or unfairly treated. It's often used in K-dramas when a character is falsely accused, betrayed, or faces an insurmountable unfair situation. It implies a significant emotional burden and a desire for vindication, going beyond a simple 'unfair' to a profound feeling of being unjustly victimized.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 억울하다 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
너무 억울해
I feel so wronged/unfairly treated.
억울한 일
An unfair situation/matter.
억울하게 죽다
To die unjustly/wrongfully.
Related Expressions
불공평하다
bulgongpyeonghada
to be unfair (more objective)
부당하다
budanghada
to be unjust, improper
분하다
bunhada
to be resentful, vexed (often due to injustice)
원통하다
wontonghada
to be aggrieved, resentful (stronger, deeper sense of injustice)
More Slang Words
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